4th Grade: Culminating Unit

Unit Driving Question

How can I use what I have learned to problem solve?

Essential Questions

1. How do we use all operations to solve real world problems?

2. How do we use place value to compare decimals and fractions?

3. What information can we gather from measuring?

4. How can games help keep up practice of math skills?

Big Ideas 

1. Measurement: Time, weight, distance, and unit conversions

2. Decimals and fractions are numbers representing part of a whole.Extending Place Value

3. Solving Real World Problems using a variety of operations. 
4. Use games to practice math skills. 

Big Idea 1: Measurement: Time, Weight, Distance, and Unit Conversions

OAS-M: 4.GM.2.4, 4.GM.2.5, 4.GM.3.1, 4.GM.3.2 

Key Resources 

1. These tasks build on each other.  If you complete all tasks, do them in order.

• What Time is it in Belize?Students explore time zones to help prepare for a scuba diving “trip” to Belize.
• Getting Ready For the DivesStudents use elapsed time strategies to answer questions about how long it will take to get around on the water taxi.  Students also take various personal measurements to get “fitted” for dive gear.
• Ready to Take the Plunge!Students will plan their diving day then analyze the data collected about wildlife at the reef. 

     2. Real life Measurement Activities - There are 17 hands-on real-life problems                 that students can solve

     3.Measurement and Data - This includes using a line plot and adding and                       subtracting fractions.

Evidence of Understanding

• Apply understanding of time and the way time is expressed to solve problems involving elapsed time.

• Accurately convert units of measure from one form to another, in order to solve problems.

• Measure length of a variety of objects.

• Select the appropriate measurement tool based on estimating the size of the object to be measured.

Big Idea 2: Decimals and Fractions are Numbers Representing Parts of a Whole

OAS-M:  4.N.2.2, 4.N.2.5, 4.N.2.6

Key Resources

1. Outdoor Races - Students spend a day outside then use data to compare decimals, create graphs and make fractions
2. Ice Cream Truck - Students will create a class Ice Cream Truck and practice real life money tasks
3. Paper Folding Task - Students will make folds in a square piece of paper that meet given requirements. They will take turns being the skeptic and convincer. The convincer justifies why their fold meets the requirement. 

Evidence of Understanding

• Identify and compare decimals to the nearest hundredths and express as a fraction.

• Solve real world problems involving making change from $20

Big Idea 3: Solving Real World Problems Using a Variety of Operations

OAS-M:  4.N.1.5, 4.N.1.6

Key Resources

1. These tasks require students to use the four operations to solve problems.
2. Center Tasks - Students practice a variety of skills solving problems that require creative thinking and use of the four operations. 

Evidence of Understanding

• Apply operations to real life situations to solve a variety of problems.

Big Idea 4: Use Games to Practice Math Skills

OAS-M:  4.N.1.1, 4.N.1.6