Lesson Three: Dig Math
This lesson will give students the chance to apply their math skills in a real-world context.
Goals/Objectives:
Students will solve math problems (perimeter and area of irregular shapes) in the context of an archaeological excavation.
Standards:
CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.3: Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems. For example,
find the width of a rectangular room given the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula
as a multiplication equation with an unknown factor.
CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.3: Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four
operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using
equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental
computation and estimation strategies including rounding.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP7: Look for and make use of structure.
Materials:
Computers
Dig Math Module (in Student Activities section of this website)
Alternate math problems (pdf files below)
Vocabulary:
perimeter
area
irregular shape
square feet
Activities
The procedures for implementing this lesson depend on technology access. If teacher has access to computer lab or mobile lab, the whole class can work on solving the module at the same time. If students are using classroom computers, then they can rotate computer use with other activities. If computers are unavailable, students can solve the problem on paper (pdf files below).
This math module challenges students to solve for perimeter and area of an irregular shape. Students should already know how to solve for perimeter and area of a regular shape (review formulas/procedures as needed).
Introduce activity by discussing how the skills students learn in math class are used every day by people working in every profession.
Tell students that they will be applying their math skills to solve a problem that an archaeologist would encounter in the field.
Direct students to the "Dig Math" module in the Student Activities section. The module introduces the problems and then gives students step-by-step support in solving them, if needed.
Evaluation
Assessment of problem-solving is built-in to the completion of the math module.
If students work in groups, record assessment of teamwork on Teacher Observation Rubric
Goals/Objectives:
Students will solve math problems (perimeter and area of irregular shapes) in the context of an archaeological excavation.
Standards:
CCSS.Math.Content.4.MD.A.3: Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and mathematical problems. For example,
find the width of a rectangular room given the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula
as a multiplication equation with an unknown factor.
CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.A.3: Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four
operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using
equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental
computation and estimation strategies including rounding.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP7: Look for and make use of structure.
Materials:
Computers
Dig Math Module (in Student Activities section of this website)
Alternate math problems (pdf files below)
Vocabulary:
perimeter
area
irregular shape
square feet
Activities
The procedures for implementing this lesson depend on technology access. If teacher has access to computer lab or mobile lab, the whole class can work on solving the module at the same time. If students are using classroom computers, then they can rotate computer use with other activities. If computers are unavailable, students can solve the problem on paper (pdf files below).
This math module challenges students to solve for perimeter and area of an irregular shape. Students should already know how to solve for perimeter and area of a regular shape (review formulas/procedures as needed).
Introduce activity by discussing how the skills students learn in math class are used every day by people working in every profession.
Tell students that they will be applying their math skills to solve a problem that an archaeologist would encounter in the field.
Direct students to the "Dig Math" module in the Student Activities section. The module introduces the problems and then gives students step-by-step support in solving them, if needed.
Evaluation
Assessment of problem-solving is built-in to the completion of the math module.
If students work in groups, record assessment of teamwork on Teacher Observation Rubric
Files for downloading:
Paper-based Dig Math problems
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