Herding Cats
Anchor Papers:
Problem Solving
apprentice
Problem Solving Rationale
<p>The student correctly plots and connects the coordinates given to form a diagram of the fenced area. The student incorrectly calculates the perimeter of the polygon in unit lengths (records the bottom segment as 25 units instead of 24 units) to be 105 units instead of 104 units. The student also incorrectly uses 105 units as the perimeter, failing to multiply the measure by 30 feet/unit to get the perimeter in feet. The student multiplies the incorrect perimeter by $.89 (cost/foot) to get the incorrect cost of $93.45. These incorrect calculations still lead the student to the correct decision to reject the offer from the fence company.</p>
Reasoning and Proof
apprentice
Reasoning Proof Rationale
<p>The student demonstrates some understanding of the underlying concepts of the task, but fails to use the unit rate of 30 feet/unit length to find the perimeter in feet, which is needed to determine cost using the unit rate $.89 cost/foot. The student is inconsistent in finding the unit lengths of all sides of the figure. Errors in computation of the perimeter in unit lengths lead to subsequent errors in the solution process. The calculation 25un, 22un, 4un, 6un, 16un, 6un, 4un, 22un = 105 units x 0.89 = 93.45 is also an incorrect mathematical statement.</p>
Communication Level
practitioner
Communication Rationale
<p>The student presents a sequenced response to communicate work. The explanations of the steps to the solution process are clear and easy to follow even though some of the calculations are incorrect. Math vocabulary is limited, yet appropriate.</p>
Connections Level
apprentice
Connections RationaleHerding Cats
<p>The student attempts to make a connection but it lacks contextual relevance. </p>
Representation
apprentice
Representation Rationale
<p>The student draws a diagram of the fenced area, but some of the unit lengths given for the sides are missing or incorrect. The diagrams units are not labeled. </p>