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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

One Grain of Rice

One Grain of Rice is a mathematical folktale from India that covers the concept of doubling.

A lesson plan for grade 5 English Language Arts and Mathematics

By Katherine Williamson

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Learning outcomes

The learner will demonstrate application of calculator skills by figuring the total amount of rice Rani will receive from the Raja through the mathematical concept doubling.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

45 Minutes

Materials/resources

Book: One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale by Demi

Copies of attached grid

Technology resources

Calculators

Optional: Computers with Kid Pix.

Pre-activities

Ask students would they rather have $10,000 dollars right now or receive one penny today and double it every day for 30 days? Ask them to explain their answers. Tell them you think they may change their mind after they hear the story you are going to read about doubling in mathematics!

Before you begin reading have students recall everything they know about India and it’s culture.

Activities

  1. Read One Grain of Rice.
  2. Have students figure out how much total rice she received without using the provided grid and without calculators.
  3. Have students figure out the total amount of rice using the grid but not the calculators.
  4. Now have the students use the grid and the calculators to figure out how much rice Rani received from the Raja.

Optional

  1. Have the students demonstrate doubling using the stamping part of Kid Pix up through day 7 or 8.

Assessment

The teacher will know that the students understand doubling by leading a follow up discussion. Ask the students now if they would choose $10,000 dollars now or receive one penny today and doubling it everyday for 30 days. Have them explain why! The attached worksheet can also be graded to assure understanding.

Supplemental information

Attachment:
Doubling Chart: doc | rtf

Related websites

N/A

Comments

I love to do this activity with my students because they are always so surprised to find out how much doubling can create!

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 5

  • Goal 2: The learner will apply strategies and skills to comprehend text that is read, heard, and viewed.
    • Objective 2.02: Interact with the text before, during, and after reading, listening, and viewing by:
      • making predictions.
      • formulating questions.
      • supporting answers from textual information, previous experience, and/or other sources.
      • drawing on personal, literary, and cultural understandings.
      • seeking additional information.
      • making connections with previous experiences, information, and ideas.
    • Objective 2.03: Read a variety of texts, such as:
      • fiction (tall tales, myths).
      • nonfiction (books of true experience, newspaper and magazine articles, schedules).
      • poetry (narrative, lyric, and cinquains).
      • drama (plays and skits).

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 5

  • Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.
    • Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including stem-and-leaf plots) to solve problems.