1st Grade  Project 4 weeks

Mystery Number Quest

Katie M
KY.1.OA.3
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Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic exploration of addition and subtraction through the lens of real-world problem-solving. By transforming into math detectives, they will uncover hidden clues and solve mysteries using unknown addends, fostering critical thinking and collaboration. This hands-on project aims to deepen their understanding of mathematical operations while developing essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and perseverance. Through community partnerships and peer feedback, students will refine their strategies and confidently present their findings in a culminating exhibition.

Learning goals

Students will develop the ability to apply properties of operations to solve addition and subtraction problems with unknown addends using everyday objects. They will enhance their problem-solving skills by working collaboratively in student groups and engaging in peer feedback during a classroom gallery walk. Through the 'Math Detective Day' and final exhibition, students will demonstrate their understanding by teaching life skills related to addition and subtraction to their peers and the school community.
Standards
  • [Kentucky] KY.1.OA.3 - Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract.

Products

Students will create a series of interactive storyboards using everyday objects to illustrate and solve addition and subtraction problems with unknown addends. Each storyboard will depict a real-world scenario, such as sharing snacks or distributing toys, where students demonstrate their problem-solving strategies. These storyboards will be displayed during a classroom gallery walk, allowing peers to engage with and critique each other's work. The final product will be a collaborative class book compiling all storyboards, showcasing the diverse strategies and solutions developed throughout the project.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Math Detective Day' where students don detective hats and embark on a classroom adventure. They will solve mysteries involving addition and subtraction problems with unknown addends, using clues strategically placed around the room. This engaging start will spark curiosity and set the stage for the upcoming weeks of exploration and discovery.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Math Detective Showcase" where they present their problem-solving strategies and solutions to addition and subtraction mysteries with unknown addends. Each student will display their detective work, including the everyday objects they used to create their problems, in a classroom transformed into a detective agency. The entire grade, teachers, and administration will be invited to tour the gallery, engage with the students, and ask questions about their mathematical discoveries. This exhibition will not only celebrate the students' learning but also encourage them to articulate their thought processes and strategies effectively.