Place Value and Multi-Digit Arithmetic Lesson
Lesson Plan
45 minutesGrades4Mathematics
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Written by Janet Mahedy, Sustainable Jersey for Schools
About this lesson
Students learn about the importance of Big Trees and use mathematical operations to identify Big Trees.
Inquire: Students learn about and discuss the importance of trees.
Investigate: Students use multi-digit subtraction to find the range in the size of Big Trees for their county.
Inspire: Students determine mathematical criteria for what makes a Big Tree.
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Suggestions
- This lesson can be taught during a unit on the addition and subtraction of multi-digit numbers and place value.
- This lesson can be used during April for Earth Day.
- This lesson can be taught in conjunction with a science unit on extreme weather.
- This unit gives students the opportunity to take action to preserve heritage trees by submitting the Big Trees they find to the registry.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 1 of 3 in our 4th grade Math Unit Plan: Big Trees and Erosion.
- Students should have a basic understanding of the standard algorithm for adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers and how to round to the nearest whole number.
- Teachers should visit and navigate the NJ Big and Heritage Tree Registry in order to guide or model for students during the lesson.
- Teachers should print the data for their county using the sort feature of the spreadsheet from NJ Big and Heritage Tree Registry.
- Teachers can have students explore the registry online, but print the data for their county so that students have a workable document from which to analyze the specific data.
- Teachers can explore this article before teaching the lesson for more information about the importance of heritage trees to the Lenape Nation.
Differentiation
- Teachers should be aware that large amounts of data might be overwhelming for some students and may wish to streamline or remove some of the entries that will not impact the analysis.
- Students can use the data from their county and compare it to other counties in New Jersey to determine similarities or differences in measurements to determine possible trends by county.
- More advanced students can use the database provided for all of New Jersey to sort and filter data for their own needs, adding practice in spreadsheet technology.
- Students can further explore the NJDEP Big and Heritage Tree Registry and map, paying particular attention to the Legend and About sections.
From the scientist review
In this lesson, students will gain knowledge about erosion and how it can be prevented. Additionally, they will learn how to use mathematical operations to calculate the difference in circumference, height, and crown of trees as well as their ability to improve the environment and combat climate change in New Jersey. We reviewed the lesson and it has passed our science credibility review.
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About the teacher writers
Janet Mahedy
Janet Mahedy is a middle school mathematics educator with 19 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting) from Montclair University, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Mathematical Foundations from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Janet holds New Jersey Standard Teaching Certification (Nursery School through Grade 8), New Jersey Middle School Mathematics Certification, and New Jersey Educational Supervisor Certification.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Sustainable Jersey is a network and movement of municipalities, schools and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey. Acting with state agencies, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia and industry, Sustainable Jersey researches best practices for what communities could and should do to contribute to a sustainable future.
