Unit 11: Grade 4 Lessons

This lesson is the first of two. Students begin the first three steps of the mathematical modeling process: understanding the situation, analyzing the situation, and creating a mathematical model. From an authentic activity, students work together to come up with a simple model and collect the data.

There are many ways families can support their community’s effort to conserve clean water. In this task children will determine how much water they can save by turning off the water while they brush their teeth. Students will develop understanding of liquid volumes and data collection as they explore ways to conserve water.

This lesson helps to explain what variables are and how we can use them in many different ways. The idea of variables isn't an easy concept to grasp, so we recommend allowing plenty of time for discussion at the end of the lesson.