Number Sense and Computation: Soak It Up

In this math lesson, learners compare products to determine the best product. Learners participate in a role playing activity where they assume the role of business executives who must decide which of three prototypes of paper towels would be the best buy for consumers. Learners use problem solving strategies to find the best value in terms of cost and then conduct experiments to test the absorbency of the three prototypes. In their testing procedures, learners find the surface area of the stain as they drop water into the center of a paper towel and then use a transparent grid to measure the area of the stain. Learners then analyze the results of their absorbency test and the cost factors to determine which towel is the best value.