standard_description: Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding. (This standard is limited to problems posed with whole numbers and having whole number answers; students should know how to perform operations in the conventional order when there are no parentheses to specify a particular order (Order of Operations).)
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of this activity is for students to create a poster of their story problem so that others can solve it. Students use these posters in the next activity, in which they solve, and write equations for other students’ story problems. They notice connections between the equation and the written problem and create a poster that communicates their work.
Alternatively, to make this task more challenging, students can rewrite their stories as missing addend story problems.
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Tools for creating a visual display
Launch
Groups of 2
Give each group tools for creating a visual display.
“Now we’re going to use your story problems from the last activity to make posters so we can show our thinking and challenge each other.”
Activity
“Choose one of the story problems you and your partner wrote. Create a poster with your story problem. Your classmates will solve it in the next activity. So make sure to not include the answer.”
5 minutes: partner work time.
“Take turns sharing your poster with another pair at your table.”
“The pair listening should tell the presenters if their poster is clear and organized.”
5 minutes: group work time.
If needed, give students an opportunity to revise their posters.
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
“What were some things you changed to make your poster clear and organized for the gallery walk?” (We wrote the story problem bigger. We added a picture to go with my story.)


aligns: no