Project Description:
Last night, a giant entered our classroom and, while groping in
the dark for the light switch, left a large handprint on the wall. I
am trying to put together a description of the Giant so that the
police can help me to find him! Based on the handprint you
have, create a SCALE drawing of the entire body of the Giant.
Essential Questions:
How can we use the information given to make inferences?
What evidence can we provide to prove our findings for the Giants measurements?
Learning Goals:
1. Ratios
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.MD.A.2
Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money,
including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in
terms of a smaller unit. Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement
scale.
2. Multiplication
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.1
Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison, e.g., interpret 35 = 5 7 as a statement that 35 is 5 times as many as 7 and 7 times
as many as 5. Represent verbal statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplication equations.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.2
Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for
the unknown number to represent the problem, distinguishing multiplicative comparison from additive comparison.1
3. Scaling
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.MD.A.1
Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz.; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a
single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement equivalents in a
two-column table.
Final Product(s):
1. Scale drawing of the entire body of the Giant
2. Typed Rationale for all the sizes of the Giants body
Required Materials and Tools:
1. Butcher paper
2. Colored markers
3. Rulers/yardsticks/measuring tape
Supporting Documents/Handouts:
Giant handprint (must be blown up on large paper)
Fermi Problem Project
For 5th Grade
Project Description:
Enrico Fermi is one of the most creative physicists
of our times. He is best known for his contributions
to nuclear physics. Fermi also loved to think up
and discuss questions, which involved a rough
estimate of a quantity, which would be difficult or
impossible to measure directly. For this project,
students will create their own Fermi Problems
and solve them.
Essential Questions:
What questions can we answer using mathematics?
How can we break apart multistep problems?
Learning Goals:
1. Multiplication
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.OA.A.2
Write simple expressions that record calculations with numbers, and interpret numerical expressions without evaluating them. For
example, express the calculation "add 8 and 7, then multiply by 2" as 2 (8 + 7). Recognize that 3 (18932 + 921) is three times as
large as 18932 + 921, without having to calculate the indicated sum or product.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.5
Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.6
Find whole-number quotients of whole numbers with up to four-digit dividends and two-digit divisors, using strategies based on place
value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by
using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.7
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value,
properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain
the reasoning used.
2. Finding Volume
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.3
Recognize volume as an attribute of solid figures and understand concepts of volume measurement.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.4
Measure volumes by counting unit cubes, using cubic cm, cubic in, cubic ft, and improvised units.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.5
Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume.
3. Measurement
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.A.1
Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system (e.g., convert 5 cm to 0.05 m), and use
these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems.
Final Product(s):
Fermi Problem Reflection
Required Materials and Tools:
1. Rulers/yardsticks/measuring tape
2. Computers/iPads
Supporting Documents/Handouts:
Example Fermi Problems and Brainstorm Sheet
Fermi Problem Reflection Sheet
Super Mathematicians Project
For any grade level
Project Description:
Students will experience each of the mathematical practice
standards by working on engaging math problems. Then they
will create a unique superhero that personifies one of the
mathematical practices.
Essential Questions:
What is math?
Why do we need to learn math?
What are math practices?
Learning Goals:
1. Gain effective language to use as we reflect and grow as
mathematicians throughout the school year
2. Gain an understanding of the 8 mathematical competencies
Final Product(s):
Classroom poster with superheroes for each of the 8 mathematical practice standards.
Supporting Documents/Handouts:
Student Reflection Sheet