Unit 1, Lesson 12
Tons and Tons of Garbage (Optional)
Grade 5
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 computed volumes. They packed unit cubes inside boxes and found the volume of the box by multiplying the side lengths of the box. In this lesson, they will investigate a real-world problem, using these ideas.
In the first activity, students find different arrangements of 60 shipping containers, assuming that they are cubes. While real shipping containers are not cubes, we can simplify the situation by working with figures that are easier to use. Students are asked to draw a diagram of one of their arrangements.
In the second activity, students estimate the number of shipping containers on a fully loaded cargo ship from a picture.
- Engagement
- MLR7
- Determine an estimate for volume in a real-world problem, and justify (orally and in writing) the estimate.
- Generate different figures composed of rectangular prisms with a given volume.
- Let’s investigate what happens to garbage.
Required Materials
Required Preparation
- Each group of 2 students needs at least 20 connecting cubes.
The lesson integrates California’s Environmental Principles and Concepts with no modifications. If desired, extend the discussion about garbage during the Activity Synthesis of the Warm-up. Ask students what they think the people at school (or in the neighborhood) could do to reduce the amount of garbage produced. (Bring homemade food in reusable containers. Limit the use of napkins or ketchup packets. Compost food scraps and yard trimmings. Recycle paper, metal, glass, and plastic.)
Additionally, during the Activity Synthesis of Activity 2, “How Many Containers on the Ship?,” point out that an equal number of semitrucks will be needed to haul the shipping containers over land. Explain that each shipping container makes up the trailer portion of a semitruck, which amounts to a lot of trucks on the road. Ask students what effect they think transporting garbage around the world has on the environment. (It has a negative effect because it uses many resources and energy and it contributes to pollution.) Challenge students to discuss ways to solve the problem of what to do with garbage. Share responses.
Environmental Principles & Concepts
Teacher Reflection Questions
Who got to do math today in class and how do you know? Identify the norms or routines that allowed those students to engage in mathematics. How can you adjust these norms and routines so all students do math tomorrow?