All grades
Project
4 weeks
"Place Value Adventure: Numbers to the Rescue!"
CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.1
CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.3
CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.4
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager
Purpose
The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in real-world applications of place value through engaging, hands-on projects. By designing a city and participating in a marketplace simulation, students will deepen their understanding of numerical concepts while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skills. This project encourages students to connect mathematical principles to practical scenarios, fostering a sense of identity and belonging within their community.
Learning goals
Students will deepen their understanding of place value by applying it to real-world scenarios, such as designing a city or managing a marketplace. They will develop self-directed learning skills through reflective journaling and peer feedback, enhancing their ability to monitor and guide their own learning. Additionally, students will build an academic mindset by establishing a sense of belonging and identity within the project, while engaging in critical thinking and problem-solving to address complex questions related to place value in community contexts.
Standards
- CCSS.Math.Content.3.NBT.A.1 - Use place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest 10 or 100.
- CCSS.Math.Content.4.NBT.A.3 - Use place value understanding to round multi-digit whole numbers to any place.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NBT.A.4 - Use place value understanding to round decimals to any place.
Competencies
- Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
- Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Throughout the project, students will create a 'Place Value City' using building blocks or digital tools, showcasing their understanding of place value through the design of buildings with varying numbers of floors and rooms. They will also participate in a marketplace simulation, using play money to engage in buying and selling activities that demonstrate their place value calculations. By the end of the project, students will present their city models and share insights from their marketplace experiences, culminating in a comprehensive reflection journal that documents their learning journey and application of place value in real-world contexts.
Launch
Kick off the learning experience with an interactive 'Place Value Adventure' scavenger hunt. Students will work in teams to find and solve place value clues hidden around the classroom. Each clue leads them closer to a final treasure, reinforcing their understanding of place value in a fun and engaging way. This activity sets the stage for collaboration and critical thinking, sparking excitement for the upcoming project.
Exhibition
Host a 'Place Value Expo' where students showcase their 'Place Value City' models and marketplace simulations to parents, teachers, and community members. Invite local architects and grocery store employees to provide feedback and engage with students about their projects. Encourage students to present their reflection journals, highlighting their learning journey and the real-world applications of place value. This event not only celebrates their achievements but also fosters a deeper connection between classroom learning and the community.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Scavenger Hunt Launch - Kick off with a 'Place Value Adventure' scavenger hunt, where students find place value clues around the classroom to reinforce understanding (45 min)
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Place Value Exploration - Introduce place value concepts using hands-on manipulatives like base-ten blocks to visualize the value of each digit in a number (25 min)
Reflection Journals - Begin reflection journals, writing about today's learning and how place value applies to everyday life (20 min)
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Building Blocks City Design - Collaborate in teams to start designing a 'Place Value City' with building blocks, each representing different place values (30 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Share city designs with peers for feedback, focusing on clarity of place value representation (15 min)
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Round Number Practice - Engage in a rounding numbers activity, using place value understanding to round whole numbers to the nearest ten or hundred (20 min)
City Design Revision - Revise 'Place Value City' designs based on peer feedback from the previous session to improve accuracy (25 min)
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Marketplace Simulation Introduction - Explain the upcoming marketplace simulation and introduce play money, emphasizing place value in transactions (20 min)
Reflection Journals - Update reflection journals with insights on city designs and preparation for the marketplace simulation (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed sketches and initial designs of 'Place Value City' buildings.
2. Reflection journal entries documenting learning and challenges. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare place value scavenger hunt clues and materials.
2. Gather building blocks or digital tools for city construction. 3. Coordinate with a local architect for a classroom visit. 4. Set up a feedback session structure for peer review. |
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| Week 2 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Place Value City Construction - Continue building the 'Place Value City,' focusing on accurate representation of place values with building blocks (30 min)
Reflection Journal Entry - Write about the progress made in city construction and how place value is being applied (15 min)
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City Presentation Preparation - Plan and rehearse presentations explaining the place value concepts embedded in the city design (25 min)
Peer Feedback Roundtable - Present city designs to classmates for a roundtable feedback session, emphasizing clarity and creativity in place value use (20 min)
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Marketplace Simulation Setup - Organize the classroom space for the upcoming marketplace simulation, assigning roles and responsibilities (20 min)
Reflection on Feedback - Use peer feedback to refine city designs and document changes in reflection journals (25 min)
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Rounding Numbers Challenge - Participate in a challenge to round multi-digit numbers to any place, applying place value understanding (20 min)
Marketplace Simulation Practice - Engage in practice transactions using play money, focusing on place value in calculations (25 min)
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Marketplace Simulation Execution - Conduct the full marketplace simulation, buying and selling items with a focus on accurate place value calculations (30 min)
Reflection Journal Update - Reflect on experiences in the marketplace simulation, noting successful strategies and areas for improvement (15 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed city layout sketches with assigned place values.
