Connect multiplication and climate change with this math lesson plan for grades 3-5! In this lesson, students will practice multi-step math problems while learning about single-use plastic. You will be able to showcase the amazing power of math as students use calculations to understand the real-world impact of our small positive actions!

Access the full lesson plan, slideshow, and student documents for free here!

★ Meet the Teacher ★

I have been a teacher for 18 years at Egg Harbor Township High School. I currently teach Advanced Placement Environmental Science but I have taught earth science and biology. I have undergrad degrees in environmental studies and teacher of biological science and I am halfway through my masters degree program where I will be obtaining a PSM of environmental studies and sustainability. I was recognized with the 2021 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators - honorable mention category from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the White House Council on Environmental Quality. I also was recognized in New Jersey with the 2017 Governors Environmental Excellence award in the educator led category. I am the mom of two boys ages 4 and 5 and we spend most of our time on the beach. 

★  Topics Covered ★

• Using four operations to solve word problems
• Solving multi-step word problems with a letter standing for the unknown quantity
• Impacts of disposable plastic on climate change
• Ways to reduce the use of disposable plastic
• How to write an opinion supported by reasons and facts

★  What’s Included ★

Comprehensive Lesson Plan

• Essential questions & learning objectives
• Step-by-step walkthrough of the Inquire, Investigate, Inspire sections of the lesson
• Discussion questions
• Differentiation options

Teacher Slideshow

• Plastic waste images with accompanying discussion questions
• SEL check-ins
• Differentiable slides for varying grade levels
• Visual walkthroughs for problem-solving
• Challenge questions
• Calculating and visualizing real-life impacts
• Vetted videos

Student documents

• Differentiable equation sheets
• Plastic fact sheets
• While-You-Watch Climate Change and Plastics video worksheet
• Multiplying small actions worksheet
• Use Less Plastic Brainstorm worksheet
• Letter Writing activity worksheet

★ Primary Standards ★

Common Core Mathematics Standards (CCSS.MATH)

• 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.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.5 Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

★  Supporting Standards ★

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4-5.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

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