Can We Get There?
Students will calculate the rate of change and y-intercept from a real-world problem represented in a graph, a table, and/or an equation. They will then display and present their findings to the class.
No Interest If Paid in Full: How Much Do I Owe?
Students will write a linear equation from a real-world situation, identify the components of the equation, and interpret their meanings in the problem’s context.
Which One Doesn't Belong? Proportional vs Non-Proportional Relationships
Students will make connections as they examine proportional and non-proportional relationships represented in functions including tables, equations, graphs, and verbal descriptions and think critically to determine which one does not belong in a set and why.
Planting the Seeds of Perimeter
Students will create planters that meet specific perimeter dimensions. The students will need to determine the number of sides and the perimeter for their planter.
Convergent Plate Boundaries
Students will design and test models that will identify crustal features formed by convergent plate boundaries.
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
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.
Push Back, Pull Forward
Students will conduct an experiment to demonstrate force such as pushes and pulls.
Four Representations of Linear Relationships
Given one representation of a linear relationship, students will create a poster displaying the other three representations of linear relationships.
Multiplication at the Market
Students will solve one-step multiplication problems using concrete objects, pictorial models, arrays, and equal groups.
Full Speed Ahead
Students will use hover pucks to measure speed over a distance of six meters. Once speed has been calculated, students will determine velocity using the same data. Finally, students will be able to label all points of acceleration.
Investigating Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Students will investigate balanced and unbalanced forces through a series of lab stations.
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.
Equations in the Real World
Students will create and solve equations with variables on one side before comparing the equation with another to determine at what rate they will be equal.
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.
Click below to learn about the TEKS related to this unit.
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.
What Goes In, Must Come Out
Students will learn how to use an input-output table using real-world examples.
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
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.
The Great Classroom Escape
Students will work collaboratively to solve six real-world multiplication problems and earn puzzle pieces they can put together to reveal a phone number they can call to escape the classroom.
Graphs and More Graphs Oh My!
Students will gather data based on a game and create the four types of graphs (pictograph, frequency table, bar graph, and dot plot).
Students Working
Concert Trip to Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado
Students will evaluate and interpret data from both tabular and graphical forms to create a linear equation in either the form of direct variation (y=kx) or slope-intercept form (y = mx + b). Students will then use their findings to interpret the meaning of both slope and y-intercept using a real-world relationship in word form.