Solving Superhero and Sea Monster Word Problems

Khan Academy

This educational video guides students through the process of solving two distinct math word problems using a whiteboard demonstration. The first scenario involves a group of superheroes where students must use subtraction to determine the number of "real" superheroes after identifying impostors. The second scenario asks students to calculate the total number of sea monsters in a lake by adding together two groups with different physical characteristics (stripes and spots). The video explores key mathematical themes including translating written text into numerical equations, understanding part-whole relationships using number bonds (visual diagrams), and performing basic addition and subtraction operations with numbers up to 20. It demonstrates how to set up equations for missing addends (3 + ? = 14) and how to convert them into subtraction problems (14 - 3 = ?). Ideally suited for early elementary classrooms, this resource models a clear thinking process for tackling word problems. By using engaging characters like superheroes and sea monsters, it captures student interest while providing a concrete strategy—drawing number diagrams—to visualize abstract problems. Teachers can use this video to introduce problem-solving strategies or as a practice activity for students learning to distinguish between when to add and when to subtract.