Subject: Math
Lesson Length: 30 - 40 mins
Topic: Operations & Algebraic Thinking; Multiplication/Division Word Problems
Brief Description: Students will use key words to solve word problems involving multiplication and/or division and create a problem solving comic of their own.
Know Before You Start: Students should have prior knowledge of how to use keywords to solve multiplication and division word problems.
Comic 1
Comic 2
Hook:
- Review keywords and/or phrases to look for when solving multiplication and division word problems.
- Discuss Coach Kai’s word problem in Comic 1. Which key words or phrases will help them decide which operation to use? Solve the problem as a class. (Show panels three and four for the solution).
Activity: Students will create a two-panel comic describing how they solved Coach Mel’s cone problem in Comic 2. In the comic, students should explain:
Panel 1:
- Which keywords and/or phrases indicate the needed operation.
- Which operation they’ll need to use (multiplication or division.)
Panel 2:
- A caption showing the equation they’ll use with a symbol for the unknown value.
- An explanation of how they solved the problem.
- The answer to the problem.
*Students can have the option to write and solve their own multiplication and/or division word problem using the same process as above. Students who write their own should create comics that include a minimum of four panels. (See Comic 1 above).
Closure: Students will share their comic with a partner. The partner will determine if they agree with the method and solution of the problem.
Differentiation:
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Scaffold independent work by choosing one sample problem for students working below grade level to complete in pairs or groups.
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Provide visuals/examples of multiplication vs. division word problems.
ELL Support:
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Allow students to work in pairs for peer model.
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Provide sentence frames for students.
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Allow students to write their comic in their home language.
Suggested Content Packs:
Suggested Story Starters: