Lesson 19

In previous lessons, students have learned to use the standard algorithm to multiply whole numbers including a three-digit and a two-digit number. The purpose of this lesson is to apply those techniques to a situation involving areas related to the Great Garbage Patch. The measurements are given in kilometers so students review, in the first activity, how long a kilometer is. Then, students calculate the area of states to get a sense for the size of the Great Garbage Patch. One of these calculations is a product of two three-digit numbers. After this brief interlude solving problems about area, students return to volume for the final two lessons. The area calculations for the states showed the importance of estimation since finding the exact products requires careful calculations whereas a quick estimate shows that the area of New Mexico is less than the area of the Great Garbage Patch. This estimation builds on student learning from the previous activity and then next two lessons combine estimation, volume, and trash.

Activity 1: Square Kilometers

In what ways did students extend and apply their understanding of multiplication and area throughout the lesson?