Learning Goals & Products

Learning Goals

1

Students will be able to investigate and solve whole-number division problems in food pantry sharing contexts using partial quotients, ratio tables, open arrays, and division notation to make sense of fair shares.

2

Students will be able to interpret and explain fraction division in pantry scenarios by connecting unit fractions and whole numbers to visual models, equations, and fair-share reasoning.

3

Students will be able to calculate and justify decimal sums, differences, products, and quotients to hundredths using place-value strategies and written methods in inventory and package-size problems.

4

Students will be able to analyze patterns when multiplying and dividing whole numbers and decimals by powers of 10 using exponents, place value, and the movement of digits and decimal points.

5

Students will be able to use rates and equivalent ratios to compare package sizes, inventory amounts, and family needs in pantry distribution problems.

6

Students will be able to evaluate the reasonableness and limitations of their division-based conclusions by checking estimates, identifying anomalies, and stating what their method did and did not test.

Products

individual

Division Detective Investigation Notebook

A structured notebook showing each student’s question, estimate, chosen method, raw calculations, model work, and short analysis for multiple pantry problems. It serves as evidence of individual mastery of whole-number, decimal, fraction, and rate reasoning.

team

Pantry Math Museum Investigation Report and Data Display

A team report and presentation that synthesizes members’ evidence into a shared conclusion about fair pantry distribution. The display must include models, calculations, graphs or tables, limitations, and one next-step question for the local pantry partner.

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 estimate and solve simple pantry-sharing problems by choosing an appropriate division strategy (like drawings, equal groups, or a basic ratio table) and explaining my steps using math words and a label for the quantities (whole, unit fraction, or decimal).
  • I can solve multi-step pantry-sharing problems by selecting and using a tool (ratio table, open array, or division notation) that matches the situation, showing the connection between my model and division (fraction division or rates) with clear equations.
  • I can compare different ways to share supplies fairly and efficiently by checking reasonableness of quotients and rates, using place-value reasoning (including powers of 10) and adjusting my strategy when my estimate doesn’t fit the pantry data.
  • I can independently plan and justify a complete solution for a real pantry decision by integrating whole-number, fraction, and decimal division (and rate ideas), using equations and visual models to show why my method is efficient and fair, and addressing errors or ambiguity in my reasoning.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Effective Communication
  • I can clearly explain my division solution with a basic sentence and show my work using one model (like a ratio table, open array, or division notation) for a single pantry-sharing step
  • I can label key numbers (whole, fraction, or decimal) and describe what they mean in the context of sharing supplies.
  • I can explain my division strategy with multiple steps by connecting my model (ratio table, open array, or division notation) to the problem situation from the pantry clues
  • I can justify why I chose that strategy and write an equation that matches my visuals, including unit-fraction or whole-number division or division leading to a mixed/fraction answer.
  • I can communicate a complete and accurate reasoning process for whole-number, fraction, or decimal division by showing how my calculations connect to the chosen model and context
  • I can use place-value or fraction/decimal relationships to support my method (including rates where needed), and I can explain why my quotient answers are reasonable.
  • I can communicate a sophisticated, audience-ready explanation of a multistep pantry decision using precise math language and a well-organized visual model
  • I can compare strategies (e.g., open array vs
  • ratio table vs
  • division notation), reference patterns (like powers of 10 or how a/b = a ÷ b), and respond to feedback to improve clarity, accuracy, and the fairness of my recommendation.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Content Expertise
  • I can model and solve division situations from the pantry context using visual fraction models or simple pictures, and I can explain that a fraction like a/b means a ÷ b
  • I can write a basic division equation to match the story problem and use a reasonable estimate to check if my answer makes sense.
  • I can choose and carry out a strategy to compute whole-number quotients (up to four-digit dividends and two-digit divisors) using place value, arrays/area models, or relationships to multiplication, and I can show my thinking with equations
  • I can also divide a unit fraction by a whole number or a whole number by a unit fraction and represent the result with a clear model (like a fraction strip) and a written equation.
  • I can solve multi-step pantry problems that include whole-number division, unit-fraction division, and decimal operations to hundredths, selecting efficient tools (ratio tables, open arrays, division notation, and/or partial quotients) that match the question
  • I can explain why my chosen strategy works, connect my visual model to the written method, and check reasonableness using estimation and/or patterns with powers of 10.
  • I can independently select, justify, and refine strategies to compare and share pantry supplies fairly and efficiently using division and rates/ratios (including fraction division by a whole number and whole number division by a unit fraction)
  • I can accurately compute decimal and whole-number quantities to hundredths, illustrate calculations with appropriate representations (arrays/area models/notation), and clearly communicate patterns in quotient size and powers of 10 with strong accuracy and evidence from the problem context.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Collaboration
  • I can take on a simple role in my team (like using tools, writing, or checking steps) and follow agreed-upon directions to solve a pantry-sharing problem
  • I can share my part of the work and ask one clarifying question when something is unclear.
  • I can work with my team to plan and divide tasks so we all contribute to the same ratio table/open array/division model
  • I can explain my reasoning for how we estimated and computed a fair share, and I can respond to feedback by making small revisions to our work.
  • I can collaborate to choose an efficient strategy for whole-number, decimal, or fraction division and build a clear model together
  • I can compare our approaches, agree on next steps using evidence from our calculations and representations, and revise our solution after feedback from partners during the gallery walk.
  • I can lead productive collaboration by organizing our process, making sure everyone participates, and using math ideas to support fair decisions about strategy choice
  • I can justify and refine our multistep pantry recommendation by integrating teammates’ and visitors’ feedback, and I can clearly communicate how our model matches the problem context with accurate calculations and representations.
Deeper Learning Competencies
Academic Mindset
  • I can notice what the pantry-sharing problem is asking and try a strategy by using my notes (e.g., models like ratio tables or division notation) to estimate, calculate, and check if my answer makes sense.
  • I can set a clear next step for my work (estimate first, choose a tool, compute, then verify) and use feedback from partner discussions or a gallery-walk comment to revise my solution and explain what I changed.
  • I can independently choose among multiple division strategies (whole numbers, decimals, or unit-fraction division) and justify why my method fits the pantry context, using evidence from calculations and models to support my reasoning.
  • I can sustain a strong plan for solving and improving my pantry recommendation by independently testing strategies, using patterns (like place value and powers of 10) to make sense of results, and reflecting on how my mathematical choices lead to fair, reasonable decisions for different families.