Authentic Problems: Bunches of Balloons

This is a classic reSolve sequence aligned with the Australian Curriculum V8.4. It is only available as a downloadable package.

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This unit for Year 2 is one of a set of ten units in the special topic “Mathematical Inquiry into Authentic Problems”. Each of these units is designed around the 4D Guided Inquiry Model, and highlights the importance of students providing mathematical evidence. The lessons adopt a carefully designed pedagogy to help students master content knowledge whilst learning about the process of inquiry.

A purposeful context for division and multiplication is provided by a question: What is the best number of balloons to evenly decorate the classroom for [an event]?

Students explore and present groupings of 29 balloons. The class decides which grouping is best and the room is decorated. Arrays, the commutative property of multiplication, repeated addition and skip counting are encountered. There are opportunities for diagnostic interactions. This unit could be placed before any formal introduction to division and multiplication as it explores the concept of dividing a number into equal parts and grouping into equal sets.

Lesson 1: Discover

Students are presented with the real-life context of decorating the classroom with 29 balloons. Students use counters to represent the balloons, as they collaboratively work to divide the balloons into equal groups. They record each attempt (draw or photograph) as evidence of their findings and clearly label their representations. They discover that 29 cannot be divided into equal-sized groups.

Lesson 2: Devise

Students confirm that 29 balloons cannot be divided into equal groups, so will not evenly decorate the room. They do this by making arrays to show the counters in groups with left overs. Students refer to the arrays and consider the potential attractiveness of the decoration to choose a good bunch size. Using arrays or otherwise, students record some total numbers of balloons that allow for bunches of that size.

Lesson 3: Develop and Defend

In the Develop phase (first session), students test different room arrangements using counters with chosen bunch size. They analyse arrays to decide on the best number of balloons to use. They represent their arrangement using a diagram, array, number sentence and written justification. In the Defend phase (second session), students present their representations to the class and justify why their arrangement is best. They actively listen to others, ask clarifying questions and provide feedback. The class chooses the best option and then decorates the room.

Last updated May 22 2018.