Unit Plan 36 (Grade 4 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition
Show mastery across operations, place value, fractions, measurement, and geometry as students solve multi-step tasks, choose efficient strategies, model thinking clearly, and defend solutions with precise units and reasoning.
Focus: Show what you know with integrated tasks blending OA, NBT, NF, MD, and G; students present and defend reasoning with clear models, units, and explanations.
Grade Level: 4
Subject Area: Mathematics (Comprehensive Spiral)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
This capstone week invites students to apply the year’s learning in authentic, multi-step problems that cut across operations & algebraic thinking, place value/multi-digit computation, fractions, measurement & data, and geometry. Teams plan approaches, create representations, justify decisions, and exhibit their work.
Essential Questions
- How do I choose the most efficient strategy across multiple domains?
- What counts as evidence when defending a mathematical decision?
- How do representations (tables, diagrams, number lines, coordinate grids, equations) strengthen a clear argument?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Tackle multi-step, real-world problems requiring combined skills from 4.OA, 4.NBT, 4.NF, 4.MD, 4.G.
- Select and justify efficient strategies (e.g., equivalent fractions vs. decimals, unit conversions vs. scaling).
- Use representations (area/perimeter sketches, number lines, line plots, coordinate grids) to support claims.
- Communicate with precision: correct units, labels, and reasonableness checks.
- Present and defend solutions using mathematical language, responding to questions and counterexamples.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4 (spiral across the unit)
- 4.OA: Solve multi-step word problems; represent with equations; analyze patterns & rules.
- 4.NBT: Use place value understanding; perform multi-digit addition, subtraction, multiplication, division (by 1-digit).
- 4.NF: Explain equivalence; compare; add/subtract (like denominators); multiply fractions by whole numbers; connect to decimals.
- 4.MD: Measurement conversions within a system; perimeter/area of rectangles; line plots with fractional data; angles.
- 4.G: Draw/identify lines, angles; classify figures; symmetry.
- 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 choose fractions/decimals and units strategically and check reasonableness.
- I can present my thinking and answer questions using math vocabulary and evidence.