Elementary
Prekindergarten to Kindergarten
Grades 1 to 2
Grades 3 to 4

Some Manipulatives

Simple counters Pan balance scales Blocks of different sizes
Clocks Thermometers Pattern blocks * Fraction models
Tangrams Square tiles Base 10 blocks Connecting cubes
Geoboards Dice Spinners 3-dimensional solids
Sandbox Water table Meter sticks
Rulers * Tape measures Pattern blocks*
Measuring cups and spoons Pentominoes
*Punch-outs of these are used on the grade 4 State assessment.

Calculator
Four-function (optional parenthesis keys). Not permitted on grade 4 assessment.

Note
The elementary level of the Core Curriculum that follows is separated into grade-level blocks of prekindergarten to kindergarten, grades 1 to 2, and grades 3 to 4.

Students in grade 4 are expected to demonstrate proficiency with all the elementary performance indicators as given in Standard 3 of the Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology. The grade 4 State assessment may test any of the topics listed in the Core Curriculum with each performance indicator. The examples of assessment items for grades 3 to 4 were taken from the 1998 Test Sampler. Suggestions for classroom activities are substituted for any performance indicator which was not represented in the Test Sampler.

Assessment items are not provided for prekindergarten to kindergarten or grades 1 to 2 because there are no State assessments at those levels. Suggestions for possible classroom activities or problems are given to provide clarification of each performance indicator.

Key ideas and performance indicators have been adapted and in some cases eliminated for grade-level blocks prekindergarten to kindergarten and 1 to 2 to provide an example of how district curriculum might provide a scope and sequence for the elementary level of their curriculum. Topics in these cases are labeled MAY INCLUDE, which is meant to indicate that school districts may arrange curricula in other ways to fit their own needs and resources.

Grades Pre K - K

Key Idea 1
Mathematical Reasoning

Students use mathematical reasoning to analyze mathematical situations, make conjectures, gather evidence, and construct an argument.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
1A. Use models, facts, and relationships to draw conclusions about mathematics and explain their reasoning.
  • Prepare for number concept development through sorting and classifying activities, using concrete objects such as buttons, blocks, and bottle tops.
  • Integrate the comparison of sets and counting with other activities such as cooking, housekeeping, stories, games, and block building.
  • Participate in sorting and classifying activities with blocks, toys, and cookies, observing likenesses and differences. Use two categories at a time.
  • Explore likenesses and differences (color, shape, size. . .).
See Classroom Idea 1A.
1B. Use patterns and relationships to analyze mathematical situations.
  • Begin to recognize a number sequence.
  • Relate counting to repeated patterns.
See Classroom Idea 1B.
1C. Explain their answers and solution processes.
  • Describe their rationale for grouping or sequencing objects in a given manner.
See Classroom Idea 1C.


Key Idea 2
Number and Numeration

Students use number sense and numeration to develop an understanding of the multiple uses of numbers in the real world, the use of numbers to communicate mathematically, and the use of numbers in the development of mathematical ideas.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
2A. Use whole numbers to determine number positions and quantify groups of objects
  • Develop the idea that if two sets can be matched or put into one-to-one correspondence, then they are equivalent.
  • Develop the idea that the last number counted in a set indicates how many things there are in a set (cardinal number). Do this gradually, first for the numbers 1-5, then for the numbers 1-10.
  • Use ordinal number names from first to tenth.
  • Observe numerals (names for numbers) in the environment.
See Classroom Idea 2A.
2B. Use concrete materials to model numbers and number relationships for whole numbers and fractions.
  • Provide repeated opportunities to proceed from concrete manipulation to pictorial and symbolic representation of numbers.
  • Develop an awareness of fractions in daily use.
  • Explore the fraction concept by introducing the words whole and half.
  • Participate in sharing experiences that show that a whole (such as a cake, an apple, or an orange) may be divided into equal parts.
See Classroom Idea 2B.
2C. Relate counting to grouping and place value.
  • Explore, through counting, the cardinal numbers of a multitude of sets and collections of real objects, such as boys and girls, cookies, milk cartons, toy trucks, mittens.
See Classroom Idea 2C.
2D. Recognize the order of whole numbers.
  • Develop the concept of first, last, and middle.
  • Use a number line to count forward and backward.
  • Discuss and use the concepts before, after, following, and between in classroom conversations.
  • Illustrate such ideas as “A whole is more than a half” and “A half is less than a whole.”
See Classroom Idea 2D.

Key Idea 3
Operations

Students use mathematical operations and relationships among them to understand mathematics.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
3A. Develop strategies for selecting the appropriate computational and operational methods in problem solving.
  • Share sets of objects (cookies, toys, crayons).
  • Investigate various numerical problems that arise in the classroom, such as attendance, milk orders, and bus loadings.
  • Sets of objects (such as a bag of candy or a set of blocks) can be divided into equal parts, beginning with halves, without the total number of objects changing.
See Classroom Idea 3A.
3B. Develop readiness for single-digit addition and subtraction facts.
  • Practice the skill of counting on.
  • Given a group of objects, find one more or one less.
  • Put two simple sets together to produce a new set, the cardinal number of which is less than 10.
See Classroom Idea 3B.
3C. Understand the commutative and associative properties.
  • Engage in numerous individual manipulative experiences to perceive that the cardinal number of a set remains the same no matter how the elements are arranged.
See Classroom Idea 3C.

Key Idea 4
Modeling/Multiple Representation

Students use mathematical modeling/multiple representation to provide a means of presenting, interpreting, communicating, and connecting mathematical information and relationships.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
4A. Use concrete materials to model spatial relationships.
  • Create geometric pictures and designs from cut-out shapes.
  • Understand positions described by top, middle, bottom, inside, and outside while building with blocks.
See Classroom Idea 4A.
4B. Construct charts and graphs to display and analyze real-world data.
  • Line up children with other children according to gender, eye color, hair color.
  • Introduce the use of blocks and other concrete objects to represent real-world data.
See Classroom Idea 4B.
4C. Use multiple representations (manipulative materials, pictures, diagrams) as tools to explain the operation of everyday procedures.
  • Develop an awareness of the concepts, words, and symbols related to numbers as used in daily living.
See Classroom Idea 4C
4D. Use physical materials, pictures, and diagrams to explain mathematical ideas and processes and to demonstrate geometric concepts.
  • Order sets of objects (dolls, dishes, blocks) from smallest to largest, and from largest to smallest.
  • Introduce names of shapes.
  • Fold various geometric shapes (circles, squares, rectangles) into halves.
  • Explore the environment and note objects with geometric shapes (windows, doors, pictures, signs, floor and wall tiles, tables, etc.).
  • Collect boxes, bricks, and other three-dimensional shapes. Relate counting activities to geometric activities, such as finding out how many faces, edges, or corners a cracker box has.
  • Use a geoboard to make different shapes. Discuss the fact that position and orientation of shapes do not change their names. (i.e., s and t are both triangles).
See Classroom Idea 4D

Key Idea 5
Measurement

Students use measurement in both metric and English measure to provide a major link between the abstractions of mathematics and the real world in order to describe and compare objects and data.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
5A. Select appropriate standard and nonstandard measurement tools in measurement activities.

