Introduction

Introduction

A knock on the door startles you awake, you open the door and find a note on the front porch, but mysteriously there is no one in sight. You take the note inside and find the following task typed neatly on the note:

The Task

Your teacher has been called out of the country on a secret mission. You have been chosen to teach her class of fourth graders what decimals are all about. Mrs. Rohlmeier is counting on you!

Remember to plan, include visual demonstrations, and create a way for the kids to practice. There must also be a test to determine whether the students learned what was taught. Each person must have a job, and each member of the group is required to help others in their group when needed. The jobs are:

The Information/Materials Gatherer (all members)- this job requires researching decimals and gathering information (using library books, internet, math book, practice sheets) and gathering materials (games, money, things to work with) that will be used to teach the lesson.
The Teacher- (all members) Both memebrs will write a plan to teach the class a lesson about decimals. The lesson should include real world examples using decimals. The teacher can use a power point, the whiteboard, ELMO, or overhead projector to introduce decimals. The lesson should be about 10 minutes. The teacher will also help guide students during the practice.

The Practice Activity Coordinator- (one person) This person will write a plan for practice and guide the students as they work through the practice. The practice should have real world connections. It might include a game, group problem solving, working with money or base 10 blocks. This should last about 10 minutes.
The Test Maker- (one person) This person will create a test for the students. The test should be short and test only what was taught in the lesson. A key should also be made. The test maker will help guide students during the practice.

The Process

First you will be assigned to a group of 2 people.
     Group 1: Place Value and Decimals
     Group 2: Comparing and Ordering Decimals
     Group 3: Adding with Decimals
     Group 4: Subtracting with Decimals
     Group 5: Connecting Decimals to Fractions
Next you will need to read the descriptions of the jobs above (Practice and test) and each partner will choose one job.
When your group has decided who will take on each task, inform your teacher of your choices.
Begin researching decimals and making plans to teach on the sheet provided.
Gather materials that will be needed to teach the lesson.
The teacher will introduce decimals.
The practice coordinator will guide students through a planned practice.
The test maker will give the test to students.

Resources:

The Origin of Decimals

Reviewing Decimal Properties

Funbrain.com

Math Dictionary

AAA Math

Money Activity- Real World Practice

Decimal Tutorial

AskJeeves

Evaluation

Your group will be evaluated according to the following rubric.

1- Needs Improvement 2- OK 3- Excellent

TEACHING The teacher does not clearly explain decimals and does not give real world examples. The teacher does not clearly explain decimals and does not give real world examples. The teacher does a good job of explaining decimals and gives real world examples.

PRACTICE The practice does not give real world examples, and does not have decimal practice. The practice does not give real world examples, or does not have decimal practice. The practice gives students the chance to practice decimals including real world examples.

TEST There is no test. There is a test, but it is weak or does not test what was taught. There is a test and it is a good test of what was taught.

GROUP COOPERATION The group had major problems cooperating and/or problem solving. The group had some problems cooperating and/or problem solving. The group showed evidence of cooperation and problem solving.

GRADING

Total Points = Grade

12                         E

10-11                   S

8-9                        I

Under 8               N

Conclusion

"Oh, I get it!!" With those familiar words from the students you have taught echoing in your head, you drift peacefully off to sleep. You succeeded in teaching your class! With the conclusion of this web quest you should have a better understanding of the way decimals are involved in your everyday life.

	1- Needs Improvement	2- OK	3- Excellent
TEACHING	The teacher does not clearly explain decimals and does not give real world examples.	The teacher does not clearly explain decimals and does not give real world examples.	The teacher does a good job of explaining decimals and gives real world examples.
PRACTICE	The practice does not give real world examples, and does not have decimal practice.	The practice does not give real world examples, or does not have decimal practice.	The practice gives students the chance to practice decimals including real world examples.
TEST	There is no test.	There is a test, but it is weak or does not test what was taught.	There is a test and it is a good test of what was taught.
GROUP COOPERATION	The group had major problems cooperating and/or problem solving.	The group had some problems cooperating and/or problem solving.	The group showed evidence of cooperation and problem solving.