What’s the best way to figure out how many seeds are in a pomegranate? Students took on this juicy challenge as part of their learning about different mathematical problem-solving strategies.
Working in teams, they explored a variety of approaches — some used guess and check, while others drew diagrams or acted it out. One group cut the fruit open, separated it into sections, and used water to carefully remove and count the seeds. Another group created a simple model to represent the inside of a pomegranate, helping them visualize and estimate more effectively.
By trying out different strategies such as looking for patterns, using logic, or making an organized list, they discovered that there’s often more than one way to solve a problem — and that math can be both creative and hands-on.
This meaningful, real-world activity helped students build confidence in their mathematical thinking and showed them how to make their ideas visible through collaboration and strategy.