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Lesson Plan
5th Grade

Performance Indicator #8: Use technology resources for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.

(NETS: 3; AZ 3; MPS-TSS: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4)


Subject: Math/Social Studies
 
Title: Comparing State Size to Population
 
Grade Level: 5
 

Time Required: 1 week
 
Description: Students will find the square miles and current population of at least 5 states in varying parts of the country. That information will be placed into a spreadsheet, then converted to a graph. The students will import the graph into a word processing document where they will analyze the comparison.
 

Curriculum Objectives:

  • Data Analysis and Probability, Arizona Academic Standard 2: Students use data collection and analysis, statistics and probability to make valid inferences, decisions and arguments to solve a variety of real-world problems.
  • Writing, Arizona Academic Standard 2; Students effectively use written language for a variety of purposes and with a variety of audiences.
 

Materials Needed:

  • Reference sources (almanac, nonfiction books, Internet)
  • Computer
  • Spreadsheet and word processing program
 

Procedure:

  1. Students will research at least 5 states finding the most current population and square mileage of those states.
  2. The information will be put into a spreadsheet.
  3. Students will create a bar graph from the spreadsheet.
  4. Copy the graph, and open a word processing program.
  5. Paste the graph into the word processing document and write a comparative paragraph on the correlation between land and population.
  6. Print analysis for grading.
 

Assessment:The teacher will evaluate according to curriculum objectives
 
 

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This page was last modified: November 21, 2003
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