Lesson Three: Creepy Crawlies
Ms. Davis, the librarian, plays a joke on the five MathTek kids by putting plastic ants on cookie treats that results in some cookie smashing. An investigation using algebra develops when Caitlin wonders whether there will be enough cookies left for all of them to share equally. By comparing numbers, writing number sentences, and finding missing factors using manipulatives, the group solves the algebra problem.
The introduction of an ant farm and several interesting insects and arachnids brought by Ms. Robinson, a zoo educator, initiates a discussion of habitat and rainforests. The group then uses the algebra concepts they have learned to determine how many legs are needed to complete the spider that Nigel makes from construction paper.
Lesson 3 Video: Algebra
