LEARN NC

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

Mathematics — Grade 4

Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will read, write, model, and compute with non-negative rational numbers.

Objective 1.01. Develop number sense for rational numbers 0.01 through 99,999.

  • Connect model, number word, and number using a variety of representations.
  • Build understanding of place value (hundredths through ten thousands).
  • Compare and order rational numbers.
  • Make estimates of rational numbers in appropriate situations.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

What is nutrition?
In I’m on a diet and proud of it: Nutrition through math and science, page 10
Students use all they’ve learned and experienced throughout the I'm On a Diet and Proud of It unit to choose and complete an assessment option that will immerse them in food chemistry and nutrition careers.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Computer/Technology Skills, English Language Arts, Guidance, Healthful Living, and Science)
By Karina Colón.
Partners in measurement
Students will apply their knowledge and demonstrate their ability to use standard and non-standard customary units in a cooperative measurement activity.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)
By Vanessa Thomas.
Order, please
This lesson lets students interact with rational numbers to create largest and smallest possible numbers.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)
By Gail Poteat.
North Carolina numerals
Students will design their own numeric system using North Carolina state symbols.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics and Social Studies)
By Wendy White.
Mass of maize
Students will weigh different products made from corn to determine if a cup of each product has the same mass. Students will use measurement and estimation skills.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)
By Julie Franklin.
Making change
Students will use plastic coins and paper bills to practice making change with a partner.
Format: lesson plan (grade 2 and 4–5 Mathematics)
By Carol Livingston.
Exploring place value with M&Ms
This lesson will use M&Ms to explore place value. The students are given 8-10 M&Ms and assigned a value for each color from one to hundred thousand. The students will then write their number in standard, written and expanded form. The students will also identify the place and value of various digits.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)
By Amy Bullins.
Estimating rational numbers
Students round fractions and mixed numbers to their closest whole number by first changing the rational numbers into decimal numbers.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4–5 Mathematics)
By Doreen Castelloe.
Does one cup of everything weigh the same?
The student will predict whether one cup of everything weighs the same. Next, the student will estimate the mass of several cups of materials. Then, using a primer balance the student will find the actual mass of each cup of materials in grams. The students will order the cups from lightest to heaviest by mass.
Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Mathematics)
By Christy Bunch.

Resources on the web

What counties are your favorite?
Students use their knowledge from the previous lesson to gather data on ten of their favorite counties (places they might like to live, visit, etc.) within a specific state. Students will hone their place value skills by representing numbers in various... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)
Provided by: Illuminations
Sports numbers
In this lesson, one of a five-part unit from Illuminations titled “Numbers and Language,” students participate in activities in which they focus on the role of numbers and language in real-world situations. Students look at an activity sheet... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)
Provided by: Illuminations
Post-office numbers
In this lesson, one of a five-part unit from Illuminations titled “Numbers and Language,” students participate in activities in which they focus on the role of numbers and language in real-world situations. Students discuss a picture of things... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)
Provided by: Illuminations
The pizza palace
In this activity, students will construct box plots independently and will identify the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data. Illuminations provides a handout, a link to the box plot tool, and detailed instructions for completing the lesson.... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)
Provided by: Illuminations
Making your first million
Students will attempt to identify the concept of a million by working with smaller numerical units, such as blocks of 10 or 100, and then expanding the idea by multiplication or repeated addition until a million is reached. Illuminations provides an activity... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 and 8 Mathematics)
Provided by: Illuminations
Every breath you take
Using the number of breaths taken during a specified time period as the context for this exploration, students estimate, experiment, and display real-life data. Illuminations provides detailed instructions and an activity sheet necessary for completing... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)
Provided by: Illuminations
Comparing counties
Students use the data from previous lessons to find the range, median, and mode of the populations and compare their data with their partner's data. Students will: Compare numbers by ordering data from greatest to least. Find... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)
Provided by: Illuminations
The clucking chicken
Students learn about data analysis and probability in this lesson, using a box plot to identify the mean, mode, median and range of the data set. As an introductory activity, students work in small groups to find the mode and range of the number of letters... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)
Provided by: Illuminations