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Grade 2 Math Units

Unit Plan 36 (Grade 2 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition

Demonstrate Grade 2 mastery with multi-step, real-world math tasks that blend OA, NBT, MD, and G; students model, label units, and defend strategies with clear evidence.

Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

• 5 min read
Unit Plan 36 (Grade 2 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition

Focus: Show what you know with integrated tasks blending OA, NBT, MD, and G; students present and defend reasoning with clear models, units, and explanations.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Mathematics (Comprehensive Spiral)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students apply the year’s learning to authentic, multi-step problems that cut across operations & algebraic thinking, number & place value, measurement & data, and geometry. Teams design solutions, justify methods, and exhibit their work to peers.

Essential Questions

  • How do I choose the most efficient strategy for a problem?
  • What counts as evidence when defending a mathematical decision?
  • How do representations (drawings, number lines, tables/graphs, models) make my argument clear?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

  1. Tackle multi-step problems requiring combined skills from 2.OA, 2.NBT, 2.MD, 2.G.
  2. Select and justify efficient strategies (e.g., tens/ones reasoning, open number line, bar model).
  3. Use representations (drawings, number lines, tables, bar graphs/line plots, shape diagrams) to support claims.
  4. Communicate with precision: correct units/labels, clear numbers/symbols, and reasonableness checks.
  5. Present and defend solutions using math vocabulary; respond to questions and feedback.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 2 (spiral across the unit)

  • 2.OA: One-/two-step word problems; add/sub within 20; arrays/odd-even ideas as needed.
  • 2.NBT: Place value; add/sub within 100 & 1,000; mental 10s/100s; explain strategies.
  • 2.MD: Measure/estimate lengths; add/sub lengths on number lines; time & money; make/interpret data displays.
  • 2.G: Recognize/draw/classify shapes using attributes; partition shapes into equal shares.
  • Mathematical Practices (MP.1–MP.8) threaded throughout.

Success Criteria — Student Language

  • I can plan a multi-step solution, show models, and explain why it works.
  • I can keep units/labels accurate and check if my answer makes sense.
  • I can present my thinking and answer questions using math words and evidence.