---
title: The Problem Solving Process
units: [Problem Solving and Computing]
summary: Problem solving is an iterative process.
weight: 20
---

{{% param summary %}}

## Today's Objectives
- Given a problem, identify individual actions that would fall within each step of the problem solving process.
- Identify useful strategies within each step of the problem solving process.

## Lesson Overview
### What is the problem solving process?
{{< collapse summary="Click here to reveal the answer." >}}

The problem solving process is a systematic approach to solving any problem efficiently.

{{</ collapse >}}

### What are the steps?
{{< collapse summary="Click here to reveal the answer.">}}

Here are the four steps:

1. Identify the problem.
2. Research previous solutions and brainstorm new ones.
3. Put a plan into action and test to see what works.
4. Review what worked and what didn't and how you might change your approach in the future.

{{</ collapse >}}

### How do you use the problem solving process?
{{< collapse summary="Click here to reveal the answer." >}}

Apply the four steps to any problem.

1. Define
    - What problem are you trying to solve?
    - What are your constraints?
    - What does success look like?
2. Prepare
    - Brainstorm / research possible solutions
    - Compare pros and cons
    - Make a plan
3. Try
    - Put your plan into action
4. Reflect
    - How do your results compare to the goals you set while defining the problem?
    - What can you learn from this or do better next time?
    - What new problems have you discovered?

{{</ collapse >}}

### Why is the problem solving process effective?
{{< collapse summary="Click here to reveal the answer." >}}

The problem solving process is effective because it allows you to iterate (repeat the process) efficiently.

Each iteration gets you one step closer to your goal.

{{</ collapse >}}

## Assignment
{{% instructions-unit-journal-update %}}

### What the Problem Solving Process Looks Like
Explain how you would approach each step of the problem solving process for the following problems:

- The hardest level you beat in the previous lesson
- A problem of your choice that you are good at solving
- A problem of your choice that you want to get better at solving