2. Initial 3D models showcasing the base of the 'Place Value City'. 3. Journal entry detailing the week's experiences and learning. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare building blocks and digital modeling tools for city construction.
2. Schedule and coordinate with the visiting architect for the workshop. 3. Set up a feedback session structure, including peer review guidelines. 4. Provide materials for sketching, such as graph paper, pencils, and rulers. 5. Ensure access to reflection journals for students to document their learning. |
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| Week 3 | Day 11 | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
City Design Progress - Continue developing 'Place Value City' models by adding details using place value principles (30 min)
Rounding Practice - Engage in rounding practice, focusing on multi-digit whole numbers to enhance city design accuracy (15 min)
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Marketplace Simulation Setup - Arrange classroom into mini-market stations, preparing for transactions using place value (20 min)
Peer Collaboration - Work alongside peers to strategize buying and selling plans, incorporating place value calculations (25 min)
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Marketplace Simulation Execution - Conduct marketplace simulation, applying place value to calculate costs and change in real-time (30 min)
Reflection Journals - Document insights from the marketplace simulation, focusing on strategic use of place value (15 min)
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Community Partner Interaction - Collaborate with local grocery store staff in the classroom to refine transaction skills and gain feedback (25 min)
City Design Finalization - Finalize 'Place Value City' designs with input from architecture professionals, focusing on numerical accuracy (20 min)
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Place Value Expo Preparation - Prepare for 'Place Value Expo,' organizing materials and rehearsing presentations of city models and marketplace experiences (25 min)
Reflection and Feedback - Engage in a feedback session with peers and community partners, incorporating feedback into final preparations (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed initial design sketches of 'Place Value City' on grid paper.
2. A partially constructed 'Place Value City' using building blocks or digital tools, showcasing understanding of place value and rounding. 3. Reflection journal entries detailing the design process, insights gained from the architect's feedback, and peer review reflections. |
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| Preparation |
1. Prepare grid paper and pencils for initial sketches.
2. Set up digital tools or provide building blocks for city construction. 3. Coordinate with a local architect for a classroom visit or virtual meeting. 4. Ensure access to devices or software needed for digital construction. 5. Create a feedback form template for peer review sessions. |
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| Week 4 | Day 16 | Day 17 | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Expo Presentation Rehearsal - Rehearse presentations for the 'Place Value Expo,' focusing on clear communication of place value concepts in city models and marketplace experiences (25 min)
Expo Setup - Organize the classroom space for the 'Place Value Expo,' setting up display areas for city models and marketplace simulation documentation (20 min)
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Final Reflection Journal Entry - Reflect on the entire project journey, documenting personal growth, challenges overcome, and key learnings about place value (20 min)
Final Touches on Projects - Add any last-minute details to the 'Place Value City' models and prepare final marketplace simulation summaries, ensuring all components are ready for the expo (25 min)
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Peer Feedback Exchange - Participate in a peer review session, sharing final projects and offering constructive feedback to classmates on their presentations and designs (25 min)
Incorporate Feedback - Refine projects and presentations based on peer feedback, focusing on enhancing clarity and accuracy in place value representation (20 min)
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Community Partner Feedback - Engage with local architects and grocery store employees to receive expert feedback on city designs and marketplace strategies (25 min)
Final Adjustments - Make final adjustments to projects based on community partner feedback, ensuring all elements align with real-world applications of place value (20 min)
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Place Value Expo - Host the 'Place Value Expo,' presenting city models and marketplace simulations to parents, teachers, and community members, demonstrating understanding and application of place value (45 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completed 'Place Value City' model with a clear explanation of place value application.
2. Presentation for the 'Place Value Expo' including an oral explanation and visual components. 3. Reflection journal entry summarizing the learning experience and feedback received during the expo. |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure all building blocks or digital tools required for the 'Place Value City' models are available and organized.
2. Arrange for the participation of local architects and grocery store employees for the expo and community debrief. 3. Prepare the classroom space for the 'Place Value Expo,' including display tables and necessary technology for presentations. 4. Provide students with guidelines and templates for their presentations and reflection journals. 5. Organize feedback forms for peers and community members to use during the expo. |
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