  • Participate in activities that involve weighing, first in the hands and then on balance scales.
  • Use an egg timer, or an hourglass, to compare the duration of eating time, story time, ( e.g., takes longer, less time than, or as long as).
  • Explore various nonstandard units of measure, such as blocks, books, children’s feet, handspans, and bodies for length and distance; buttons, blocks, and bottle tops for weight; cupfuls, bowlfuls, and handfuls for capacity; and faucet drips for time.
See Classroom Idea 5A.
5B. Understand the attributes of length, capacity, weight, time, money, and temperature.

  • Extend quantitative comparisons in many different situations to terms such as bigger than, greater than, same size as, less than, equal to.
  • Compare materials in terms of more, less and the same amount.
  • Use such terms as heavier or lighter than and weighs more, less, or the same as.
  • Compare the length, height, and width of various objects such as ribbons, toys, blocks, and of other children (e.g., their hands and feet).
  • Use sand or water to compare the capacity of containers (the pail, cup, holds more, less, or the same as).
  • Use real money for activities such as shopping, to learn the names of bills and coins.
See Classroom Idea 5B.
5C. Estimate measures such as length and volume, using both standard and nonstandard units.
  • Use terms like longer than, taller than, smaller than, shorter than, as long as. Then compare distances, using such terms as farther and nearer.
  • Estimate in terms of less than, bigger than, greater than, equal to, more, the same as. . .
See Classroom Idea 5C.
5D. Collect and display data.
  • Have children line up to show their preferences of things like different types of juices, games, types of apples, etc. Then pile blocks in stacks to represent the children’s preferences.
  • Gather data relating to familiar experiences by counting, tallying, and using stickers, post-it notes, pictures, etc.
See Classroom Idea 5D.
5E. Use statistical methods such as graphs and charts to interpret data.
  • Discuss graph data in terms of most, least, more than, less than, the same.
See Classroom Idea 5E.

Key Idea 6
Uncertainty

Students use ideas of uncertainty to illustrate that mathematics involves more than exactness when dealing with everyday situations.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
6A. Recognize situations in which only an estimate is required.
  • Participate in activities which involve anticipating outcomes, such as stacking blocks until the pile falls or how far up the cup or bowl water will be when ice melts and then guessing (estimating) the resultsof a repeat experiment.
See Classroom Idea 6A.
6B. Develop a variety of estimation skills and strategies.
  • Practice estimating (guessing) sizes, using phrases like about as long as, almost as long as, wider than. . .
  • Predict the number of colored objects (e.g., beads, buttons, blocks) in acontainer and count the actual number to check the prediction.
  • Use string or arms to measure the circumference of trees or pumpkins.
See Classroom Idea 6B.
6C. Predict experimental probabilities.
  • Use colored spinners for decision making in games and for choosing activities.
  • Discuss the certainty and uncertainty of events such as whether a beanbag will land on the number 3, whether a blindfolded classmate will pick a blue block from a box, whether a dog will fly.
See Classroom Idea 6C.

Key Idea 7
Patterns/Functions

Students use patterns and functions to develop mathematical power, appreciate the true beauty of mathematics, and construct generalizations that describe patterns simply and efficiently.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
7A. Recognize, describe, extend, and create a wide variety of patterns.
  • Observe patterns.
  • Attempt to extend patterns.
  • Describe patterns.
  • Follow directions to copy a pattern.
  • Explore creating patterns.
See Classroom Idea 7A.
7B. Represent and describe mathematical relationships.
  • Use the term set synonymously with terms such as group, lot, pile, bunch.
  • Identify number names orally through 15.
  • Develop gradually the ability to read and write numerals from 0 to 10.
See Classroom Idea 7B.
7C. Use a variety of manipulative materials to explore patterns.
  • Engage in pattern-forming activities with colored blocks, puzzles, buttons, pattern blocks, square tiles, etc.
See Classroom Idea 7C.
7D. Interpret graphs.
  • Look for patterns in picture, bar, and concrete graphs.
See Classroom Idea 7D.
7E. Explore and develop relationships among two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes.
  • Make prints from geometric solids to show the shape of the faces.
See Classroom Idea 7E.
7F. Discover patterns in nature, art, music, and literature.
  • Create sound patterns with hand clapping and foot stamping.
  • Have a wide variety of children’s literature and picture books available for motivation and mathematical topics.
  • Go for nature walks, looking for patterns in nature like: numbers of petals on different flowers, geometric shapes. On the walks children can also look for human-made examples of different shapes.
  • Examine quilt patterns for different geometric shapes.
See Classroom Idea 7F.

The following ideas for lessons and activities are provided to illustrate examples of each performance indicator. It is not intended that teachers use these specific ideas in their classrooms; rather, they should feel free to use them or adapt them if they so desire. Some of the ideas incorporate topics in science and technology. In those instances the appropriate standard will be identified. Some classroom ideas exemplify more than one performance indicator. Additional relevant performance indicators are given in brackets at the end of the description of the classroom idea.


1A. (back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with a variety of seashells to sort, classify, and count by shape, color, size, etc. in an activity center.


1B. (back to Key Idea table)
Provide the child with five cards with dots on them (one dot, two dots, three dots, four dots, five dots). Have the child identify the card with one dot, then the card with one more than that, then the card with one more and so on until all five cards are in line from one dot to five dots. Then mix the cards up and give them back to the child to line up from the smallest to the largest by herself. [Also 7A.]

1C. (back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with buttons and ask that they sort them. After they have done so, ask them how they decided to group the buttons. If they have difficulty, show them a new button and ask which group it belongs to and why.


2A. (back to Key Idea table)
During group or small group have children count how many mats have been set out for the group activity. After the children are seated, ask whether there are the same number of mats as children, and count to be sure.


2B. (back to Key Idea table)
Participate in sharing experiences that show that a whole graham cracker may be divided into smaller parts. Talk about a whole. Then have children share half a graham cracker. Have children see that the whole is more than the half.


2C. (back to Key Idea table)
Use students to show the number being studied. For example, to represent seven petals on a flower, have seven students lie down on the floor to make the flower.


2D. (back to Key Idea table)
.Incorporate words that describe order into conversations with groups of children and individuals; e.g., before, after, following, between.


3A. (back to Key Idea table)
Make a stack of two chips for each child and let the children count the chips by taking them off one by one. Ask them to stack the chips again. Now have them add one. They will see that the stack now has three. Let them try this procedure a few times until they see that adding one more chip brings the stack to the next higher number.


3B. (back to Key Idea table)
Have children solve classroom problems. For instance, we all have to sit at the table to draw in our books. Can we all fit at the table? What can we do so that everyone can sit at a table to draw in our books?


3C.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students work in pairs, with one on each side of a desk. Give each pair six blocks. Ask one student to divide the blocks into two groups and total them from left to right. That is, 4 and 2 equals 6. The student on the other side says 2 and 4 equals 6. Have students find all possible solutions.


4A. (back to Key Idea table)
Have students work in pairs. Give each pair of students three plastic connecting links or linking cubes in three different colors. Explain that one child will tell the other how to make the three-link chain or rod by naming the color that should be used at the top, the middle, and the bottom of the chain (rod). Children should hold up their chains (rods) to identify positional terms. Have the children alternate roles. [Also 4D.]


4B. (back to Key Idea table)
Start with having children line up to show their preferences, and then make picture graphs comparing characteristics of the two groups. Ask question such as: Are you left-handed? Did you walk or ride to school? Then have them make graphs comparing three groups. Ask: Are you wearing pants, a skirt, or a dress? Do you go home for lunch, bring your lunch, or buy your lunch? Then try picture graphs comparing four groups, and ask: What shape cracker did you choose? Would you prefer a peanut butter sandwich, a hot dog, a hamburger, or spaghetti for lunch? What color lifesaver did you eat—red, green, yellow, or orange? [Also 5E.]


