Analyzing Bar Graphs: Candy Machines
Working in groups, students will examine a bag of candy to determine if the machine that bags the candy is working properly. They will organize data on the colors of the candy in a frequency table and a bar graph. They will calculate the fraction of each color in the bag and compare the fractions to a quota set up by the factory to determine if the machine needs maintenance. Students will create a report about their findings, write a question that requires students to interpret data represented in a bar graph, and reflect in their journals.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
Click below to learn about the TEKS related to the unit and Research Lesson. The highlighted student expectation(s) is the chosen focus for the Research Lesson.
How Does the Cookie Crumble?
Students will self-discover how to multiply mixed numbers by using background knowledge of estimation, computations, and real world application of a recipe.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Related to the Unit
In fifth grade, students will be able to multiply and divide whole numbers, which will lead into multiplication and division of decimals in sixth grade. That same year, they will model products and quotients of decimals to the hundredths place. This concrete model will lead them to a better understanding of the algorithm in fifth and sixth grade.
As fifth graders, students will model multiplication and division of a fraction and a whole number. The following year, students are expected to multiply and divide all types of fractions.
In addition, during sixth grade, students are introduced to integers (negative whole numbers) and will be able to model and solve all operations with integers. All of the skills previously stated will lead students to be able to perform all operations of rational numbers without models (positive and negative fractions, decimals, and whole numbers) in seventh grade.
Click below to learn more about the TEKS related to this unit. The highlighted standards have been chosen for this research lesson.
Using Measures of Center and Spread to Summarize Data
Students will be able to use the measures of center and spread of a set of data to make summary statements regarding the applications of the data.
Models of Multiplication
Students will solve one-step multiplication problems using various multiplication strategies such as objects, pictorial models, arrays, equal groups, repeated addition, and number lines.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
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Distributive Property
Students break an array apart to represent the sum of two multiplication facts, showing the distributive property.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Related to the Unit
As we looked at the vertical alignment document available to teachers through the Texas Education Agency and regional TEKS resource pages, it became evident why students struggle with this standard. The skills and knowledge within this standard are not addressed in the second-grade TEKS. Students are also required to use multiple skills to correctly calculate the answer using the distributive property. The chosen standard is identified as a third-grade readiness standard, which means that the intent is to help students develop a deep understanding of how to effectively use these skills in mathematics. This deep understanding is desired to help students at the fourth-grade level since the standard is identified as a supporting standard.
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Measurement Properties for 2-D and 3-D Shapes
Students will be able to use a problem-solving model, tools and techniques, communication, representations, relationships, and justifications when solving problems involving two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes. Students will integrate content knowledge and skills so that students are prepared to use mathematics in everyday life, society, and the workplace.
Independent and Dependent Variable in Tables and Graphs
Students will use information in a real-world scenario to create a table or graph, translate the meaning of the table or graph, and identify the independent and dependent quantities.
Teacher doing Introduction
Analyzing Data Using a Dot Plot
Students will construct a dot plot using data collected on the faces of a cube after it is rolled. Students will then use a key to change the data to represent a larger population.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
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Dividing Fractions
Students will model dividing unit fractions and whole numbers.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Related to the Unit
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Give a Hoot . . . Fraction Scoot
Students will add and subtract unlike denominators using pictorial models and manipulatives. During the lesson, they will use both group and independent work to build confidence as they use a variety of formative assessments to check for understanding. The final activity in the lesson has both application of the concepts being taught and a personal reflection of understanding.
Finding Common Denominators
Students will work collaboratively to explore and sketch solutions to real-world addition problems involving fractions with unlike denominators. Students will be given the opportunity to use manipulatives and participate in group discussions to reflect on their learning.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
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Young Architects
Students will explore area by finding square footage of the “dream home” they designed. They will use any method with which they feel confident, using skills that have been previously taught.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Related to the Unit
Click below to learn about the TEKS related to the unit and Research Lesson. The highlighted student expectation(s) is the chosen focus for the Research Lesson.
Problem-Solving Pet Store
Using a pet store theme, students will work in groups to solve real-world problems to grasp the concept of multi-step multiplication and division word problems.
Unlocking Strategies to Multiply and Divide within 100
Students will work in cooperative groups to confidently solve one and two-step multiplication and division problems up to 100 using arrays, strip diagrams, and equations.
Multiplication at the Market
Students will solve one-step multiplication problems using concrete objects, pictorial models, arrays, and equal groups.
Decoding Word Problems
This lesson focuses on multi-step word problems involving division along with addition or subtraction. The students chunk word problems into each individual step and learn how to choose a familiar strategy.
Trip to the Theme Park
Students will work on a real-world based project in class involving multiplication of decimals requiring budgeting skills.
What Goes In, Must Come Out
Students will learn how to use an input-output table using real-world examples.