4th Grade Lesson: Variables: Math Chat

Students use variables in a program for the first time. They explore how variables can be used in numerical calculations while computing the area and perimeter of rectangles.


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Sample Images

  • Scratch project stage depicting a girl standing in a hallway. She say, "The area is:"
    Variables: Math Chat Scratch project stage
  • Scratch code blocks for making the sprite communicate the area of a rectangle.
    Variables: Math Chat Scratch project code blocks
  • 7 "I Can" statements: I can find the area and perimeter of a rectangle. I can create a program to calculate the area and perimeter of a rectangle. I can use variables in a Scratch project. I can store inputs, such as numbers, to use later in a program. I can use the “set” block to assign values to variables. I can use variables to change the output of a program. I can find and fix a calculation error in a program.
    Variables: Math Chat "I Can" statements

Resources for Variables: Math Chat

Lesson Mode

computer-based

Activity Summary

Students explore how variables can be used in numerical calculations by making two changes to a program. First, they fix the erroneous mathematical calculation of the area of a rectangle in the program. Second, they add a calculation for the perimeter of a rectangle.

Math Connections

Students use formulas for the area and perimeter of rectangles.

CS Connections

Students use variables in a program for the first time. They use variables to store data (input) and use operators to make and display calculations (output).

Materials

Scratch Projects

Topics

  • Variables
  • Area and Perimeter

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