4C. (back to Key Idea table)
Have students decide how many napkins, snacks, and drinks are needed for the class. To figure out the answer, have them draw a picture of how they will distribute the snack materials [Also 2A., 2B.]


4D. (back to Key Idea table)
Provide children with blocks. Their continual experimentation with blocks will help them find out what surfaces fit together well, which blocks make the best walls or roofs, and which surfaces balance best. [Also 5B., 5C., 5D.]


5A. (back to Key Idea table)
Children have items such as marbles or blocks. Have them select a container that will hold all their items.


5B. (back to Key Idea table)
Paste a strip of masking tape on a blank wall, reaching from the floor and extending two meters. Each child will need a separate strip. Each child stands against the wall in front of the tape. Place a mark on the tape at the top of the child’s head. The child stands back and sees how tall he is. Mark the date next to the line. Repeat this activity periodically so that the children can see how much they have grown. By using a meterstick or tape measure, you may also wish to mark the child’s height in centimeters. Say, "Today you are 120 centimeters tall." Show the 100 centimeter mark on the meterstick or tape measure. [Also 3C.]


5C. (back to Key Idea table)
Use Okay Everybody by Karla Kuskin as a basis for comparing and measuring activities.


5D. (back to Key Idea table)
Take a poll of the class, giving the children two choices (which food they like best, what toy they would rather play with) represented by a picture of the choice. Give each child a block to represent the choice. Have them place the block by the picture of their choice. Look at the blocks to guess which item had the most blocks. Count the blocks and talk about what the blocks represent.


5E. (back to Key Idea table)
Make a large pictograph with the months of the year. Put each child’s name with the month in which he/she was born. Talk about the information shown on the graph.


6A. (back to Key Idea table)
How many blocks will it take to make a road? Count the blocks, and then estimate how many it will take to build a road to a more distant destination.


6B. (back to Key Idea table)
Have the children use a balance scale to guess how many beans/seeds weigh as much as a teddy bear counter. [Also 6A., 7B.]


6C. (back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with a "more-less" spinner, linking cubes, and a "more-less" card. The spinner has two equal sectors; one says "more" and the other says "less." There are two cards, one labeled "more" and the other labeled "less." The children play this game in pairs. Each child snaps a train of cubes together. The trains' lengths are matched with one another so each child starts with the same number of cubes. Then each child breaks his or her train into smaller stacks. These stacks can be any size the child desires as long as the children have two different sizes. To begin, each child puts one stack on his or her work mat and puts the appropriate "less-more" card with the stack. One of the children spins the spinner. If the spinner indicates "more," the child with more cubes on his or her mat wins and takes both stacks. If the spinner says "less," the child with less cubes wins and takes both stacks. Repeat the activity until one child runs out of stacks. The student with all the cubes is the winner. [Also 5A., 5C., 5D.]


7A. (back to Key Idea table)
The teacher claps a pattern and the children join in. The children’s suggestions for movement can be incorporated into the rhythmic clapping as the activity proceeds.


7B. (back to Key Idea table)
Set up a flannel board with many felt shapes. Put up two groups of shapes, asking questions like: “Are there as many ____ as ____? Which set has more? How many of each are there?” The children can point, tell with words, and move the pieces around to show that they understand the idea.


7C. (back to Key Idea table)
Place a few familiar manipulative objects on the tables in the math center and paper, crayons, and felt-tip pens in the art center. Children can use a variety of equipment and materials found in the room to make patterns. The teacher can ask children questions such as: "Where does your pattern begin? What comes next? Where does your pattern end? How would your pattern look if it kept going on and on?" [Also 1C.]


7D. (back to Key Idea table)
Once children start making graphs, they often think of problems to solve on their own. The following are some comparisons that might be of interest to young children:

[Also 5E.]

7E. (back to Key Idea table)
In the sandbox use several blocks to make footprints in the sand. The children identify the blocks that were used to make the footprints. Before beginning this activity, children need some experience with the three-dimensional figures being used, perhaps by sorting them or building with them. [Also 4D.]


7F. (back to Key Idea table)
Children can find patterns outdoors as well as indoors. Place a few sheets of paper on each paper plate, fasten it with a clothespin, and distribute these notepads to the children along with crayons and pens. When they are on the playground, ask them to look for and describe the patterns they see. Four- and five-year-olds can find patterns in fences, bricks, climbing apparatuses, windows, bike tires. Have them draw the patterns they see outdoors on the papers on their notepads. After they have made their discoveries, bring them inside and encourage them to talk about their patterns. [Also 4D.]

Grades 1 - 2

Key Idea 1
Mathematical Reasoning

Students use mathematical reasoning to analyze mathematical situations, make conjectures, gather evidence, and construct an argument.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
1A. Use models, facts, and relationships to draw conclusions about mathematics and explain their reasoning.
  • Categorize objects, using attributes such as likenesses and differences in color, shape, size, etc.
  • Observe likenesses and differences, using at least two categories at a time.
  • Draw pictures and use manipulatives to represent problems.
See Classroom Idea 1A.
1B. Use patterns and relationships to analyze mathematical situations.
  • Patterns for sums and differences, using concrete materials, tables, calculators, and number lines.
  • Patterns of numbers that add up to a specific sum (e.g., all combinations of numbers that add up to 6).
  • Use patterns and relationships to discover commutative and associative properties and identity elements.
See Classroom Idea 1B.
1C. Justify their answers and solution processes.
  • Clarify problems, using discussions with the teacher or knowledgeable others.
  • Explain to others how he/she went about solving a numerical problem.
  • Use concrete materials to justify solutions.
  • Use patterns and relationships to justify solutions.
  • Most topics can be used in problem solving.
See Classroom Idea 1C.
1D. Use logical reasoning to reach simple conclusions.
  • Use concrete objects, pictorial representations, tables, and number lines to represent and solve problems.
  • Brainstorm possible strategies before starting a problem.
See Classroom Idea 1D.

Key Idea 2
Number and Numeration

Students use number sense and numeration to develop an understanding of the multiple uses of numbers in the real world, the use of numbers to communicate mathematically, and the use of numbers in the development of mathematical ideas.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
2A. Use whole numbers and fractions to identify locations, quantify groups of objects, and measure distances.
  • Arrangement of elements does not change the cardinal number—i.e., elements can be matched in a one-to-one correspondence.
  • Identify number names orally through 100.
  • Ordinal numbers first to thirty-first and beyond.
  • Count occurrences with tallies.
See Classroom Idea 2A.
2B. Use concrete materials to model numbers and number relationships for whole numbers and fractions including decimal fractions.
  • Count forward by 1’s, 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s, 10’s in various ways and backward by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s, possibly using a calculator to skip count.
  • Represent two- and three-digit numbers up to 999, using concrete models such as bundles of ten sticks.
  • Identify even and odd numbers.
  • Halves (thirds, etc.) of a whole are equal to each other.
  • Unit fractions 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/8, 1/10 as part of a whole or part of a collection of things.
  • A set of objects can be divided into equal parts.
See Classroom Idea 2B.
2C. Relate counting to grouping and
place value.
  • Use metric measures and money problems to reinforce place value.
  • Recognize dollars and cents notation to ten dollars.
  • Regroup ones and tens.
  • Recognize the meaning of zero in the place value system.
  • Meaning of digits in three-digit numbers.
  • Expanded notation for two- and three-digit numbers (e.g., 27 = 2 tens + 7 ones = 20 + 7).
See Classroom Idea 2C.
2D. Recognize the order of whole numbers and commonly used fractions.
  • Understand that in sharing or measuring things there is sometimes a need to use numbers between whole numbers.
  • Count forward and backward.
  • Use words that describe order such as first, last, before, after, between, and middle.
  • Order relatively small sets of numbers.
See Classroom Idea 2D.
2E. Demonstrate the concept of ratio through problems related to actual situations.
  • Relate many-to-one in preparation for the concept of ratio.
See Classroom Idea 2E.

