“Water and Energy” as a theme for problem solving

an experience report

Abstract

This experience report addresses the implementation of a pilot class developed and applied in the Problem Solving course for first-year students of the Mathematics Licentiate Program at UNESPAR – Paranavaí Campus. The class involved planning a mathematics lesson related to the theme “Water and Energy,” using George Pólya’s Problem Solving methodology, aiming to develop mathematical knowledge connected to environmental issues. The objective of the activity was for students to develop strategies to reduce water and energy consumption in a city, seeking to reach a desired target using basic mathematical knowledge. To carry out this activity, the students were divided into groups and followed, indirectly, Pólya’s steps: understanding the problem; planning a solution; executing the plan; reviewing the situation. During the activity, moments of student interaction and discussions about the theme emerged from the various proposed measures, fostering awareness of everyday practices and enabling the application of mathematical concepts to the proposed solutions.