Lesson Plan: Multi-Step Word Problems using Multiplication and Division

Grade: 3rd Grade Subject: Mathematics

Objective: - Students will be able to solve multi-step word problems using multiplication and division. - Students will be able to identify the necessary operations to solve each step of the problem. - Students will be able to explain their thinking and justify their answers.

Materials: - Whiteboard or chart paper - Markers or chalk - Worksheets with multi-step word problems (differentiated for each group) - Manipulatives (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes): - Begin the lesson by reviewing the concepts of multiplication and division. - Ask students to share examples of real-life situations where they might need to use multiplication or division. - Explain that today, they will be learning how to solve multi-step word problems using these operations.

2. Whole Group Instruction (10 minutes): - Write a multi-step word problem on the board or chart paper. Example: “Sarah has 12 apples. She wants to share them equally among her 4 friends. How many apples will each friend get? How many apples will be left?”

• Read the problem aloud and ask students to identify the different steps involved.
• Model how to solve the problem step by step, using multiplication and division.
• Emphasize the importance of understanding the problem and identifying the necessary operations.

1. Group Work (15 minutes): - Divide the students into five groups based on their readiness levels. - Provide each group with a differentiated worksheet containing multi-step word problems. - Assign each group a specific task based on their readiness level:
   • Group 1: Solve the word problems using manipulatives or drawings.
   • Group 2: Solve the word problems using repeated addition or subtraction.
   • Group 3: Solve the word problems using multiplication and division.
   • Group 4: Solve the word problems and explain the steps taken to arrive at the answer.
   • Group 5: Solve the word problems and create their own multi-step word problems for their peers to solve.

2. Group Presentations (10 minutes): - Ask each group to present their solutions and explain their thinking. - Encourage students to ask questions and provide feedback to their peers.

3. Wrap-up and Reflection (5 minutes): - Review the key concepts learned in the lesson. - Ask students to reflect on their understanding of multi-step word problems and how they used multiplication and division to solve them. - Provide an opportunity for students to share any challenges they faced and how they overcame them.

Extension Activity: - For early finishers or students who need an additional challenge, provide them with more complex multi-step word problems to solve independently or in pairs.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during group work. - Assess students’ understanding through their group presentations and explanations. - Collect and review students’ completed worksheets to assess their individual understanding of multi-step word problems using multiplication and division.