Key Idea 3
Operations

Students use mathematical operations and relationships among them to understand mathematics.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
3A. Add and subtract whole numbers.
  • Demonstrate with manipulatives how addition and subtraction are opposite operations.
  • Add and subtract up to three-digit numbers with no regrouping.
  • Add and subtract up to two-digit numbers requiring regrouping.
  • Combine sets to produce a new set.
  • Develop addition strategies such as doubles, doubles-plus-one, and number families.
See Classroom Idea 3A.
3B. Develop strategies for selecting the appropriate computational and operational method in problem solving.
  • Solve real-world problems involving addition and subtraction of whole numbers.
  • Explore division as a process for finding the number of equivalent subsets in a given set.
  • Explore division as a process of sharing cookies, crayons, etc. as it comes up in classroom activities.
  • Explore multiplication as a way of determining how many are needed of something for each student to have a given amount.
  • Special role of zero in addition.
See Classroom Idea 3B.
3C. Know single-digit addition and subtraction facts and develop readiness for multiplication and division facts.
  • Relate multiplication to repeated addition and counting by 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, etc.
  • Explore division as a process of sharing.
  • Use manipulatives to relate division to repeated subtraction.
  • Special role of zero.
  • Master addition facts with sums 0-18 and subtraction with differences 0-9.
  • Readiness activities with rectangular arrays of objects.
  • Repeated addition or counting activities.
  • Use manipulatives to explore multiplication and division facts through 25.
See Classroom Idea 3C.
3D. Understand the commutative and associative properties.
  • Associative property of addition.
  • Commutative property of addition.
See Classroom Idea 3D.

Key Idea 4
Modeling/Multiple Representation

Students use mathematical modeling/multiple representation to provide a means of presenting, interpreting, communicating, and connecting mathematical information and relationships.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
4A. Use concrete materials to model spatial relationships.
  • Make geometric pictures and designs, using geometric shapes.
  • Make designs, using congruent and noncongruent shapes.
See Classroom Idea 4A.
4B. Construct charts and graphs to display and analyze real-world data.
  • Record information with tallies, blocks, and pictographs.
See Classroom Idea 4B.
4C. Use multiple representations (manipulative materials, pictures, diagrams) as tools to explain the operation of everyday procedures.
  • Compare dimensions of various objects, using terms like longer than, taller than, smaller than, shorter than, as long as, farther, nearer.
  • Concepts of more, less, the same.
See Classroom Idea 4C.
4D. Use variables such as height, weight, and hand size to predict changes over time.
  • Compare heights over time in general terms.
See Classroom Idea 4D.
4E. Use physical materials, pictures, and diagrams to explain mathematical ideas and processes and to demonstrate geometric concepts.
  • Understand that shapes such as circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles can be found in nature and in things that people make and that these shapes can be used to describe many things.
  • Compare attributes of objects—size, shape, weight, texture, etc.
  • Draw symmetrical designs.
  • Examine bilateral symmetry by paper folding or mirror activities.
See Classroom Idea 4E.

Key Idea 5
Measurement

Students use measurement in both metric and English measure to provide a major link between the abstractions of mathematics and the real world in order to describe and compare objects and data.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
5A. Understand that measurement is approximate, never exact.
  • Compare (weather, time, temperatures) in general terms.
  • Develop an understanding of the need for standard units of measure.

See Classroom Idea 5A.
5B. Select appropriate standard and nonstandard measurement tools in measurement activities.
  • Explore various nonstandard measurement tools such as blocks, books, children’s feet, bowlfuls.
  • Relate measurement of temperature to different thermometers.
  • Translate time between analog and digital clocks.
  • Use a ruler to measure to the nearer centimeter.
  • Using a balance scale, determine mass (weight) of familiar objects.
See Classroom Idea 5B.
5C. Understand the attributes of area, length, capacity, volume, weight, time, temperature, and money.
  • Compare sets of objects, using terms: more than, bigger than, greater than, less than, one more than, the same size, equal to, before, after, and between.
  • Compare the capacity of containers, using sand and water.
  • Weighing experiences, using the terms heavier than or lighter than.
  • Measure time to the day, month, and year, using a calendar.
  • Measure time in half hours, quarter hours, and minutes.
  • Weigh objects, using grams.
  • Make change for amounts of money up to $1.00, using pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars.
  • Introduce the kilogram and liter.
  • Basic understanding of the concept of temperature and how it is measured.
See Classroom Idea 5C.
5D. Estimate measures such as length, perimeter, area, and volume, using both standard and nonstandard units.
  • Measure objects, using nonstandard units.
  • Estimate sizes, using phrases like about as long as, almost as long as, wider than. . .
  • Use meter, centimeter, and decimeter for measuring length.
  • Discuss English system of measure if mentioned by students.
See Classroom Idea 5D.
5E. Collect and display data.
  • Collect objects of all sorts.
  • Collect data concerning body measurements and other things of interest to the students.
  • Simple bar graphs, using stacks of blocks.
See Classroom Idea 5E.
5F. Use statistical methods such as graphs, tables, and charts to interpret data.
  • Compare data in terms of number, equality, inequality, similarities, differences.
  • Understand that simple graphs can help one to understand observations.
See Classroom Idea 5F.

Key Idea 6
Uncertainty

Students use ideas of uncertainty to illustrate that mathematics involves more than exactness when dealing with everyday situations.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
6A. Make estimates to compare to actual results of both formal and informal measurement.
  • Estimate quantities.
  • Make quantitative estimates of familiar lengths, widths, and time intervals and check them against measurements.
See Classroom Idea 6A.
6B. Make estimates to compare to the actual results of computations.
  • Estimate answers before solving problems and compare estimates with solutions.
See Classroom Idea 6B.
6C. Recognize situations in which only an estimate is required.
  • Investigate various numerical problems that arise in school.
See Classroom Idea 6C.
6D. Develop a wide variety of estimation skills and strategies.
  • Use manipulative materials for estimating quantity.
See Classroom Idea 6D.
6E. Determine the reasonableness of results.
  • Anticipate outcomes by guessing or estimating and compare guess or estimate with outcome.
See Classroom Idea 6E.
6F. Predict experimental probabilities.
  • Discuss certainty or uncertainty of events.
  • Understand that some events are more likely to happen than others.
  • Discuss fairness of a game.
  • Predict outcomes of coin tosses.
  • Record data from experiments, using spinners and colored tiles/cubes, and use the data to predict which of two events is more likely to occur if the experiment is repeated.
See Classroom Idea 6F.
6G. Make predictions, using unbiased random samples.
  • Understand that one can find out about a group of things by studying just a few of them.
See Classroom Idea 6G.
6H. Determine probabilities of simple events.
  • Perform experiments with three or more likely outcomes.
  • Use language such as “one chance in three.”
  • Solve problems such as how many different pairs of numbers have a sum of 6.
  • Concept of combination or arrangement.
  • Solve problems such as: “How many different sets of three numbers will add up to 12?” or “How many different ways can you rearrange the letters of your name?"
See Classroom Idea 6H.


