Grade Level:  Grade 4

Subjects: 

• Mathematics
  
• Technology
• Science
  

Learner Outcomes: 

•  The student will weigh designated amounts of rice.
•  The student will convert amounts to different standards of measure.
•  The student will use a calculator to solve equations.
  
•  The student will use a spreadsheet to determine answers to questions about rice.
  
•  The student will demonstrate understanding of exponential growth.

Duration of lesson:  1 forty-five minute class period

Materials/Technology Tools:

• 1/2 cup of uncooked rice for each group of students
• Small paper cup for each group
  
• Scale for each group
  
• Worksheet for each student
  
• Calculator
• Internet access
• Spread Sheet and Graph showing exponential progression
• Microsoft Excel Document OR if you have Internet Explorer Version 4.1 and Office Objects you can try using Interactive web page 1 and Interactive web page 2 but all you need is on the Excel Document
  
• Evaluation Rubric
  

Teacher Notes: 

• More information and lessons about rice can be found on the teacher section of the web site produced by the U.S. Rice Producers Association, Rice Romp.
• To view the spreadsheet, you must be using Internet Explorer 4 or higher.
  

Procedures:

• Introduction
• Review the math concept of "One Grain of Rice":  every day the amount of rice paid to the young girl was doubled.
• Discuss how the final amount of rice was determined:  add up the amounts given on each day.
• Discuss different ways to count or measure the same amounts of rice.
• Group work
• Divide the students into small groups.
• Provide each group with a scale, a baggie of 1/2 cup of rice, a calculator, and a worksheet for each student.
• Have each group discover:
  
• How much does 1/2 cup (8 ounces weigh)? 
  
• Estimate how many grains make up one ounce.
• Weigh one ounce of rice, then count the number of grains.
• Use a chart and calculator to convert this value into other units of measure.
• Work at the computer
• Open the Rice Spreadsheet.
• Discuss how a spreadsheet can do the same work they did with the calculator, only faster and better.  Explain the formulas and how they are put in.
  
• Use the spreadsheet and the results from their group work in answering the following:
• Sheet 1
  
• How many grains of rice did Rani have at the end of 1 week? 2 weeks? 3 weeks? After 30 days?
• If we were using money instead of rice, how many days would it take to earn a million dollars?
• Sheet 2
• Open the Rice Spreadsheet.
  
• How many grains of rice are in one cup? one pound?  one ton?
• How many one pound boxes would be needed to deliver the final payment of rice to Rani?
  
• How many 1/2 ton trucks?
  
• How many semi-trucks? (45,000 lbs)
  
• How many railroad cars? (250,000 lbs.)
  
• How many students? (15 lbs.)
  
• Using the second spreadsheet program, along with the first and third columns, construct a graph showing the vehicles used to deliver the final payment vs. the number of vehicles needed.
  

Evaluation:  Rubric

Modifications: 

• Make necessary adaptations according to student IEP's.
• Computer work can easily be done in pairs.
  

Enrichment Activities: 

• Learn more about rice by using the web site Rice Romp.
  

National Standards:

• Mathematics
• Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates.
  
• Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, sytems, and processes of measurement.
• Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements.
• Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.
• Organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication.
• Create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas.
  
• Science
• Plan and conduct a simple investigation.
• Use data to construct a reasonable explanation.
• Employ simple equipment and tools to gather data and extend the senses.
• Communicate investigations and explanations.
  
• Technology
• Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase  productivity,  and promote creativity.
• Students use technology to locate,  evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
  
• Students use technology tools to process data and report results.
• Students evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.
  

Pennsylvania Standards:

• Mathematics
  
• 2.1.3J, 2.2.5A, 2.2.5B, 2.2.5E, 2.3.5A, 2.3.5C, 2.3.8D, 2.5.5B, 2.5.5C
  
• Science
  
• 3.2.4A, 3.2.4C, 3.2.4D
  
• Technology
• 3.7.4A, 3.7.4B, 3.7.4C, 3.7.4E
  

References:

• Rubistar
• Rice Romp (the U.S. Rice Producers Association)
• Facts About Rice
  
• Using Excel in the classroom
• One Grain of Rice : A Mathematical Folktale by Demi.  Published by Scholastic Inc.

Authors
Sandy Grassel
Propel Charter School-Homestead

Maryann Rullo
Ringgold School District

Kelly Sherbondy
West Greene School District