Lesson 6

Sandwich Mass

Est. Class Sessions: 2–3
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Mathematical Standards

4.MD.A
Solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurments. (4.MD.A.1, 4.MD.A.2)
4.OA.B
Gain familiarity with factors and multiples. (4.OA.B.4)
4.OA.C
Generalize and analyze patterns. (4.OA.C.5)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

MP1.
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP2.
Reason quantitatively.
MP3.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MP4.
Model with mathematics.
MP5.
Use appropriate tools strategically.
MP6.
Attend to precision.
MP7.
Look for and make use of structure.
MP8.
Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

Students find the mass of a sandwich using a two-pan balance. They then see how the mass changes as bites are taken out of the sandwich and use patterns in the data to predict the number of bites in the whole sandwich. A discussion in the Student Guide helps students explore the distinction between mass and weight.

Content in this Lesson

  • Identifying and using variables [E9].
  • Measuring mass to the nearest gram [E8].
  • Representing the variables and procedures of an investigation in a drawing [E9].
  • Making and interpreting point graphs [E10].
  • Drawing a best-fit line for a decreasing function [E10].
  • Making predictions and generalizations using data tables and graphs [E12].
  • Representing patterns for decreasing functions using words, tables, and graphs [E2].
  • Solving problems involving mass [E4].
  • Connecting mathematics and science to real world events: measuring mass.
  • Telling the story represented in a graph or table [E11].
  • Checking the reasonableness of a solution [MPE3].
  • Communicating problem-solving strategies orally and in writing [MPE5].
  • Using labels to show what numbers mean [MPE6].
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Materials for Students

Daily Practice and Problems Lesson Homework Assessment

Student Books

 Student Guide
Student Activity Book

Teacher Resources

 Teacher Guide - digital

Supplies for Students

sandwich
piece of napkin, plastic wrap, or wax paper
calculator
ruler
blank paper

Supplies for Student Groups

set of standard masses
two-pan balance

TIMS Tip

Remind students to bring in sandwiches for the experiment. Sandwiches must be whole, not sliced in halves or quarters. The filling for sandwiches does not matter, but each sandwich must be composed of two slices of bread with a filling of some sort. You might want to pack a few extra sandwiches in case students are unable or forget to bring them.

Materials for the Teacher

Display of Graphing Mistakes: What's Wrong Here? Master (Teacher Guide)
Display of Centimeter Graph Paper (Lesson 3 Teacher Guide) optional
Display of Math Practices (Student Guide) Reference
Unit 13 Assessment Record
sandwich for demonstration
napkin, plastic wrap, or wax paper
set of standard masses
two-pan balance

Materials Preparation

Lab Packet. Prepare a lab packet for each student: a blank sheet of paper, the Three-Column Data Table, Centimeter Graph Paper, and some lined paper.

Assessment in this Lesson

Assessment Expectation Assessed Math Practices Expectation Assessed

Sandwich Mass
Observe data collection
Student Guide
Page 574

E8.
Measure mass to the nearest gram.

Predictions Quiz
with Feedback Boxes
Teacher Guide - digital
E4.
Solve problems involving volume and mass.
E10.
Make point graphs and draw best-fit lines for increasing and decreasing functions.
E11.
Tell the story represented in a graph or table.
E12.
Make predictions and generalizations using data tables and graphs.
MPE3.
Check for reasonableness. I look back at my solution to see if my answer makes sense. If it does not, I try again.
MPE5.
Show my work. I show or tell how I arrived at my answer so someone else can understand my thinking.
MPE6.
Use labels. I use labels to show what numbers mean.

DPP Item Q
Clean It Up!
Teacher Guide - digital
E1.
Identify and extend patterns for increasing and decreasing functions.
E2.
Represent patterns and functions using words, symbols, tables, and graphs.