Measurement: Epic 4th Grade Classroom Mission

Storyline

When a toxic red substance appears in the current under Taipan, the crew must use their unit conversion and word problem skills to figure out what's going on and how to fix it.

First, using their knowledge of word problems, the crew will investigate debris pieces to determine how much of this toxic liquid was released into the ocean. Then, the crew will figure out how much of a neutralizing chemical is needed to counteract the toxin using unit conversions.

Est. time: 37 min.

Targeted Standards

CCSS 4.MD.A.1 Know relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units including km, m, cm; kg, g; lb, oz.; l, ml; hr, min, sec. Within a single system of measurement, express measurements in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Record measurement equivalents in a two-column table.

CCSS 4.MD.A.2 Use the four operations to solve word problems involving distances, intervals of time, liquid volumes, masses of objects, and money, including problems involving simple fractions or decimals, and problems that require expressing measurements given in a larger unit in terms of a smaller unit. Represent measurement quantities using diagrams such as number line diagrams that feature a measurement scale.

3-Dimensional Science

Science and Engineering Practices

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

The crew uses sensors and data to investigate the source of the toxic substance and analyze the debris pieces to calculate the volume.

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

The crew applies mathematical concepts like addition, division, and unit conversion to calculate the volume of the toxic liquid and the time needed for neutralization.

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

The crew discusses and analyzes the data to come to conclusions about the amount of toxic liquid and the quantity of neutralizer required.

Crosscutting Concepts

Patterns

The crew observes patterns in the debris pieces to determine how they fit together and calculate the volume of the toxic substance that was in the container.

Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

The crew uses measurements and data to calculate the volume of the toxic liquid in liters and determines the quantity of neutralizer needed to counteract it.

Riptide