Solving Multistep Word Problems Using Manipulatives TEACHERS:Gwen Walton

SUBJECT:Multistep Word Problems (mult. & div.)

STANDARD: 4.OA.3 Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole

number answers using the four operations.OBJECTIVE (EXPLICIT):

I can develop and implement a strategy for solving a multistep word problem. I can use a variety of strategies to solve division problems. I can explain my reasoning when solving a multistep word problem.

EVIDENCE OF MASTERY (MEASURABLE):Completed Problem SetSUB-OBJECTIVES, SWBAT (SEQUENCED FROM BASIC TO COMPLEX):

KEY VOCABULARY: MATERIALS: (per group)

Base Ten Blocks (20 units and 15 rods), Colored Tiles (150), Unifix Cubes (150), Cuisenaire Rods, paper, pencil

ENGAGE (MAKE CONTENT AND LEARNING RELEVANT TO REAL LIFE AND CONNECT TO STUDENT INTEREST)

“If I had 10 pieces of gum to share equally with my friend, how many pieces would we each get?”, “How do you know?”

BE

FOR

E

TEACHER WILL: Provide materials to groups. Review understanding of

multiplication and division up to this point (equal groups, equal shares)

Set expectations for group work (use manipulatives, draw/write explanations, all group members participate).

STUDENT WILL: Participate in discussion.

CO-TEACHING STRATEGY IF APPLICABLE

DU

RIN

G

TEACHER WILL: Pass out problem sets. As you circulate, focus on which

strategies the students are using. Determine which students you will

ask to share. Remember that your goal is to help students develop effective strategies; this is not a time to study the standard algorithm.

STUDENT WILL: The students should be devising

their own approaches to solve the problems.

Use manipulatives of their choice from those available.

Once a problem is solved, they need to draw and write an explanation.

CO-TEACHING STRATEGY IF APPLICABLE

AFT

ER

TEACHER WILL: When most students have finished

the problems, invite several to share their strategies.

Try to examine every type of strategy used in the room. At this point do not share the standard algorithm.

To close the lesson, ask students to think about their favorite strategy from today. The students could discuss this strategy and why they like it with a partner or they could write their response in a journal.

STUDENT WILL: Share their strategies with the class

and a neighbor.

CO-TEACHING STRATEGY IF APPLICABLE

Sharing Procedure 1. Display the student’s strategy. You may use a document camera or have the student copy their work onto the board. 2. Ask the student to explain their reasoning for each step. 3. Ask questions to determine the student’s level of understanding, “Why did you…” 4. Allow the class to ask the student questions about the strategy. 5. To ensure others are listening, have each student explain the strategy to a neighbor. 6. Make any clarifying statements about the strategy. 7. Invite a new student to share a different strategy.

Questions to Pose: • Why did you…? • How is Sara’s strategy similar to Michael’s? How are they different? • Where did you run into difficulty in your work? Why was it problematic? • Why is it important that your strategies are accurate and efficient? • Which strategy is most efficient? Which strategy is least efficient?

Possible Student Example:

Multistep Problem Set

There are 52 students in each lunch period. The students are divided evenly between 4 tables. How many students eat at each table?

First I took out 5 rods and 2 units to show 52. I made 4 groups with 1 rod in each. Then I traded my 5th rod in for 10 units, which gave me 12 units. Then I took my my 12 units and gave 3 to each of the 4 groups. So, each table haas 13 students.

Directions: Use your manipulatives to solve each problem. Then draw and write an explanation for each solution.

There are 52 students in each lunch period. The students are divided evenly between 4 tables. How many students eat at each table?

There are 65 students sitting at 5 tables. There is a tray of cookies at each table, with 2 cookies for each student at the table. How many cookies are on each tray?

Mrs. Jones has 30 students. She wants to give each of them 4 pencils. Pencils are sold in packages of 12. How many packages will she need?

I have 112 downloaded songs. Each song is about 3 minutes long. If they are divided into 4 equal playlists, about how long is each playlist (in minutes)?