Unit Plan 22 (Grade 5 Math): Coordinate Plane—Plotting in the First Quadrant
5th graders learn to plot and interpret points on a coordinate plane’s first quadrant, using axes, origin, and ordered pairs to represent and solve real-world position and data problems.
Focus: Define axes, coordinates, and origin; plot and interpret points in real-world and mathematical situations using the first quadrant of the coordinate plane.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Mathematics (Geometry)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students construct a coordinate plane in the first quadrant and learn how ordered pairs (x, y) locate points using distances from the y-axis (x) and x-axis (y). They apply plotting to maps, grids, and data displays, and they interpret coordinates to answer questions about real contexts (distance, position changes, and relationships between two quantities).
Essential Questions
- How do the x-axis, y-axis, and origin define locations on a grid?
- What does each number in an ordered pair (x, y) tell me about a point’s position?
- How can I represent and interpret real situations by plotting points in the first quadrant?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify the x-axis, y-axis, origin, and first quadrant; label axes with scales and units.
- Plot ordered pairs (x, y) and explain that the x-coordinate is the horizontal distance from the y-axis and the y-coordinate is the vertical distance from the x-axis.
- Represent real-world and mathematical problems by graphing points and interpreting coordinates (e.g., location on a map, progress charts).
- Read and generate coordinate pairs from a graph to answer questions about position and change.
- Communicate reasoning with precise vocabulary, units, and clear labels.
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5
- 5.G.1: Use a coordinate system with perpendicular number lines, the origin, and ordered pairs to identify locations in the first quadrant; understand the role of the order in ordered pairs.
- 5.G.2: Represent real-world and mathematical problems by graphing points in the first quadrant and interpret the coordinate values in context.
- Mathematical Practices emphasized: MP.1 (persevere), MP.2 (quantitative reasoning), MP.4 (model), MP.5 (tools), MP.6 (precision), MP.7 (structure).
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can label the x-axis, y-axis, and origin, and set a sensible scale.
- I can plot a point from an ordered pair (x, y) and explain what each number means.
- I can graph points from a real situation and interpret what the coordinates tell me.
- I can read coordinates from a graph and answer questions with units and clear labels.