Activity
KITES: Cookies: Divide and Conquer, 7 - 8
Subject
Math, Science & Technology
Grade Levels
Intermediate, 7th Grade, 8th Grade
Procedure
- Have students determine the unit cost of items to compare prices. For example, "A 12-ounce bag of chocolate chips costs $2.89. A 20-ounce bag costs $4.49. Explain which is the better buy." Ask students to explore other best buy situations.
- Have students use ratios and proportions to solve scaling problems involving recipes (see Activity Sheet).
- Ask students to collect recipes and develop problems, such as the one on Activity Sheet.
Objectives
Students will:
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions, decimals, and integers.
Explore and use the operations dealing with roots and powers.
Use grouping symbols (parentheses) to clarify the intended order of operations.
Apply the associative, commutative, distributive, inverse, and identity properties.
Demonstrate an understanding of operational algorithms (procedures for adding,
subtracting, etc.).
Develop appropriate proficiency with facts and algorithms.
Apply concepts of ratio and proportion to solve problems.
Source
Adapted from the NYS Department of Education publication, A Toolkit for Mathematics Educators: Key Idea Tasks to Enhance Success (KITES).
Description
At the elementary level, mathematical operations begin with joining, separating, comparing, equalizing, and grouping objects. Students learn to model these relationships with numerals and symbols. Abstraction and generalization of these relationships lead to the basic number facts and properties associated with the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. At the intermediate level, the concepts are expanded to include fractions, decimals, percents, and integers. Students increase proficiency with algorithms (mechanical procedures) as their conceptual understanding develops. At the commencement level, students apply their knowledge of algebraic
abstractions in other areas of study such as geometry, probability, and statistics. Students demonstrate proficiency in operations through applications to and solutions of real-life problems and situations.
Division permeates mathematics at all levels. Students need to recognize situations that require division and be able to represent the problem symbolically. As skill development increases, students apply their knowledge to problem solving. Relating the concept of division to everyday experiences through the use of a cookie theme helps students make connections to the real world. Activities include sharing cookies, purchasing cookies, modifying a cookie recipe, and analyzing cookie package parameters.
Resource/Materials
Activity Sheet
