A collection of STEM problems and solutions for teachers who want students to ask questions, explore ideas, and explain their reasoning.

A good question can transform a lesson. It can reveal an unexpected idea, spark a lively discussion, or help students see a familiar phenomenon in a new way. Explore our collection of mathematics and science problems and use them to create meaningful opportunities for learning.

Explore Elementary Resources · Explore Secondary Resources

Why good problems matter

A correct answer tells only part of the story. To understand what students are learning, we need to ask: How did you decide? What evidence supports your answer? Would your explanation still work if something changed?

Thoughtfully chosen problems help students connect concepts, examine assumptions, and learn from one another. They also help teachers uncover misconceptions and decide what to explore next.

Bring the questions into your classroom

• Start with curiosity. Introduce a question that invites students to make a prediction.
• Make room for reasoning. Ask students to explain their thinking before revealing the solution.
• Learn through discussion. Let students compare approaches and reconsider their ideas.
• Take it further. Change a condition, connect the problem to everyday life, or invite students to pose their own question.

Use the collection for lesson openings, small-group discussions, checks for understanding, or independent practice. Choose problems that fit your learners and build on the ideas they bring.

Find a problem. Start a conversation. See where the thinking takes you.