It is night and the owls are watching in the trees. If I see 12 eyes, how many owls will I find and how many pairs of eyes do I see?
We had been doing an interdisciplinary unit on owls. This problem allows the student to investigate counting by twos and shows their understanding of pairs of objects and number sense. The student work samples were taken from a first grade class. This task provides a concrete example of counting by twos using pairs of eyes. The work will demonstrate the student's understanding of pairs and ability to apply concepts of counting by twos and use problem-solving strategies. In solving this problem, each student was provided with 12-gummed reinforcers. They colored them yellow to represent the eyes of owls. The directions also focused on the word "trees" being plural so they should have drawn more than one tree. 40 minutes This problem was integrated into a science theme about owls through the month of October. The children had the opportunity to investigate six different species of owls and observe a real Screech Owl. The students also compared and contrasted the habits of geese and owls in the fall. Pairs of wings and pairs of feet could also be incorporated into problem-solving activities. Students had many experiences during the week problem solving with pairs of children's eyes, pairs of hands, feet, shoes and Unifix cubes. Errors may be related to an inaccurate understanding of counting by twos and pairs of objects. This task also introduced the concept of even and odd numbers. Time was set aside to have the whole group share solutions and strategies.
- Using real life examples (eyes, hands, ears, feet, shoes)
- Observing a real owl
- Posters or owl puppets (to place pennies or math manipulatives on the eyes)
There are six owls and six pairs of eyes.
Inappropriate procedures were used in labeling the pairs of eyes. The strategy of using numbers did not solve the problem. The explanation could not be understood.
Used numbers as a strategy with a lot of labeling, but inaccurate solution and understanding of pairs. Some explanation was given.
The solution shows a more clear understanding of the task. This solution does not show a lot of labeling, but the picture representation is very clear. The child took risks to write on his/her own and shows an accurate understanding of pairs of eyes and number of owls in the trees.
The solution indicates an excellent understanding of the concept of pairs of eyes through the drawing and labeling with dictation from the child. There is an appropriate use of number strategies and more detailed explanation of the problem-solving activity.
|
