Once Upon A Math Story

This lesson combines math and language arts. The students create stories incorporating math problems into it. 

Component:         Math operations
                             Number and number sense
                             Writing Process

Objectives:         The student will write number sentences and word problems using combinations of operations.
                            The student will use written mathematical language to communicate discoveries about calculations.

Materials:         computer, Microsoft Word or Works, Excel (optional), paper, online capabilities

Procedure:         1) Students either work alone or in small groups and brainstorm for ideas for a math
                                story.
                           2) They will write a rough draft incorporating mathematics into the story line. 
                           3) Revise and edit the story.
                           4) Add clip art.

                            The following are samples taken from books written by fifth grade students:

                             "Cynthia bought the cutest skirts at Old Army. She bought 2 skirts at $15.00 each
                                       and a pair of jeans at $22.00 with a 10% discount. She spent $30.00 on skirts and 
                                       $19.80 for a pair of jeans. Her cash flow was down to $50.00."

                                      "Our eyes lit up in amazement as we saw the candy on the shelves. We spent about
                                       fifteen minutes of our precious time counting the candy pieces that were there. There
                                       were 75 candies on one shelf and since there were five shelves, we supposed that there 
                                       were about 375 pieces of candy altogether. We couldn't decide which ones we wanted."

                                      "Carla went after the sock sale because she was tired of people making fun of her for only
                                        wearing white socks. There was a sensational sale. If you buy 2 pairs for $3.00 you get a 
                                        third pair free. She ended up with 18 socks in total. Do you know how much she spent?" 

                                      5) Read books aloud. 

Evaluation:           The students will be tested on several of the skills used in the story. For example, if
                              fractions are in the majority of the story, then a fraction word problem would be written
                              on the board. An example would be: "Cynthia spent 1/4 of her weekly allowance at 
                              Old Army. If her allowance is $16.00, how much does she spend?"

Homework:          Choose three skills from the story and write three new questions for each one. (If it is
                             a division skill, then write three division word problems.)

Extensions:         *Have students read their math problem books aloud to a third or fourth grade class.
                             *Students can improve their math problem solving and critical thinking skills at Math Stories.
                             *Students can learn about the history of math at  Math Madness, in addition, ask students to 
                               create dinner conversation math problems at this fact-filled site