Curriculum Tie:

• Mathematics
  4th Grade
  Standard 2
  Objective 1

Summary:
Students will use square tiles to help them understand the concept of square numbers.

Main Curriculum Tie:
Mathematics - 4th Grade
Standard 1 Objective 1
Demonstrate multiple ways to represent whole numbers and decimals, from hundredths to one million, and fractions.

Materials:

• square tiles
• Square Facts Worksheet
• crayons
• Sea Squares, by Joy N. Hulme. 2001 (Buena Vista Books, Inc.)

Attachments

• square_facts_worksheet.pdf
  

Background For Teachers:
A squared number is a number that is a result of multiplying an integer by itself. Any squared number of counters can be arranged in a square array. You can write each squared number as a product using an exponent.

4² = 16

“Four squared equals sixteen, or four to the second power equals sixteen.”

Intended Learning Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate a positive learning attitude toward mathematics.
2. Become mathematical problem solvers.
3. Reason mathematically.
4. Communicate mathematically.
5. Make mathematical connections.
6. Represent mathematical situations.

Instructional Procedures:
Invitation to Learn
Read the book Sea Squares. Ask: “What are squared numbers?”

Instructional Procedures

1. Have students use square tiles to build a 1 x 1 square, 2 x 2 square, 3 x 3 square, etc.
2. Record the total number of cubes added to make each new square, perimeter, and total squares.
3. Have students look for patterns and record them on a chart. (For example, students may describe patterns they see in the “growing squares,” such as the fact that new squares add change in a predictable way–it increases by the next odd number with each new square.)

Extensions:
Possible Extensions/Adaptations/Integration
Color in the square numbers on a multiplication chart. Look for patterns (e.g., the square numbers are on a diagonal, the square numbers increase by 2 each time, etc.) Use the calculator to further explore square numbers.

Homework &Family Connections
Ask students to look for arrays at home and record them. Which arrays form a perfect square? Some students may want to bring in arrays to show the class.

Assessment Plan:
Journal: Have students explain what square numbers are. Use pictures, words and numbers to explain what 5² is.

Author:
Utah LessonPlans

Created Date :
Aug 29 2003 08:53 AM