Oh, Nuts!
Sam the squirrel is gathering nuts for the winter. Sam hides some nuts under the rock in the garden. Sam hides twelve nuts in the hollow tree. Sam hides twenty nuts behind the birdbath. Sam is tired. Sam has hidden forty-eight nuts! How many nuts does Sam hide under the rock in the garden? Show all your math thinking.
More Accessible Version
Sam the squirrel is gathering nuts for the winter. Sam hides some nuts under the rock in the garden. Sam hides twenty nuts behind the birdbath. Sam is tired. Sam has hidden thirty-six nuts! How many nuts does Sam hide under the rock in the garden? Show all your math thinking.
More Challenging Version
Sam the squirrel is gathering nuts for the winter. Sam hides some nuts under the rock in the garden. Sam hides twelve nuts in the hollow tree. Sam hides twenty nuts behind the bird bath. Sam is tired. Sam has hidden forty-eight nuts! How many nuts does Sam hide under the rock in the garden? Spring is coming. Sam forgets about the nuts under the rock in the garden. Three of the nuts sprout. How many nuts are still under the rock? Show all your math thinking.
Plan
Underlying Mathematical Concepts
Possible Problem-Solving Strategies
Formal Mathematical Language and Symbolic Notation
A student may independently select a printed number line, number chart, ten frames, graph paper, etc. as they work on a task.
Suggested materials
Engagement Image:
Teachers may project the image below to launch this task for their students, define nouns, promote discussion, access prior knowledge, and inspire engagement and problem solving.
Click image to enlarge