standard_description: Determine the unknown whole number in an addition or subtraction equation relating to three whole numbers. For example, determine the unknown number that makes the equation true in each of the equations 8 + ? = 11, 5 = �� – 3, 6 + 6 = ��.
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of this activity is for students to solve a story problem and write an equation to match it. Students are divided into nine groups and each group gets one of the story problem cards from the blackline master. Students individually solve the story problem and write an equation to match it before creating a poster with their group. During the synthesis, students explain how the equations match the story problem. When students recognize that the numbers in the equations represent specific quantities in the story problems, they reason abstractly and quantitatively (MP2).
Engagement: Internalize Self-Regulation.
Provide students an opportunity to self-assess and reflect on their own progress. For example, ask students to check over their work to make sure they used drawings, numbers, or words to show their thinking, and also included at least one equation to show how they solved the problem.
Supports accessibility for: Organization, Conceptual Processing
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Tools for creating a visual display
Materials to Copy
Story Problem Cards Grade 1
Required Preparation
Create one set of Story Problem Cards from the blackline master.
Launch
Groups of 2–4, so there are 9 groups
Give each group tools for creating a visual display and one of the story problems.
Activity
"Now we will solve some problems about games students play outdoors."
“Read your problem with your partner or group. Then solve the problem on your own. Show your thinking using drawings, numbers, or words. Write an equation to match the story problem.”
4 minutes: independent work time
“Work with your partner or group to agree on the answer to the story problem and make a display of your work. If you showed your thinking in different ways, include them all on the poster.”
6 minutes: small-group work time
Monitor for 2–3 posters in which the representation is clear, labeled, and has accurate equations.
Student Facing
Show your thinking using drawings, numbers, or words.
Equation: ________________________________
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
Display previously identified posters.
“How does the equation each group wrote match the story problem?”


aligns: no