Division
Even though Wynn has his division facts memorized, he dove deeper -- exploring concepts behind division, finding remainders, the relationship to multiplication, and using division to find a missing factor. He did his exploring with an abacus and a counting frame he built when he was in kindergarten.
This activity meets the following I can statements for 4th quarter math: I can understand division as the number of groups or size of a group I can understand division as finding a missing factor |
Multiplication
Wynn was able to observe and show his understanding of the concept of the distributive property of multiplication using a math balance (pictured left and below right).
Since Wynn has already shown understanding of the commutative and associate properties, this completes the following I can statement: I can apply the commutative, associative, and distributive properties of multiplication. In a later lesson, Wynn learned about Blaise Pascal, constructed Pascal's triangle (using mental math expanded form strategies), and looked for multiples and patterns within the triangle (pictured bottom left). This meets the I can statement: I can build a 14 row Pascal’s triangle and find multiples patterns |
Mathematical Practices
After learning about the order of operations of multiplication over addition, Wynn created a classroom poster to help him memorize the steps. He used the acronym PEMA to help him remember to do problems in parentheses first, exponents second, multiplication and division third, addition and subtraction last.
Memorizing and using the order of operations meets the following I can statements: I can use the order of operations to help me solve a mathematical problem. I can follow the order of operations while using a calculator. He's had plenty of practice doing both the above I can statements. |
Place Value
Fractions
This past quarter, Wynn surpassed his goals for math and exploring fractions. In addition to meeting the I Can Statements, he now can easily add, subtract and divide fractions, and add mixed fractions, too.
I Can Statements: I can use efficient strategies to estimate and compute (+,-) fractions in real world and mathematical problems. I can understand fractions as a type of division I can recognize unit fractions up to 1/10 I can compare and find equivalences on the fraction chart |