They explore multiples by skip counting orally, by using a calculator, by highlighting multiples on a 100 chart, and by using cubes to make arrays. Students discuss the different actions suggested by division and multiplication story problems, and write and solve each others' story problems. They solve problems with larger numbers, for example, problems about saving money and problems about the number of legs on combinations of different creatures. Students find all possible tetrominoes, and use interlocking cubes, paper cutouts, and a specially designed computer program as they try to cover rectangles with their tetrominoes. Students explore measurement and simple statistics by discussing why we need to measure, using different measuring tools and systems, and interpreting data they collect by measuring.
Students use baby steps, giant steps, and paces to measure distances.
The unit culminates with students doing one or two final projects. Students find factors of different numbers, including all of the factors of 100, by grouping cubes, skip counting orally and on a 100 chart, and dividing a dollar evenly among different numbers of people. They solve problems involving multiplication and division, including problems involving money, and they create and solve their own problems. Students investigate ideas about addition and subtraction, numbers below zero, net change, the opposite effects of addition and subtraction, and the many ways to use addition and subtraction to reach a given answer. Students make a diagram of a fantasy skyscraper with an elevator, then use the diagram to model an elevator traveling between floors as they find strategies for making many sets of changes that result in the same net change.