Our Lesson Plan
Download a zip file containing 6 PDFs
(the lesson plan and all supporting worksheets and handouts)
This Lesson Plan is also online at Taskstream
Problem Solving: Looking for a Pattern
Basic Information:
Summary:
In this activity, students write missing numbers in patterns involving fractions. Students analyze problems by recognizing a pattern to continue the pattern.
Grade/Level: 5
Time Frame: 60 minutes
Subject(s): Elementary, Mathematics
Topic(s): Adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers.
Notes: Grade 5, self contained class with 33 students.
Instructional Strategy: The use of graphic organizers with math.
Technology Tool: Computer (web-based) Games
Web Resource: www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Standards and Key Concepts:
Standards:
CA- California K-12 Academic Content Standards
• Subject : Mathematics
• Grade : Grade Five
By the end of grade five, students increase their facility with the four basic arithmetic operations applied to fractions, decimals, and positive and negative numbers. They know and use common measuring units to determine length and area and know and use formulas to determine the volume of simple geometric figures. Students know the concept of angle measurement and use a protractor and compass to solve problems. They use grids, tables, graphs, and charts to record and analyze data.
• Area : Number Sense
• Sub-Strand 2.0: Students perform calculations and solve problems involving addition, subtraction, and simple multiplication and division of fractions and decimals:
Standard 2.3 (Key Standard): Solve simple problems, including ones arising in concrete situations, involving the addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers (like and unlike denomi-nators of 20 or less), and express answers in the simplest form.
• Area : Mathematical Reasoning
• Sub-Strand 1.0: Students make decisions about how to approach problems:
Standard 1.1: Analyze problems by identifying relationships, distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing patterns.
Understandings:
Information in a problem can often be shown with a diagram, which can be used to solve the problem. Some problems can be solved by writing and completing a number sentence or equation.
Essential Questions:
How can you continue a pattern?
Knowledge and Skills:
Students have found missing whole numbers and shapes in patterns.
Performance Tasks and Assessment:
Performance Task:
Find missing fractions and mixed numbers in patterns.
Performance Prompt:
Write a pattern of your choice of whole numbers. What rule did you use? What is the next number in your pattern?
Assessment/Rubrics:
Assess: Use the Quick Check (1 page PDF) to assess students understanding.
Prescription for Differentiated Instruction: Use student work on quick check to prescribe differentiated instruction.
Points:
0-4 Intervention
5 On-Level
6 Advanced
Sequence of Activities:
1. Develop the concept: Interactive Learning (10-15 Mins.)
Overview: This activity students write missing numbers in patterns involving fractions.
Materials: Problem solving recording sheet. (1 page PDF)
Pose the problem: Distribute the recording sheets.
The distance markers on a hiking trail follow a pattern. The first three markers are: 1/5, 2/5, 3/5.
What numbers are the next three markers?
Show your work on your recording sheet.
Give students time to team talk.
Instruct in small steps:
What information do you know?
(The numbers on the markers follow a pattern. The first three numbers are 1/5, 2/5, 3/5)
What do you need to find?
(The numbers on the next three markers)
How can you use what you know?
(You know the numbers follow a pattern, so follow the pattern and continue it)
What are the first two numbers? (1/5, 2/5)
What are some possible rules for geting from 1/5 to 2/5? What is the rule for this pattern? (Add 1/5)
What is the next number in the pattern? How do you know? Repeat for the next two terms.
What numbers are on the next three markers?
Develop the concept: Visual (10-15 min.)
Guided Practice
The problem solving strategy look for a pattern can be helpful to find missing numbers in a sequence.
Independent Practice
Remind students to look back and check to see that their numbers follow the given rule in the given pattern.
Activity: Student worksheet (1 page PDF) and computer based game for review.
Differentiated Instruction:
Intervention: Look for a Pattern (1 page PDF) (15 mins.): small group instruction.
On-Level: Toss and Talk (1 page PDF) (10 mins.): On each turn, a student or a team of two chooses a sequence of whole numbers, fractions, or mixed numbers. That student or team describes the pattern in the sequence and then explains how to find three missing numbers in that sequence.
Advanced: Toss and Talk (10 mins.): On each turn, a student or a team of two chooses a sequence of whole numbers, fractions, or mixed numbers. That student or team describes the pattern in the sequence and then explains how to find three missing numbers in that sequence. (more challenging patterns).
Resources:
Materials and resources:
Scotts Foresman Addison Wesley: enVision Math Califonia
www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
Graphic Organizer for problem solving recording sheet
Quick Check Master: Close/Assess and Differentiate.
Center Activity Games
eTools Fractions
Technology resources:
Inspiration
The number of computers required is 1 per 2 students.