Build a Two-Step Word Problem

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.3 Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.

Guiding Ideas

Word Problem Mad Lib Multiplication

Hand out the Word Problem Design Sheet Packet and walk your students through the word problem MathLib on page 1. Next, unveil the Big Idea:

Some problems take more than one step to solve.

Student Activities

To begin students will load the attached Word Problem Minecraft world.

Practice problems

Students will go into a world with a partner and will build and peer review math models for four multi-step problems. There are videos included in the NPCs to help show how to build the math models.

Plan the build

After they solve and check their problems with a peer,they will become building partners and plan a build together. Use the workseheet to make a script and story board.

Build the Problem in Minecraft

Partners work together and build the word problem that has:

a. The problem written on a slate

b. The equation on a slate (a x b)+c=d (4x242)+134=1102 and make the math models

c. A setting

d. NPCs as characters (if they finish their builds with time to spare, make the NPCs talk)

Peer Review

Once time has been called, each group will check out another group’s word problem:

a. Is the math correct and how do I know?

b. Is the math model correct?

c. Does the story make sense?

d. What ideas can I think of to improve this set?

e. What ideas did I learn from looking at this set?

Optional: Make a Video explaining your problem.

a) The video should be less then two minutes

Performance Expectations

1. The student was able to identify what mathematical operations to use to solve the problem.

2. The student was able to deconstruct a word problem by identifying the characters, likely setting, the problem, the number family, and the variables.

3. The student was able to independently read and solve a two- step word problem.

4. The student was able to complete the four-question worksheet for homework.

5. The student provided valuable feedback during peer review

6. The student was able to build a word problem story set in Minecraft.