This lesson is optional because it does not address any new mathematical content standards. This lesson does provide students with an opportunity to apply precursor skills of mathematical modeling (MP4).In this lesson, students write both true and false statements involving multiplicative comparisons and unit conversions. They have an opportunity to choose the animals to compare and which facts to use.

Then students determine which of their classmates’ statements are true and which are false. At the end of this activity, they have an opportunity to revise their earlier statements to make them stronger and clearer.