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

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http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L295

A lesson plan for grades 3–5 Mathematics

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In this lesson, student investigations focus on developing the process of classification, especially an awareness of similarities and differences. The activities use The Three Little Pigs and Cinderella to motivate students to think and reason mathematically. This lesson uses open-ended exploration to facilitate problem solving and reasoning, require communication skills, and encourage identification of connections among various mathematical concepts and principles. Once the teacher has prepared the investigation and modeled the activity for students, the class works in groups to brainstorm and complete an investigation.

Students will be able to:

  • Generate data through brainstorming.
  • Identify similarities and differences.
  • Use attributes to classify and sort information.
  • Develop communication skills.

NCTM Standards and Expectations covered in this lesson include:

  • Designing investigations to address a question and consider how data-collection methods affect the nature of the data set.
  • Collecting data using observations, surveys, and experiments.
  • Representing data using tables and graphs such as line plots, bar graphs, and line graphs.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use data and simple probability concepts.
    • Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including circle graphs and tables) to solve problems.

Grade 4

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

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.