Elementary Pull-Out: Sneaky Treat!

The Elementary Mathematician, COMAP's award-winning K-6 newsletter is available for the first time in electronic format. Each issue contains a collection of K-6 mathematic lessons that are fun to teach and exciting to learn.

Each issue of The Elementary Mathematician contains a Pull-Out section which includes thematic lessons based on the national census, wildlife, other cultures, technology, and provides a practical way to bring the concepts and pedagogy of the NCTM Standards into your classroom. 

Note: The information below was created with the assistance of AI.

Level of Mathematics
This activity is well-suited for Grade 4 students, as explicitly noted in the text.

Mathematical Complexity: Low to Moderate
While the core arithmetic involved is basic (addition, recognition of numbers), the activity introduces an engaging applied math context through decoding and pattern recognition.

Prerequisite Skills
Students should be familiar with:

Basic arithmetic operations (primarily addition and reading multi-digit numbers)

Reading and matching number-letter codes

Using a calculator to verify or explore patterns

Basic spelling and vocabulary for decoding words

Following multi-step instructions in a puzzle format

Application Areas

1. Mathematical Reasoning & Pattern Recognition
Students decode numbers into letters using a key (provided mapping).

Reinforces symbolic thinking, logical deduction, and matching skills.

2. Calculator Fluency
Encourages appropriate use of technology (calculators) to explore numeric values and patterns.

Promotes efficient computation and verification of results.

3. Mathematics & Language Integration
Blends numerical decoding with language comprehension.

Spells out a recipe by interpreting numbers as alphabetic values, reinforcing cross-curricular connections.

4. Real-World Application: Cooking
Ends with a hands-on extension in the form of making a banana ice cream treat.

Links math with practical measurements, following recipes, and teamwork.

5. Student-Centered Learning
Designed by a fourth grader, the lesson encourages student agency and creativity in lesson creation.

Subject Matter Overview
Key Concepts:

Number-to-letter decoding (cipher logic)

Data organization and look-up techniques using reference keys

Sequential processing of a number series to uncover a message

Arithmetic problem solving through puzzles

Measurement and proportional reasoning during the cooking activity

Activities Included:

Decoding numeric values into letters

Creating a hidden message (a recipe) using letter-matching

Writing and drawing about the solution

Applying the decoded recipe to make a banana ice cream treat

Using ziplock bags, salt, and ice for hands-on learning in pairs

Correlation to Mathematics Standards
Common Core State Standards (CCSS) – Grade 4 Focus:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.OA.A.3: Solve multi-step word problems using the four operations.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.4: Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.MD.A.2: Use the four operations to solve word problems involving measurements.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1: Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4: Model with mathematics.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5: Use appropriate tools strategically (calculator use).

NCTM Process Standards:

Problem Solving: Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.

Connections: Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics.

Communication: Express mathematical ideas clearly and creatively.

Representation: Use mathematical representations to model and interpret problems.