Key Idea 7
Patterns/Functions


Students use patterns and functions to develop mathematical power, appreciate the true beauty of mathematics, and construct generalizations that describe patterns simply and efficiently.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
7A. Recognize, describe, extend, and create a wide variety of patterns.
  • Recognize, describe, and extend number sequences and patterns in the range of 1-1000.
  • Recognize, describe, extend, and create patterns with geometric shapes.
See Classroom Idea 7A.
7B. Represent and describe mathematical relationships.
  • Introduce symbols <, >, =.
  • Read and write numerals 0-100.
See Classroom Idea 7B.
7C. Explore and express relationships, using variables and open sentences.
  • Concepts of equality and inequality, using numbers.
  • Write open sentences like 3 + m = 5.
See Classroom Idea 7C.

7D. Solve for an unknown, using manipulative materials.
  • Use counters to explore or explain commutative and associative properties of addition.
  • Use counters to find missing values as in open sentences like 3 + m = 5.
See Classroom Idea 7D.

7E. Use a variety of manipulative materials and technologies to explore patterns.
  • Terms inside, outside.
  • Discover properties of 3-D shapes.
  • Do skip counting with manipulatives.
  • Use manipulative materials to explore symmetry.
  • Use manipulative materials to explore linear patterns such as tletle.
See Classroom Idea 7E.
7F. Interpret graphs.
  • Readiness activities for mode, median, and mean.
See Classroom Idea 7F.
7G. Explore and develop relationships among two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes.
  • Understand the basic properties of and similarities and differences between circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles.
See Classroom Idea 7G.
7H. Discover patterns in nature, art, music, and literature.
  • Identify symmetry in nature, art, and music.
  • Utilize children’s literature for motivation, exploration, and problem solving.
See Classroom Idea 7H.

Examples:

The following ideas for lessons and activities are provided to illustrate examples of each performance indicator. It is not intended that teachers use these specific ideas in their classrooms; rather, they should feel free to use them or adapt them if they so desire. Some of the ideas incorporate topics in science and technology. In those instances the appropriate standard will be identified. Some classroom ideas exemplify more than one performance indicator. Additional relevant performance indicators are given in brackets at the end of the description of the classroom idea.


1A.(back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with a bag of small toys—perhaps a bag of plastic farm animals or a mixture of domestic and wild animals, a bag filled with toy cars, boats and planes, or buttons or shells or stones. Let students work with a partner or in a group to sort their pieces in an open-ended activity. With younger children, you may want to be sure they are comfortable with simple sorting activities before they work with the animal pieces. For example, sorting materials with different shapes, colors, or sizes provides good preparation. Instruct students to sort their pieces into different groups and provide a good name for each group. Then they should share what they did with their partner. Mix up the pieces and let the partner sort the pieces into new groups. They should check each other’s work, talk about the sorting with each other, and find a way to record their groupings. Let students describe their groupings with other members of the class. A follow-up might be to challenge the students to put their sorted groups in horizontal or vertical graphing grids. [Also 4B., 5E., Science: Living Environment Concept 1)


1B.(back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with a specified number of two-color counters in a bag. Students shake and then spill the counters, keeping track of different combinations of red and yellow. For example, a child may be given six counters. After the counters are spilled, the counters may look like this:

4 + 2 = 6

Children record the different combinations they find and stop when they believe they found all of them. Explore with the entire class whether 4 + 2 and 2 + 4 are the same combination. [Also 3A., 3C., 3D.]


1C.(back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with color tiles to solve the following riddles. After solving the riddle, have students discuss how they found the answer and explain why they believe their solution is correct.
• There are ten tiles in two colors. Each color has an odd number of tiles. How many tiles of each color are there?
• There are an odd number of tiles. There are more than four tiles but less than ten tiles. You can use all the tiles to make three towers, all the same size. How many tiles are there?
• There are an even number of tiles. There are more than eight tiles but less than 22. You can use all the tiles to make four trains, all the same length. How many tiles might there be? [Also 1D., 2B.]


1D.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students use counters to solve the following problem. A pet store owner sold only birds and cats. One day he asked his clerk to count how many animals there were in the store. The clerk told him he counted 18 legs. How many cats and birds might there have been? Could there be more than one combination of animals in the store? [Also 3A., 3D.]

2A.(back to Key Idea table)
Send students home with blank books that may be made from a few sheets of stapled newsprint. With a parent, the child tours the house to count various common features such as the number of windows in the house or the number of bicycles. They create one page for each feature such as:


In my house there are _________ bicycles.

Books can be shared with reading buddies and kept in the book corner. A “super” counting book could be created, using tallies to keep track of all the numbers of each feature mentioned by more than one student. [Also 2C.]


2B.(back to Key Idea table)
Utilize class routines to practice number relationships. For example, when students leave the classroom in a group, coach them to line up in two equal rows. After determining the number of students who are absent that day, ask questions such as:

Then count off by twos to check. As the year progresses, this activity provides reinforcement in learning the concepts of even and odd numbers, equality, one-to-one correspondence, subtraction, addition, division by two, and counting by twos. [Also 3A., 3B.]


2C.(back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with linking cubes and place value charts. Using a spinner with numbered sectors 1-9 or 0-9, the teacher spins a number and students represent the number with linking cubes, write it on their place value chart, and write the numeral. As teacher spins, students count on more linking cubes and are directed to always make a rod of 10 when they can. On their place value mats they will represent the new number and write the new numeral. Students could also be asked to show the new numbers in expanded notation such as:

1 ten + 1 one.

2D.(back to Key Idea table)
Have five students act out the following poem:

Ask questions like:

2E.(back to Key Idea table)
Using pattern blocks such as a green triangle, blue rhombus, red trapezoid, and yellow hexagon, have students discover the quantity of triangles needed to cover the blue rhombus, the red trapezoid, and the yellow hexagon.

3A.(back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with coffee stirrers or craft sticks, rubber bands, and a place value chart. Have them represent problems like 203 + 123, using single sticks for the units, a bundle of ten sticks for ten, and a bundle of ten bundles of ten for hundreds. Students combine the coffee stirrers to find the sum and show the addition on the place value chart.


3B.(back to Key Idea table)
Use the story A Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins to help students understand division as a process of sharing. The book begins with two children who are about to share 12 cookies. Just as they are about to share the cookies, the doorbell rings and two friends join them. Now there are four people to share 12 cookies. Then two more friends arrive and now there are six children to share the cookies. The doorbell rings again and six more children are there. Now there are 12 children sharing 12 cookies. Have students use their counters to demonstrate each situation and decide how many cookies each child will get in each situation.


3C.(back to Key Idea table)
Give students specified numbers of color tiles—for example, 18 tiles. Have them make as many rectangles as possible out of the tiles and record each rectangle on a piece of graph paper, noting the number of rows and columns of each rectangle, to find all the multiplication facts for the given number.


3D.(back to Key Idea table)
Students can demonstrate the commutative property of addition by using color tiles to make, for example, two trains of three tiles. The first is red, red, blue; the second is blue, red, red.

