Lesson Plan
Come "Array" With Us
In this scavenger hunt lesson, students will look for rectangular arrays within their school environment. Whether it is a set of cubbies or windows, students will see that arrays are all around us.
Grade:
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Learning Objectives
- Students will use addition to find the total number of objects arranged in a rectangular array.
- Students will write an equation to express the total as a sum of equal addends.
Introduction
(10 minutes)- Pass out math journals or lined sheets of paper, and ask students if they know what an array is. Give students a few minutes to write their response, and tell them to be prepared to share with the class.
- As students share responses, write down key points on the whiteboard or chart paper. For example: Arrays = rows, columns, rectangular, equal groups, addition, etc.
- Write down the term array on the board or chart paper, and define it as an arrangement of objects, pictures, or numbers in columns and rows.
- Have students recopy the definition in their journal or on lined paper. This will allow students to make a comparison to their initial response.
- Next, draw an example of an array for students, and have them copy it in their notes.
- Tell students that based on the definition of an array, they will do a school scavenger hunt to find real life examples of arrays. In addition, they will take a picture of their array, identify the rows and columns, and write and solve for a matching addition equation.
Beginning
- Provide the definition of array in English and student's home language (L1) if possible.
- Show students a few photographs that show arrangements of arrays in real life context.
Intermediate
- Encourage students to explain what an array is in their own words.
- Ask students to explain what concepts like equal groups and addition are in their own words.