Plastics Multiplication

• There are three options for this activity. Choose the version that works best for your students.
• This activity can be used as an assessment, an exit ticket, or as part of a math station.
• Students can complete this activity independently or in small groups.
• Provide concrete tools such as counters and other multiplication tools for students who need more support.
  
• Teacher may change the numbers used in the equations to match the number of students in the class and the month in which the activity is being done.

This task provides scientific evidence on the impact of plastic pollution on the environment and allows students to learn about where, how, and why plastic waste could potentially increase and strategic solutions to reduce single-use plastics. The task has undergone a comprehensive analysis and has been approved by our scientific review panel.

Primary Standards

• Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)
  • Number & Operations in Base Ten (K-5)
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.5 Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
  • Operations & Algebraic Thinking (K-5)
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.D.8 Solve two-step word problems using the four operations. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.
    • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.3 Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.