For the Teacher

Teacher Overview

This unit is designed for grades 3-4, but could be modified for other grade levels as well. It is designed to integrate measurement and graphing with the creation of a digital infographic. Throughout the unit, students chart the growth of a grow creature. After collecting data, students analyze the results, and represent their data in a visually effective way.

It is designed to address common core math standards of measurement and graphing, as well as the science and engineering standards of analyzing and interpreting data. It increases engagement due to the built-in inquiry and because of the playful nature of using grow creatures. Students also learn to effectively communicate results using digital media.

Materials required:

- One growth creature per group (or one for the class). Find these at your local dollar store, or order online here: http://www.teachersource.com/product/large-gro-beast-alligator/chemistry

- One plastic shoebox tub per group

- Water, and various liquid measuring tools

- One or more balance

- Metric and customary weights

- Metric and customary rulers (Find in Printables if needed)

- Graph paper (find in Printables if needed)

- Computers or iPads

- Growth Recording Sheet (find in Printables)

Suggested Time for Unit: 6 - 8 class sessions. This can be taught as a stand-alone unit in that amount of time, or while a unit on measurement and/or graphing takes place if you follow a strict pacing guide.

Students need opportunities to explore and figure out answers on their own. They tend to have difficulty memorizing information related to measurement and capacity if they haven't had the opportunity to play with these tools and discover what works and what doesn't. The Arts are integrated as part of the culminating activity once students have worked through gathering their results. They are a crucial part of the process, because in the real world, results don't mean much unless they can be communicated effectively. Through examining infographics, students will work through many of the 21st Century Skills for Learning and develop a better visual understanding of representing data. As a bonus, they will gain skills related to technology.

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CORE Standards Addressed

Common Core Standards for Mathematics:

Represent and interpret data.

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.B: Draw a scaled picture graph and a scaled bar graph to represent a data set with several categories. Solve one- and two-step "how many more" and "how many less" problems using information presented in scaled bar graphs. For example, draw a bar graph in which each square in the bar graph might represent 5 pets.

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.B.4: Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units— whole numbers, halves, or quarters.

Science and Engineering Practices

• Analyzing data in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to introducing quantitative approaches to collecting data and conducting multiple trials of qualitative observations. When possible and feasible, digital tools should be used.

• Represent data in graphical displays (bar graphs, pictographs and/or pie charts) to reveal patterns that indicate relationships.

Media Arts Standard

MA:Re7.1.3 Perceive and analyze artistic work.

a.Identify and describe how messages are created by components in media artworks.

b.Identify and describe how various forms, methods, and styles in media artworks manage audience experience.

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Additional Standards Addressed

These are the standards which are also addressed in the unit, but which are not the focus for assessment of skills and process.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics

Solve problems involving measurement and estimation.

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.A: Measure and estimate liquid volumes and masses of objects using standard units of grams (g), kilograms (kg), and liters (l). Add, subtract, multiply, or divide to solve one-step word problems involving masses or volumes that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as a beaker with a measurement scale) to represent the problem.

Mathematical Practices:

• MP.2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively. (5-ESS1-2)

• MP.4 Model with mathematics. (5-ESS1-2)

Science & Engineering Practices

Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 3–5 builds on K–2 experiences and progresses to the use of evidence in constructing explanations that specify variables that describe and predict phenomena and in designing multiple solutions to design problems.

• Use evidence (e.g., observations, patterns) to support an explanation. (3-LS3-2)

• Use evidence (e.g., observations, patterns) to construct an explanation. (3-LS4-2)

Crosscutting Concepts:

Patterns: Patterns of change can be used to make predictions. (3-LS1-1)

Cause and Effect: Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified and used to explain change. (3-LS3-2),(3-LS4-2)

Common Core State Standards Connections:

ELA/Literacy:

SL.5.5 Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes. (5-ESS1-2)

Visual Arts:

MA:Pr5.1.3 Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.

a. Exhibit developing ability in a variety of artistic, design, technical, and organizational roles, such as making compositional decisions, manipulating tools, and group planning in media arts productions.

b. Exhibit basic creative skills to invent new content and solutions within and through media arts productions.

c. Exhibit standard use of tools and techniques while constructing media artworks.

Printables

You can download this PDF packet of all the printable documents in this unit. This may save you time when looking for handouts. Simply download the packet, select the printable handout you want students to use and make as many copies as necessary for your class.

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Assessment

This unit has a performance-based assessment. The math is assessed using chapter tests for measurement and graphing. Students self and peer assess using a "grow and glow" feedback form.

Students infographics are scored with a rubric, found here.