Topic:
Journals and Order of Operations
Grade Level Category:
4 - 6
Strategy:
Journal entries
Objectives Being Assessed:
- Understanding the use of parentheses in mathematical sentences - Do the students understand why parentheses are needed?
- Writing problems containing parentheses - Can students transfer knowledge of how to solve these problems to how to write them?
Materials Required:
One or both journal entry pages or write the assignments on the board to be copied by students, calculators
Description of the Activity:
These journal assignments followed instruction on solving problems which contain equations and order of operations. Journal entry P - 1 was used early in instruction to determine if students were developing an understanding of why parentheses are needed in problems and not just repeating the required steps. I allowed students to work with partners because some of the students' by further instruction as needed. Journal entry P -2 was used later to determine if students could or would write problems with parentheses. Brief prior instruction had been given on how to do it. Students were allowed to use calculators but worked independently.
Scoring Rubric
2 - Full understanding of assignment and/or objectives. Assignment is complete and correct.
1 - Attempts assignment but does not follow through to completion or attempt does not show understanding.
0 - No attempt to complete assignment.
P -1
DATE: _______________
Explain why (4 + 6) - 2 equals 4 + (6 - 2)
but (4 x 6) - 2 does not equal 4 x (6 - 2)?
P -2
DATE: _______________
Write as many problems as you can think of with the answer ________. You will get one point for each problem but two points if you correctly use parentheses.
PREDICT: How many points do you think you can score?
Were you able to meet or beat your score?
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