The Emancipators!
Day 13
Math Lesson
Solving Some Problems From the Civil War!
Topic: Solving Math word problems dealing with the Civil War
Standards: (As based on the Iowa Core Curriculum)
Content Standard 3: Students can solve a variety of math problems.
Benchmark 1: Students can solve math problems.
Solve single-step and multi-step math problems
Benchmark 2:
Students can understand and apply problem solving approaches and procedures
Objectives:
Students will be able to solve a variety of math word problems.
Students will learn additional Civil War facts.
Students will be to create their own Civil War problems.
Materials Needed:
-Math worksheet (handout)
-CD/Internet access for Civil War music
-Tape
-Computers/Internet access for each student
Strategies
Introduction: (5 minutes)
Today will be a ‘work day’ for students. At the beginning of class, have Civil War music
playing in the background (one suggested site: http://www.civilwarmusic.net/). Stand at the
classroom door and shake the hand of every student that walks through. To each one say,
“Welcome soldier. We’re glad you’re here. We need someone to solve the problems of the
Civil War.” Shake their hand and send them to their ‘stations’ (seats). (This should be sdone
with the authority of an army general. In fact, keep that demeanor throughout the entirety of
the lesson.)
Have each student take out a note-card and write, “Soldier (their name).” Each student
should then attach this name tag to their shirt (with tape).
Lesson Steps:
Activity 1: Solving the Problems—Worksheet (30 minutes)
Explain to students that they are soldiers fighting in the Civil War. Recently however,
the general has asked them to calculate some things they are wondering about. Hand the
worksheet out to each student. Have them read the directions on the top of the sheet. Once
each student has read the directions, tell the soldiers that if they do succeed, they may be
promoted to a higher rank. Then, let the students work on the worksheet. Walk around and
help them as needed. They are allowed to use calculators. Work should be done individually.
As students finish, check their work to ensure that all answers are correct. If not
correct, have them go back to the problem and work to get it right. Note the two students that
finish first with all answers correct.
Activity 2: Researching the Problems (15 minutes)
Once all the students have finished the worksheet, split the class into two teams. The
two ‘winners’ are now the generals of each team (have them create new name tags that say
“General (their name). Each team should split into pairs and go to computers to do some
research. Students need to come up with their own math word problem related to the Civil
War. The questions can be anything—however, students must know the correct answer (aka,
they must know how to solve it). Each pair on each time should come up with a Math word
problem.
Then, the general of the team should take everyone’s questions and type them into one
document (on Word preferably). Print this document when the team is finished.
Activity 3: Winning the battle! (20 minutes)
Once both team documents have been printed out, copy both documents so that each
student (on the opposing team) can have a copy. For example, Team A’s document will be
given to each person on Team B and vice versa. Then, have each student work on the
document. As a team, they should come to a consensus of the correct answers. The ‘correct’
answers will be recorded on the general’s sheet. Soldiers will have 20 minutes to answer all the
questions as a team.
After 20 minutes, the general’s sheets will be collected and the answers checked.
Whichever team has more correct, wins the battle. At this point, have a victorious Civil War
battle song play. (Suggested song: The Battle Hymn of the Republic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFtNVEbasOo. This song will work well especially since students
have already been exposed to it!)
Closure: (5-10 minutes)
Direct students back to their desks. With the remaining time, ask students what types
of strategies they used to solve the word problems. Talk about the pros and cons of the
strategies.
-Possible student responses: Making a chart, drawing a picture, guess and check, using
multiplication/division to solve
Assessment/Evaluation:
Students will be evaluated on their ability to complete the first worksheet. They will
also be assessed on their ability to create their own word problems. Finally, as a team they will
be assessed on their ability to complete the opposing team’s word problems.
Assignment:
No homework.