Math Tourist: Sea Turtles and Math

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Essential Questions for students (objectives):  I can solve real world multiplication problems.  I can read and analyze charts and graphs.
Supplies:   video (length 1:14), note-maker
CCSS:  3.OA.8, 3.MD.3
Time needed: 30-40 minutes 
Instructional Format: Video, student problem-solving, group work
Vocabulary for a Word Wall: per

 
Description: There are many ways to use this video in your math class.  First of all, I did film it for a 3rd grade class, but you can use it any time that you are working with applications of multiplication.   The purpose of this lesson is for students to use multiplication in a real-world setting and persevere in problem-solving.  In addition, students must ask questions and determine some unknown variables, such as, the number of heart beats per minute is given in a range – how do you take that forward into a problem?  There is also a place for students to ask additional questions and maybe design a problem of their own and solve it.  I provided a picture of a chart as well for students to interpret.  This introduces the concept of noticing and wondering, which is critical for mathematicians.  Remember the questions can be more important than the answers.

1) You can show this video (1:14) at the beginning of a unit on multiplication as a hook that will keep the students interested in learning about the process.  I would pause the video during the question phase for students to add to their note-maker or discuss possible ways to solve.  Or you could revisit the video at the end of the unit as a formative check.

2) You can use this video to introduce interpreting charts and graphs.  You can ask students if they can make graphs of their own on an animal of interest.

Extensions:  Students can research sea turtles and other aquariums to see how they rehabilitate and reintroduce animals into the wild.  Students can also research cold-stunning turtles.
Prior Knowledge/ Possible Warm-up Activities:
Related Texts:  This follows nicely with National Geographic Readers:  Weird Sea Creatures.

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