Standard 5.3 Mathematical Applications

All students will integrate mathematics as a tool for problem-solving in science, and as a means of expressing and/or modeling scientific theories.

Big Idea: Science cannot be practiced or learned without appreciation of the role of mathematics in discovering and expressing natural laws. Tables, graphs, and equations are alternative ways of representing information or relationships, each with advantages and disadvantages.

5.3 A. Numerical Operations,

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- How do we use mathematics to model objects, events and relationships in science?

- Mathematics is a tool used to model objects, events, and relationships in the natural and designed world.

Areas of Focus/Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 4:

1.         Determine the reasonableness of estimates, measurements, and computations of quantities when doing science.

Instructional/Assessment Focus:
􀂃 Students use estimation to determine the reasonableness of measurements, and computations, whether done using pencil and paper or calculators.

Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategy:
􀂃 Incorporate estimation in measurement activities (e.g., estimate before measuring).

2.         Recognize and comprehend the orders of magnitude associated with large and small physical quantities. 

3.         Express quantities using appropriate number formats, such as:

                ·        integers.

                ·        fractions.

Instructional/Assessment Focus:
􀂃 How a number is written says something about how precise the measurement was made.
􀂃 Specifying the unit of measurement is always necessary.
􀂃 These principles can be treated as general ideas and obvious examples can be provided. Teachers should not require the memorization of sophisticated rules.

5.3 B. Geometry and Measurement

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- How do we use mathematics to model objects, events and relationships in science?

- Mathematics is a tool used to model objects, events, and relationships in the natural and designed world.

Areas of Focus/Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 4:

1.         Select appropriate measuring instruments based on the degree of precision required.

Instructional/Assessment Focus:
􀂃 Measurements are likely to yield slightly different numbers, even if what is being measured stays the same.

2.         Use a variety of measuring instruments and record measured quantities using the appropriate units.

Instructional/Assessment Focus:
􀂃 When recording and reporting measurements, it is important for students to include the units. Three degrees Fahrenheit is different from three centimeters and three miles is different from three miles per hour.

Suggested Instructional/Assessment Strategy:
􀂃 Students use, thermometers, watches, balances, spring scales, hand lenses, probe ware and/or computers, to take and record measurements. (height of plants over time, temperature of water in an aquarium, outdoor temperature, wind speed, etc).

5.3 C. Patterns and Algebra

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- How do we use mathematics to model objects, events and relationships in science?

- Mathematics is a tool used to model objects, events, and relationships in the natural and designed world.

Areas of Focus/Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 4:

1.         Identify patterns when observing the natural and constructed world

5.3 D. Data Analysis and Probability

Essential Questions

Enduring Understandings

- How do we use mathematics to model objects, events and relationships in science?

- Mathematics is a tool used to model objects, events, and relationships in the natural and designed world.

Areas of Focus/Cumulative Progress Indicators

Comments and Examples

By the end of Grade 4:

1.         Use tables and graphs to represent and interpret data.