Diagramming Dinosaurs
Students will use a verbal representation to explore a constant rate of change in the size of dinosaurs over a period of time and represent their data by graphing.
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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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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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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Modeling and Solving Two-Step Equations
Students will use various materials to create models of two-step equations. Then, they will take an equation, create their own model, and solve for the variable from the model.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Related to the Unit
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Equations and Inequalities
Using a graphic organizer, students will write and solve a one-variable, two-step equation using the distributive property. They also will draw a picture and justify their solution.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
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Does Paper Have Volume?
Students will be involved in a problem-solving lesson to determine if paper has volume, find the volume of a piece of paper and a ream of paper, and determine how many pieces of paper will fit inside their classroom.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Related to the Unit
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Discovering the Ratio of Pi
Students will discover the ratio of pi by relating the circumference to the diameter of various circles. Students will use this ratio to approximate the formulas for circumference.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
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Volume of Triangular Prisms
Students will use hands-on manipulatives to discover the connection between the shape of the base and the height to determine the volume of a prism.
Compound Probability: Independent vs. Dependent Events
Students will review steps for solving compound probability problems through an activity involving doughnuts. Students will then determine the difference between independent and dependent events through compound probability task cards. To encourage students to work through their struggle, students will rate themselves on a scale measuring effort and achievement at the end of the lesson.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
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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
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Exploring Number Sense
Students will use manipulatives and a number path to identify numbers one less than or more than a given number.
Students Working in Their Group
From Dogs/Not Dogs to Prisms/Not Prisms
Students will work in pairs, groups, and independently to sort and classify 2D and 3D shapes using formal geometric language. Students will have opportunities to explore the work of other groups to expand their thinking and find new ways that shapes can be sorted and classified. Students will engage in multiple conversations using accurate geometrical language to ask questions, explore a variety of reasonings, and share generalizations about shapes.
What Goes In, Must Come Out
Students will learn how to use an input-output table using real-world examples.
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.
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
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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.