Organizing Olympic Outcomes
Students will explore frequency tables, dot plots, and stem and leaf plots by creating different representations from a given set of data points.
Teacher introducing lesson
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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Make a Hit with Decimals
Students will compare and order decimals using baseball batting statistics. Through discovery, students will determine the top six out of eleven players to be recruited for the school’s baseball team, present their findings, and explain reasons for their orderings. From students’ explanation, strategies for ordering decimals will be determined and used to adjust subsequent lessons.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
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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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Time Using the Z Method
In small groups, students will calculate elapsed time using the Z method. This method helps students better understand the importance of start time and end time when performing elapsed-time calculations.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Vertical Alignment
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What's on the Menu?
Students will practice solving one- and two-step problems in a simulated real-world situation by calculating the costs of different Thanksgiving dinners.
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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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.
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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Tinkering with Remainders
Students will use division to create a remainder scenario using materials provided.
Interpreting Remainders
Students will solve division word problems including problems where they are required to interpret a remainder.
Adding Fractions on a Number Line
Students will work collaboratively in small groups to create number lines, and then use those number lines to model a real-world situation.
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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Understanding Multiplication Using Cell Phone Plans
Students will multiply to compare cell phone plans in order to determine the best deal and to connect the standard algorithm to other multiplication strategies and place value in the real world.
Students Discussing the Problem as a 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.
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.