Unit 4, Lesson 23
Bees are Buzzing (Optional)
Grade 4
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
This lesson is optional because it does not address any new mathematical content standards. This lesson does provide students with an opportunity to apply precursor skills of mathematical modeling (MP4). In previous lessons, students developed place value understanding for numbers up to 1,000,000 and rounded, added, and subtracted numbers in this range. In this lesson, they apply their understanding and skills to make sense of facts about insects and investigate how an insect population changes over time.
- Representation
- MLR5
- Explain (orally) strategies for solving problems that involve adding and subtracting multi-digit whole numbers.
- Interpret (orally) multi-digit whole numbers in a real-world context.
- Let’s investigate insect populations.
Required Preparation
None
Suggested Centers
NoneThe lesson integrates California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts with no modifications. If desired, you can extend the discussion of bees in the Launch of Activity 2, “Bee Population.” Ask students to think about what could cause a bee population to change in size.
- “What are some natural causes?” (drought, disease, competition with other species)
- “What are some human-made causes?” (bug sprays, habitat destruction)
Invite students to conduct research to determine why bees are important and the ways that people can help them to thrive and survive. Students can share their findings in creative ways (e.g., illustrations, podcasts, print or digital board games).
Environmental Principles & Concepts
Teacher Reflection Questions
As students worked together today, where did you see evidence of a mathematical community?