4A.(back to Key Idea table)
Read Grandfather Tang’s Story by Ann Tombert, showing the students the tangram pictures. Provide the children with tangrams so they can make the animals in the story, using outlines of the animals from the book.


4B.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students use linking cubes to make a bar graph showing the colors of their shoes. They can answers questions like:


4C.(back to Key Idea table)
Students are given a number of two-color counters. They spill them and record which color comes up more or if an equal number of each color comes up. They keep track by making tallies under categories of

MORE RED SAME MORE YELLOW

4D.(back to Key Idea table)
Students plant bean seeds and measure the growth at the end of every week. [Also 5C., 5E., Science: Living Environment Concept 4]


4E.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students explore symmetry by using mirrors with pattern blocks or by folding paper or by making ink blot designs. Students find the lines of symmetry in the letters of the alphabet and in numerals. They can fold paper and cut out geometric designs.

5A.(back to Key Idea table)
Give students a variety of objects in pairs and have them use balance scales to determine which of the two objects is heavier.


5B.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students trace two copies of their foot and cut them out. Have them lay the “feet” end to end to measure the length of the room. Have them compare their measurements. Discuss why the measurements were not the same.


5C.(back to Key Idea table)
Give students a variety of different-sized and -shaped jars. Ask them to put the jars in order from the one that holds the least to the one that holds the most. After the students have put their jars in order, have them test their order by pouring rice (sand or water) from the smallest jar to the next-sized jar. If the rice spills out of the second jar, then the order was not correct at this point. Have them continue the process through their entire series of jars.


5D.(back to Key Idea table)
Let students work in pairs to tear off lengths of adding machine tape (which can be purchased in most office supply stores) equal to their height and then tear off other pieces for their arms, legs, and any other body parts that they may wish to include. The teacher can ask them to compare the different parts of their body: “Is your arm about as long as your leg?” etc. Students can put the body parts together to make a copy of themselves.


5E.(back to Key Idea table)
Every month the children can make a class graph for which they must make a decision such as “Would you rather make a jack-o’lantern with a happy face or a sad face?” They could use self-drawings on the graph each month and place their picture over their preference. The picture graphs can be reinterpreted as bar graphs, using connecting cubes that can then be counted by grouping cubes into groups of ten to reinforce place value concepts. [Also 2B., 2C.; Science: Living Environment Concept 4]


5F.(back to Key Idea table)
Let students bring their favorite books to class and show them to each other. Have them discuss ways in which the books are similar or different. Have them choose one category of difference and sort the books on those categories. The books can be put on a large floor grid and the teacher can then ask questions about the number of books in each category.

6A.(back to Key Idea table)
Show students a jar filled with linking cubes. Have them estimate how many cubes are in the jar. Have them put their estimates on post-it notes and create a class graph of their estimates. When counting out the number of connecting cubes in the jar, link them in rods of ten to reinforce place value concepts. [Also 2C., 5E.]


6B.(back to Key Idea table)
Introduce front end rounding for addition and multiplication. For example, in the example 24 + 32, the student estimates that 20 + 30 is 50 so the answer must be greater than 50. Have them discuss why the sum is greater than 50 and not less than or equal to 50.


6C.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students discuss questions such as:

6D.(back to Key Idea table)
When estimating how many candies are in a jar, let students count how many are on the bottom of the jar and then estimate how many layers there are. They can perform repeated addition to find an estimate of the number of candies in the jar. [Also 6A.]


6E.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students guess how many cut-out ladybugs they could put on a small leaf and then check by putting as many as possible on the leaf. Give them larger ladybugs and ask them if they would be able to use the same number, less, or more of the larger ladybugs to completely cover the leaf and explain their reasoning. [Also 1C., 5D., 6A., 6D.]

6F.(back to Key Idea table)
Let students examine paper cups to decide how they might land when dropped—on their sides, on their tops, or on their bottoms. Have them predict which outcome is most likely and test it. [Also 6E., 6H.]


6G.(back to Key Idea table)
Give students bags with different-colored jellybeans in them. Have them reach in the bag, pull out a jellybean, record its color, and then replace it. After about ten samples, have the student decide which color occurs most often in the bag.


6H.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students predict how many times tails will come up in ten tosses of a coin and explain their reasoning. Then each student tosses a coin ten times and records with tallies the number of times heads or tails came up. Have students share their results with the class and tell why they believe the results agreed or did not agree with their prediction. [Also 2A., 5E., 6F.]

7A.(back to Key Idea table)
Using a hundred board and colored transparent chips, give the students the first three numbers of a pattern, e.g., 1, 3, 5 or 6, 16, 26. Have them put a chip on each of the three numbers, showing the first three numbers of the pattern. Then ask the students to continue the pattern by showing the next three numbers. Help the students verbalize a rule for each pattern. [Also 1B., 2B., 2D., 3C.]


7B.(back to Key Idea table)
Use masking tape to make a large square on the classroom floor. Divide the square into four equal parts and label each with a number from 1 to 4. Have children stand behind a throw line six feet from the target and take turns tossing a beanbag. The child who tosses must read the number and then perform some designated action such as stamping, clapping, hopping, or jumping that number of times. [Also 2A.]


7C.(back to Key Idea table)
Assign two children to work together, using a mathematical balance. Place a weight on any number, on one side of the balance. By using two weights on the other side of the balance, how many ways can the scale balance? Children should write the equations they discover on the balance. [Also 3A., 3C.]


7D.(back to Key Idea table)
Using a mathematical balance, the teacher discusses with the children the analogy of the balance fulcrum with the equal symbol in an equation. Have children correlate their equations with the balance. Give them open sentences such as
5 + r = 9. Have them represent it with connecting cubes to find the missing addend and check their answer on the mathematical balance by placing a weight on the 4 on the same side as the 5 and seeing if it balances. [Also 1A., 1C., 1D., 3C., 4C.]


7E.(back to Key Idea table)
Provide students with a blank 100s grid, counters, and a calculator. Have them determine how many counters fit across the grid. At the same time have them count by ones on the calculator. Ask them what patterns they notice on the calculator as they fill up the grid. Have them hold as many beans as they can in their hand, then count how many they could hold. Have them use the calculator and the grid to determine how many they could hold in two hands. [Also 1B., 2B., 2C., 2D., 3A., 5B.]

7F.(back to Key Idea table)
Have students write their first name on a post-it note and count the number of letters in their name. Have the students come to the board, where the teacher has written different numbers (starting with 2), and place their post-it note over the number which is the same as the number of letters in their name. Ask questions about who has the greatest number of letters, who has the least, who is in the middle, what is the most common number of letters in a name, etc. [Also 4C., 5E., 5F.]


7G.(back to Key Idea table)
Provide each group of students with some geometric solids. Ask them to identify and share with the rest of the class the solids that answer each of these questions. Think of a square. Find a block with a square face (cube and rectangular prism with square bases). Think of a rectangle. Find a block with a rectangular face (any prism). How many different kinds of rectangular faces can you find? Think of a triangle. Find all the blocks you can with triangular faces (triangular prism, pyramid, tetrahedron). How many triangular faces does each one have? [Also 4E.]


7H.(back to Key Idea table)
Give students an opportunity to look at a number of quilt patterns. Consider reading the book The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco as an introduction. Let students choose one quilt to study and write about the pattern they notice. Using construction paper to make geometric shapes, students should create a block of their own quilt pattern. [Also 4A., 4E.]

