Putting Math to Work

Type of Unit: Problem Solving

Prior Knowledge

Students should be able to:

  • Solve problems with rational numbers using all four operations.
  • Write ratios and rates.
  • Use a rate table to solve problems.
  • Write and solve proportions.
  • Use multiple representations (e.g., tables, graphs, and equations) to display data.
  • Identify the variables in a problem situation (i.e., dependent and independent variables).
  • Write formulas to show the relationship between two variables, and use these formulas to solve for a problem situation.
  • Draw and interpret graphs that show the relationship between two variables.
  • Describe graphs that show proportional relationships, and use these graphs to make predictions.
  • Interpret word problems, and organize information.
  • Graph in all quadrants of the coordinate plane.

Lesson Flow

As a class, students use problem-solving steps to work through a problem about lightning. In the next lesson, they use the same problem-solving steps to solve a similar problem about lightning. The lightning problems use both rational numbers and rates. Students then choose a topic for a math project. Next, they solve two problems about gummy bears using the problem-solving steps. They then have 3 days of Gallery problems to test their problem-solving skills solo or with a partner. Encourage students to work on at least one problem individually so they can better prepare for a testing situation. The unit ends with project presentations and a short unit test.

Subject:
Mathematics
Material Type:
Unit of Study
Level:
Middle School
Grade:
6
Tags:
  • Algebra
  • Word Problems
  • License:
    http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/