Goals:

The students will learn to use critical thinking.

The students will learn how to do weight conversions.

The students will use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Materials:

envelope for each student

500 - 1000 index cards cut in half

weight conversion chart

item weight chart

pens

Time:

This lesson will take one hour.

Procedure:

1.  Explain to the class that the survivors of the shipwreck needed to prepare for being out at sea for days.

2.  Set the conversion chart and the weight chart up in the front of the classroom and go over the conversions with the class.

3.  Pass out an envelope to each student.

4.  Tell the students their envelopes will carry 60 pounds.

5.  Have the pile of note cards in the front of the classroom.

6.  Tell the students they must copy the items from the weight chart they want to bring with them on to a note card. One item for each note card. The following are suggested items for the weight chart:
 

one gallon of water
one dozen eggs
one loaf of bread
one book of matches
one blanket
various items of clothing
 
7.  The students will figure out how much they can bring by using conversions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

8.  The students will put their items in the envelopes with the final weight on written the outside.

9.  The students will present to the class their final weight, what they are bringing, and why they are bringing it.

10.  Discuss with the class what items are most important to have and what can be left behind.

Assessment:

The students must have brought appropriate items with them to survive. Criteria for success: The students must have a viable reason for bringing each item and a reason for the amount of that item they bring. This will be determined by class analysis in the discussion.

The students must have converted their weights properly. Criteria for success: The students will not be able to exceed the weight of 60 pounds.

The students must perform the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division correctly. Criteria for success: The students will have the appropriate weight for the amount of survival items they brought.

Curriculum Strands and Major Concepts:

Math - using problem solving and critical thinking skills

Language Arts- expressing their ideas to the class

Social Studies - using their survival skills and ideas.

Possible Extensions:

Have the students go backpacking and camping. Then have them figure out what they need to bring in order to survive.

Have the students go to the grocery store and do math work with every day food.

The Titanic - developed by Kelly Coleman, Nikki Cosgrove, Megan Mills, & Dorothy Weber

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This page submitted by St. Norbert College Ocean Voyagers Program.