4th Grade Math
I feel that all of the math standards involve critical
thinking. Students are constantly making decisions they must be able to support
with their answers. They must find the best way to represent their findings.
Not only must they check their reasoning for finding an answer, but they must
also critique other students’ answers. They must be able to determine whether
answers make sense. This is an important skill when it comes to critical
thinking.
One
particular standard that stuck out to me was:
MCC4.MD.3
Apply the area and perimeter formulas for rectangles in real world and
mathematical problems. For example, find the width of a rectangular room given
the area of the flooring and the length, by viewing the area formula as a
multiplication equation with an unknown factor.
Students must be able to understand finding area and
perimeter of shapes and apply those formulas to real world situations. Students
must be able to come up with situations that they may need to use these formulas
outside of school. To enhance those critical thinking skills, teachers could
have students actually use those situations to complete activities. One piece
of technology students could use to complete the example in the standard is
geometer’s sketchpad. This allows
students to create those shapes and layouts with their equations. The software can also be used with
interactive whiteboards for whole group activity. Does anyone have other pieces
of technology they have used with this type of standard before?
