Creative Writing in the Math Classroom

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Constructed Response writing and Performance Events are designed to keep pace with changes in assessment. Constructed Response questions require students to supply, rather than select, an appropriate response. Also referred to as Open-Ended Response, Constructed Response usually supports more than one solution process and a wider range of possible responses.  Performance events, requiring students to apply skills, also support a multi-solution process. This unit combines knowledge of current events with traditional math skills; culminating in a fun performance event that allows students to create their own solutions to the problem.

OBJECTIVE
Students Will:

1. Explore cause and effect in relation to gas prices.
2. Analyze information on a Pie Chart.
3. Working within defined parameters; develop a budget for a trip.
4. Estimate distances and costs.
5. Substantiate appropriate methods of calculations.
6. Create an appropriate constructed response.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Interpreting Pie Charts
Lesson 2: Budgeting for a Trip
Lesson 3: Writing Constructed Responses

REPRODUCIBLES
Read a Pie Chart (PDF)
Project Outline Sheet (PDF)
Calculating Vacation Costs (PDF)
Calculating Vacation Costs Worksheet (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Design a travel brochure showcasing your itinerary. These can feature real photos, prices, maps, charts. Display these after they have been presented to the class.

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books to Teach and Motivate Math Related Creative Writing

New Creations from Six Simple Machines
Students explore simple machines and their importance in the development of modern technology.

American Journeys: California
Welcome to American Journeys: Learn About California-a dynamic educational program developed for fourth graders that encourages the use of language...

ARTICLE	Send-Home Activities: Ideas to Help Families Support Abstract Thinking Clements and Sarama describe how to help children develop abstract-thinking skills through classroom math activities. For more information, see the related main article, Building Abstract Thinking Through Math, linked to this page.
LESSON PLAN	Interpreting Pie Charts Recommends a lesson in real-world math. This lesson discusses current gas prices and has students use pie charts to budget for a road trip.
ONLINE ACTIVITY	Math Hunt: Extreme Weather This content resource is a Math Hunt educational game. Students apply math skills and concepts within a meteorology context.