About this book
Overview
I like to use Anno's Magic Seeds when teaching about seeds. It has an interesting tie-in to math and students enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out the math involved in their own story. In this lesson, students will "set up and solve linear equations and inequalities with one or two variables, using algebraic methods, models, and/or graphs." --Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum Framework
Objective
Materials
- Anno's Magic Seeds by Mitsumasa Anno
- writing paper
- writing pencils, one per student
- calculators
- manipulatives (These will be used as "magic seeds" and could include pennies, Unifix cubes, Styrofoam peanuts, or beans.)
Directions
Explain that students will be writing their own stories, picking up where the book leaves off. Students will begin their stories with 7 seeds having been planted in the ground. They should use the writing paper and pencils to record their stories. The manipulatives and calculators should be available for students to work out the equations. Give students time to try to figure out some of the math equations.
Supporting All Learners
Even with older students, I like to incorporate a visual. For this lesson I have a walnut, painted with gold paint, that stands in for the "magic seed."
Lesson Extensions
Try using the computer to graph the number of seeds being produced in the book.
Graph the number of seeds being produced in the student generated stories.
Related Resources
http://childrensbooks.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.yamaneko.org/einfo/mgzn/jcb%5Fe0104.htm<br><br>Anno's Mysterious Multiplying Jar by Mitsumasa Anno
- Subjects:Algebra, Charts and Graphs, Counting and Numbers, Nonfiction Writing, Math through Literature, Real-World Math
- Skills:Writing
- Duration:50 Mins
