Mathematic Native American Myths

Native American Word Problems

Grade Level : Fourth

Integrated Subjects: Math and reading

Objectives: Tell the student what they are going to learn! (Blooms Taxonomy)

-The students will...

1. Identify (knowledge) the correct approach in solving a variety of word problems dealing with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in which they relate to a Native American myth or legend.

2. Discuss (comprehension) each particular legend and the correct approach to solving the word problems that relate to the legend as a whole group.

3. Solve (application) a variety of selected word problems by reading the myth and working out the math equations to communicate their answers to their group.

4. Develop (synthesis) their own two-step word problem that relates to their Native American legend.

TEKS met:

(4.10) Reading / Comprehension: The student comprehends selections using a variety of strategies

(B): Establish and adjust purposes for reading, such as reading to find out, to understand, to interpret, to enjoy, and to solve problems.

(4.12) Reading / Text structures / literary concepts: The student analyzes the characteristics of various types of texts (genres)

(G): Understand literary forms by recognizing and distinguishing among such types of text as stories, poems, myths, fables, tall tales, limericks, plays, biographies, and autobiographies

(4.3) Number and operations:

(A) Use addition and subtraction to solve problems involving whole numbers

(4.4) Number, operation, and quantitative reasoning:

(D) Use multiplication to solve problems involving two-digit numbers

(4.14) Underlying processes and mathematical tools:

(B) Use a problem-solving model that incorporates understanding the problem, making a plan, carrying out the plan, and evaluating the solution for reasonableness

(C) Select or develop an appropriate problem-solving strategy, including drawing a picture, looking for a pattern, systematic guessing and checking, acting it out, making a table, working a simpler problem, or working backwards to solve a problem

Multiple Intelligences: Howard Gardner

-Verbal / Linguistic: The students read and discuss their assigned Native American legends as well as read and write out to solve math word problems.

-Math / Logic: The students are working with Native American legends to work out math problems. The students use many problem-solving strategies.

-Spatial: The students design their own picture to tell the legend and develop their own math word problem to present to the class.

-Intrapersonal: The students sit in groups of four but work on their own when solving word problems.

Materials: Paper, pencil, chalk, handouts of legends, handouts of word problems and overhead projector

Rationale:

The teacher would establish instructional relevance by presenting everyday real life situations that require some type of problem solving. For example the teacher could simply ask questions that deal with money, time or distance in which each can be related to real life scenarios.

Focus / Set

Introduction: To grab hold of the students attention the teacher would read aloud one of the six Native American legends provided for this lesson. As the teacher reads the students listen and think of some opportunities in the legend for math world problems. After the read aloud the teacher would ask the students what the legend was about and discuss that legends are a type of non-fiction that we read to be entertained as well as to gain knowledge about a time and culture.

Instructional Input: After the short discussion on myths and legends the teacher would have the students identify the parts to a world problem. Together the teacher and the students construct a class example of a math world problem (how problems begin and end). Some word problems tell a story and others do not. The teacher will specify that all the word problems assigned and created by the students tell a story and relate to a Native American legend.

Guided Practice:

The teacher then demonstrates and works out a word problem that is related to the legend read aloud in class. Together the students as a whole class will discuss the parts of the problem and how it relates in some way to the legend. After the students help the teacher work out the problem, the teacher will ask the students if they could think of another word problem for the class to do. Through this exploration the teacher will have wonderful opportunities to point out good and bad examples of what to do when writing out a math problem that makes sense. The teacher would then pass out legends to the students.

Cooperative Grouping:

The students are then put into groups of two to read aloud their assigned legends. Each child is to then discuss their legend and brainstorm ideas on how to create their own math world problem.

Independent Practice:

The students will work alone to solve the four word problems assigned to their Native American legend.

Closure:

Extensions and Modifications:

For this lesson I made sure to vary the difficulty in the word problems.

Evaluation:

The teacher would use the solved math word problems as well as the student created word problems for the lesson assessment.

Mathematic Native American Myths
Fourth Grade - Math Curriculum

Click on image above to view all legends and word problems