3rd-5th Problem Solving: Baking Cakes (÷, ¼, +)

We all know that sometimes you need to double, triple, or even octuple a recipe in order to feed a hungry crowd.

But what if you are baking for fewer folks? How can you modify the recipe to fit that situation?

With Math Stackers, your kiddos are able to build out their reasoning and tackle all sorts of math situations!

Not only is it great for them to be able to physically test out their math ideas, but it is also great for you as an educator because you will be able to SEE so much more than they are typically communicating about their thinking process!

Want to watch this problem get solved in action?

Watch Benny and Lucas Benny navigate through this egg-citing problem.

They're using Math Stackers, of course, to visually and manually break down the problem, so you’ll get a great example of what kind of ‘math talk’ arises from this question.

Pay extra special attention to what happens when they notice they haven’t quite found the right solution. Upon realizing they may end up with a really runny cake, the kids are able to quickly use reasoning and their hands to physically rearrange the blocks and explain their thought process.

Math problem-solving in real life! Love it!

Here’s a visual map of how we solved it!

Or how about this strategy?

There are so many ways your students will be able to reason through real-world-problems, with Math Stackers!

How did your students solve it? Send us your stories, we love them oh so much! (Send ‘em to: support@mathstackers.com)

*A Math Thinker Learning System was used to solve this problem.