The purpose of this activity is for students to represent situations involving equal groups in a way that makes sense to them. Have connecting cubes available for students to use to represent the situation, if they would like. Students may also draw a picture. One partner could use the objects while one draws, and then they could switch for each problem. The focus of the discussion is on the important quantities of each situation and how students used their representation to model each quantity (MP4).
In the Launch, it may be helpful to ask students to tell their partner a quick story or ask any questions about the focus of each of the three contexts to ensure each student has access. It may also be helpful to display images for students to reference.
MLR8 Discussion Supports. Synthesis: Involve both partners in sharing their response with the whole class. While one student speaks, invite the other student to follow along and point to where the numbers are in their representations.
Advances: Representing, Listening