Grades 3-4

Key Idea 1
Mathematical Reasoning


Students use mathematical reasoning to analyze mathematical situations, make conjectures, gather evidence, and construct an argument.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
1A. Use models, facts, and relationships to draw conclusions about mathematics and explain their thinking.
  • Study factor and product relationships, using number lines and arrays.
    • Statements that use and, or, and not.
    • Draw pictures, diagrams, and charts to represent problems.
  • Clarify problems, using discussions with peers.
See Assessment Example 1A.
1B. Use patterns and relationships to analyze mathematical situations.
  • Addition, subtraction, multiplication in number patterns.
  • Patterns in sequences of numbers such as triangular and square numbers.
  • Symmetry or patterning in number tables.
  • Money as related to fractions and decimals.
See Assessment Example 1B.
1C. Justify their answers and solution processes.
  • Verify an answer to a problem.
  • Use estimation, number relationships, and mathematical checks to justify answers.
See Assessment Example 1C.
1D. Use logical reasoning to reach simple conclusions.
  • Use concrete objects, diagrams, charts, tables, and number lines to help solve problems.
  • Use open sentences, patterns, relationships, and estimation as strategies to solve problems.
  • Identify missing information in a story problem.
See Assessment Example 1D.

Key Idea 2
Number and Numeration


Students use number sense and numeration to develop an understanding of the multiple uses of numbers in the real world, the use of numbers to communicate mathematically, and the use of numbers in the development of mathematical ideas.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
2A. Use whole numbers and fractions to identify locations, quantify groups of objects, and measure distances.
  • Read and write whole numbers to hundred millions.
  • Use ordinal numbers through 500th.
  • Relate fractions and decimals to the monetary system and to metric measure.
  • Identify use of fractions and decimals in daily life.
See Assessment Example 2A.
2B. Use concrete materials to model numbers and number relationships for whole numbers and common fractions, including decimal fractions.
  • Manipulatives: base 10 blocks, abaci, chip trading for place value in whole numbers and decimal fractions to hundredths.
  • Odd and even numbers as a result of addition, subtraction, multiplication.
  • Prime numbers.
  • Skip counting.
  • Various ways a figure can be divided into equal parts, using terms numerator and denominator.
  • Order unit fractions and decimals and use < and > signs utilizing concrete materials.
  • Find equivalent fractions.
  • Number line and coordinates with positive and negative numbers.
See Assessment Example 2B.
2C. Relate counting to grouping and to place value.
  • Place value concepts extended to millions and hundredths.
See Assessment Example 2C
2D. Recognize order of whole numbers and commonly used fractions and decimals.
  • Whole numbers to millions.
  • Fractions with denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12.
  • Decimals to hundredths.
See Assessment Example 2D.
2E. Demonstrate the concept of ratio and percent through problems related to actual situations.
  • Percents that are multiples of 5.
  • Concept of ratio in real-world situations.
See Assessment Example 2E.
.

Key Idea 3
Operations


Students use mathematical operations and relationships among them to understand mathematics.


PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
3A. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide whole numbers.
  • Addition and subtraction of whole numbers less than one million.
  • Subtraction with zeros in the minuend.
  • Multiply three-digit numbers by two-digit numbers. Multiplication by multiples of 10.
  • Division of three-digit dividends by one- and two-digit divisors (quotient and remainder).
See Assessment Example 3A.
3B. Develop strategies for selecting the appropriate computational and operational method in problem-solving situations.

  • Use diagrams, charts, and tables to help understand problem information.
  • Use open sentences to model problems.
  • Use commutative, associative, distributive, inverse properties.
  • Look for patterns.
  • Break problem into parts.
See Assessment Example 3B.
3C. Know single digit addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.
  • Inverse relationships of operations.
  • Special role of zero.
  • Multiplication and division facts through 144.
  • Application of identity elements of addition and multiplication in learning and understanding number facts.
See Classroom Idea 3C
3D. Understand the commutative and associative properties.
  • Commutative property: addition, multiplication.
  • Associative property: addition, multiplication.
See Assessment Example 3D.

Key Idea 4
Modeling/Multiple Representation


Students use mathematical modeling/multiple representation to provide a means of presenting, interpreting, communicating, and connecting mathematical information and relationships
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
4A. Use concrete materials to model spatial relationships.
  • Properties of plane figures.
  • Properties of solid figures (vertices, line segments, edges, and angles).
  • Designs and patterns with geometric figures.
See Classroom Idea 4A.
4B. Construct tables, charts, and graphs to display and analyze real-world data.
  • Ordered pairs on a grid (coordinate plane).
  • Graphs and charts of real-world data and data in other subject areas.
  • Draw conclusions and make predictions from graphs.
See Assessment Example 4B.
4C. Use multiple representations (simulations, manipulative materials, pictures, and diagrams) as tools to explain the operation of everyday procedures.
  • Perimeter, area, and volume by counting units.
  • Circumference of circles by measuring with string.
  • Area of circles by counting units in a grid.
  • Volume by “filling space” with standard-sized objects to build a foundation for the volume formula.
See Assessment Example 4C.
4D. Use variables such as height, weight, temperature, and hand size to predict changes over time.
  • Compare temperatures and heights over time.
See Classroom Idea 4D.
4E. Use physical materials, pictures, and diagrams to explain mathematical ideas and processes and to demonstrate geometric concepts.
  • Terms: polygon, chord, radius, face, edge, vertex, angle, line segment, point, parallel, perpendicular, intersecting.
  • Common plane and solid geometric figures in the environment and drawings.
  • Straightedge rulers, protractors, and compasses to construct circles, squares, etc.
  • Lines of symmetry.
See Assessment Example 4E.

Key Idea 5
Measurement


Students use measurement in both metric and English measure to provide a major link between the abstractions of mathematics and the real world in order to describe and compare objects and data.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
5A. Understand that measurement is approximate, never exact.
  • Identify appropriate metric units for measuring the area, mass, perimeter, and volume of a variety of objects.
See Classroom Idea 5A.
5B. Select appropriate standard and nonstandard measurement tools in measurement activities.
  • Identify equivalent measures within the metric system of measure.
  • Relate decimal concepts to metric measurement tools.
  • Relate the clock face to fractions of a circle.
See Classroom Idea 5B.
5C. Understand the attributes of area, length, capacity, weight, volume, time, temperature, and angles.
  • Study time to five-minute, one-minute, and one-second intervals.
  • Find the area and volume of specific figures by counting units.
  • Explore connections between factors and multiplication facts and area and volume.
  • Measurement problems related to other areas such as literature, science, and social studies.
See Assessment Example 5C.
5D. Estimate and find measures such as length, perimeter, area, and volume, using both nonstandard and standard units.
  • Select and use appropriate metric measurement tools.
  • Compare equivalent measures within the metric system.
  • Perimeter of polygons.
  • Find the circumference of circles by measuring with string.
See Assessment Example 5D.
5E. Collect and display data.
  • Graphs of statistical data drawn from newspapers, magazines, polls, charts, surveys, etc.
  • Make frequency tables from tallied data.
  • Organize data with graphs, models, pictures, lists.
See Assessment Examples 5E-F.
5F. Use statistical methods such as graphs, tables, and charts to interpret data.
  • Use concrete materials to develop the concept of average or arithmetic mean.
  • Find the range and the mean in a collection of organized data.
See Assessment Examples 5E-F.

