Learning Goals & Products

Learning Goals

1

Students will be able to compare and justify equivalent fractions, including tenths and hundredths, using fraction strips, number lines, benchmark fractions, and common denominators to make balanced serving decisions.

2

Students will be able to multiply whole numbers and fractions by whole numbers to determine snack servings and total portions in menu combinations.

3

Students will be able to use arrays, area models, equations, and the standard algorithm to calculate multi-digit totals, quotients, and remainders for cafeteria menu quantities.

4

Students will be able to communicate and revise a balanced snack menu plan with peers and the cafeteria staff member by using mathematical evidence from models, calculations, and feedback.

Products

individual

Individual Snack Math Research Portfolio

Each student creates a short research portfolio with first-hand evidence from the cafeteria context, including fraction comparisons, serving-size calculations, and a written explanation of one user need. The portfolio also includes an individual testable prototype sketch for a balanced snack idea that can inform the team design.

team

Revised Balanced Snack Menu Poster and Expo Prototype

Teams produce a shared problem statement, a higher-fidelity snack menu poster, and a simple interactive prototype or service demo for the Menu Math Pop-Up. The final presentation shows how individual research shaped the team solution and explains revisions made from peer and cafeteria feedback.

Rubric
Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric
Category
Learning Goal
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Deeper Learning Competencies
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • I can use fraction strips, tiles, or number lines to test whether snack serving combinations look balanced and I can explain my choice with a simple comparison and one multiplication or whole-number counting idea.
  • I can solve menu-math problems by choosing and using a strategy (like equivalent fractions with common denominators or benchmark fractions) to compare unlike fractions and I can show how I used multiplication by a whole number to find servings.
  • I can justify my balanced menu decisions using multiple representations (equations, arrays, area models, and/or drawings) to compare unlike fractions (including pairs that are not factors or multiples) and to compute totals, with clear reasoning that connects my models to the answer.
  • I can independently and efficiently plan, solve, and revise snack-menu portions by selecting the best method (equivalent fractions/benchmarks, common denominators, multiplication, and multi-digit computation) and I can explain my reasoning to others, including why my strategy works even for unlike, non-factor/non-multiple fractions and in response to feedback.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Content Expertise
  • I can use fraction strips, tiles, and benchmarks (like 1/2) to show what a fraction means and compare two fractions that have the same denominator
  • I can multiply a fraction by a whole number to find a serving amount and explain my thinking with a simple model or equation.
  • I can compare fractions with unlike denominators (including ones that are not factors or multiples of each other) by making common denominators or using equivalent fractions and number lines
  • I can multiply a fraction by a whole number and use the result to decide servings, showing my work with drawings (strips/tiles/arrays) and labeled equations.
  • I can justify why my fraction comparison is correct for unlike denominators by using multiple visual models (fraction strips/tiles, benchmark fractions, and number lines) and showing equivalent fractions or common-denominator reasoning
  • I can solve snack-menu problems that involve multi-step fraction and whole-number work (including adding/subtracting or finding totals) and illustrate my multiplication/division/add-subtract strategies with arrays, area models, and equations.
  • I can independently and accurately select the most efficient strategy to compare unlike fractions and explain it clearly (including cases like 4/5 vs 5/6 or 3/8 vs 4/12) using equivalent fractions, common denominators, benchmarks, and proof-style visuals
  • I can solve complex menu problems using multiplication of a fraction by a whole number and multi-digit computation (including dividing with remainders when needed), then use my results to revise and defend a balanced, audience-ready menu plan with precise work and reasoning.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Effective Communication
  • I can explain my fraction comparisons and multiplication steps using drawings (fraction strips, tiles, or arrays) and words so someone else can follow my idea
  • I can point to the math model I used when I share my reasoning in our team pitch.
  • I can communicate my fraction reasoning more clearly by showing equivalent fractions and comparisons (including unlike denominators) with visual models and number lines/benchmarks
  • I can describe how I multiplied a whole number and a fraction by a whole number (or connected multiplication to division) using an equation and a labeled visual.
  • I can present a complete and accurate strategy for my menu choice by connecting fraction comparisons to serving totals with multiple representations (equations plus at least one model such as an array/area model)
  • I can justify how my steps work, answer questions from peers/cafeteria staff, and revise my explanation after feedback.
  • I can communicate a sophisticated, well-organized mathematical proof of my menu math by combining benchmark reasoning, equivalent fractions, and unlike-denominator comparisons with precise equations
  • I can clearly teach others at the expo—using visuals, explaining why my choices are balanced, responding to questions confidently, and improving my work based on feedback.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Collaboration
  • I can work with my team to share ideas for the Balanced Bite Lab and Menu Math Mystery Reveal by taking turns, using the fraction visuals my group chooses, and completing my assigned part of the menu draft.
  • I can collaborate to revise our snack portion work by listening to my teammates’ reasoning, asking clarifying questions, and using their feedback to correct or strengthen one fraction comparison or multiplication step in our visuals and explanations.
  • I can lead productive teamwork by coordinating roles, comparing different strategies (like benchmark fractions, common denominators, and arrays) with my team, and jointly deciding how to represent and justify our choices for unlike denominators and total servings.
  • I can consistently build on others’ thinking by integrating multiple feedback sources to improve our final menu and pitch, explaining my strategy clearly, resolving disagreements with evidence from our fraction and multiplication models, and improving the work so it is ready for the Snack Solve Expo.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Academic Mindset
  • I can use feedback to revise my snack-menu draft by making one clear change to my fraction and multiplication work, and I can explain what I changed and why using pictures, words, or numbers.
  • I can seek and apply feedback to improve my menu calculations, showing that I tried the suggestion and corrected my fraction comparisons and total servings with visual models (fraction strips/tiles/arrays) or equations.
  • I can independently reflect on my strategy for multiplying fractions by whole numbers and comparing unlike fractions, then revise my work to make it clearer and more accurate after feedback, explaining the improvement using math reasoning and evidence.
  • I can consistently improve my menu plan and math proof by using feedback to test, check, and refine my solutions (including multi-step work like totals and division for portions), and I can justify my final choices and revisions with clear visuals, equations, and confidence.