Key Idea 6
Uncertainty


Students use ideas of uncertainty to illustrate that mathematics involves more than exactness when dealing with everyday situations.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
6A. Make estimates to compare to actual results of both formal and informal measurement.
  • Rounding numbers, using number lines and measuring instruments (meterstick, thermometer).
  • Estimate measurements before measuring.
See Assessment Example 6A.
6B. Make estimates to compare to actual results of computations.
  • Estimate the outcomes of problems/ experiments, complete the task, and compare the results with the prediction.
See Classroom Idea 6B.
6C. Recognize situations in which only an estimate is required.
  • Explore the meaning of large numbers through such activities as estimating the grains of rice in a coffee can, the number of letters on a page, ways that newspapers report large numbers.
  • Discuss real-world examples of when estimating would be acceptable and when it would not.
  • Explore quantitative information that will help to relate personal experiences to the meaning of million.
See Assessment Example 6C.
6D. Develop a wide variety of estimation skills and strategies.
  • Round numbers to nearest tenth, whole number, hundred, and thousand.
  • Develop a variety of strategies for estimating addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Develop a variety of strategies for estimating quantities.
  • Develop strategies for estimating measurements.
See Assessment Example 6D.
6E. Determine the reasonableness of results.
  • Develop orderly ways to determine the number of possible arrangements and combinations (e.g., tree diagrams).
  • Estimate the result of computations before using a calculator, especially in computations with decimals.
  • Make generalizations about the difference between products of numbers greater than one and when one number is less than one.
  • Estimation strategies for multiplication and division such as: when the divisor is greater than one, the quotient will be less than the dividend; and when it is less than one, the quotient is greater than the dividend.
See Assessment Example 6E.
6F. Predict experimental probabilities.
  • Conduct and predict outcomes of various experiments, using unequally as well as equally likely outcomes.
  • Recognize events that are certain and events that have no chance of occurring.
  • Explain why a game is fair or unfair.
See Assessment Example 6F.
6G. Make predictions, using unbiased random samples.
  • Collect statistical data from newspapers, magazines, polls.
  • Use spinners, drawing colored blocks from a bag, etc.
  • Explore informally the conditions that must be checked in order to achieve an unbiased random sample (i.e., a set in which every member has an equal chance of being chosen) in data gathering and its practical use in television ratings, opinion polls, and marketing surveys.
See Assessment Example 6G.
6H. Determine probabilities of simple events.
  • Determine the number of ways an event can occur.
  • Use fractional notation to express the probability of an occurrence.
  • Explore problems that involve a systematic identification of ordered arrangements, using models, pictures, lists, or tree diagrams.
See Assessment Example 6H.

Key Idea 7
Patterns/Functions


Students use patterns and functions to develop mathematical power, appreciate the true beauty of mathematics, and construct generalizations that describe patterns simply and efficiently.

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
MAY INCLUDE EXAMPLES
7A. Recognize, describe, extend, and create a wide variety of patterns.
  • Number patterns and sequences.
  • Repeated patterns (abab, etc.).
  • Design patterns.
See Assessment Example 7A.
7B. Represent and describe mathematical relationships.
  • Use symbols <, >, &Mac178;, &Mac179;.
  • Terms at most and at least.
  • Present division facts in more than one way, such as,
    18 ÷ 3 = 18/3.
  • Describe number sequences.
  • Investigate relationships between ad-dition and subtraction; addition and multiplication; subtraction and division; and multiplication and division.
  • Relate fractional notation for tenths, hundredths, thousandths to decimal fraction notation.
  • Consider, discuss, and predict whether the sum, difference, or product of two numbers is odd or even.
  • Relate area and volume formulas to counting squares or blocks.
See Assessment Example 7B.
7C. Explore and express relationships, using variables and open sentences.
  • Solve open sentences with missing information.
  • Use open multiplication and division sentences in situations of equality and inequality.
  • Use formulas to find perimeter and area of geometric shapes.
See Assessment Example 7C.
7D. Solve for an unknown, using manipulative materials.
  • Use counters to solve division problems to find the number of groups possible when each group is a given size, and the number of objects in each group when the number of groups is known.
  • Use counters to explore number patterns like triangular numbers and square numbers.
  • Use counters to help solve problems that can be summarized with open sentences.
  • Use counters to explore or explain commutative and associative properties of addition and multiplication.
See Assessment Example 7D.
7E. Use a variety of manipulative materials and technologies to explore patterns.
  • Use manipulatives or computer programs that allow students to manipulate geometric shapes such as tangrams and pattern blocks.
  • Use manipulatives or calculators to skip count and relate to multiplication.
  • Use manipulative materials and relevant computer software to explore symmetry.
  • Use manipulatives or relevant computer software to explore linear patterns.
See Assessment Example 7E.
7F. Interpret graphs.
  • Find mode, median, mean, and range of a set of data.
  • Compare frequencies within a bar graph or histogram.
  • Describe trends in bar graphs and line graphs.
See Assessment Example 7F.
7G. Explore and develop relationships among two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes.
  • Identify the geometric shapes of the faces of prisms, pyramids, cones, and cylinders.
  • Identify different types of prisms and pyramids.
See Assessment Example 7G.
7H. Discover patterns in nature, art, music, and literature.
  • Find two- and three-dimensional shapes in nature, art, and human-made environment.
  • Find examples of tessellations in the real world.
  • Identify examples of symmetry in nature, art, and music.
  • Relate the concept of fraction to beat value of notes in music ( whole note = one beat, half note = one-half beat, etc.).
  • Relate examples of children’s literature to mathematics for motivation, exploration, and problem solving.
See Assessment Example 7H.

1A.(back to Key Idea table)
Alice started with 8 marbles. She lost 2 marbles. Then she bought 6 new marbles. Which of these statements is true about the number of marbles Alice has now?

1B.(back to Key Idea table)
In these number sentences, the same shape always stands for the same number.

Part A
Use the number sentences to find which numbers the stand for.
Write the correct number in each shape above.

Part B
On the lines below, explain the steps you used to find the answer.




1C.(back to Key Idea table)
Tony and Mara saw 13 clowns at the circus. Each clown was wearing either red, yellow, or green shoes.
• Twice as many clowns were wearing red shoes as yellow shoes.
• There were 4 clowns wearing green shoes.

When they got home from the circus, Mara said there were 6 clowns wearing yellow shoes. Explain whether or not Mara is correct. Include the number of clowns wearing each shoe color.




1D.(back to Key Idea table)
You may use counters to help you solve this problem.

Tina has 3 craft sticks. Tina and Dan together have 5 craft sticks. Dan and Sally together have 7 craft sticks. How many craft sticks does Sally have?

A. 5 C. 3
B. 2 D. 4

2A.(back to Key Idea table)
Label the cookies in the pan to show that
1/3 of them are Oatmeal (O)
1/2 of them are Butter (B), and
the rest are Sugar (S).
What fraction of the cookies on the pan are Sugar?




Answer______________________

2B.(back to Key Idea table)
Use your pattern blocks to help you solve this problem.

How many of the green triangles would be needed to cover exactly 2/3 of this shape?


A. 1
B. 3
C. 6
D. 9

2C(back to Key Idea table)
The students are collecting craft sticks. The pictures below show the number of sticks they collected each week.

How many sticks do the students have after collecting them for 3 weeks?
A. 809
B. 890
C. 806
D. 980


2D.(back to Key Idea table)
Which number would be served next?


2E.(back to Key Idea table)
One hundred students were asked to name their favorite sport. The table below shows the results of the survey.

3A.