This lesson is optional because it does not address any new mathematical content standards. The lesson provides students with an opportunity to apply precursor skills of mathematical modeling (MP4).

Throughout this unit, students have been learning about math tools, their math community, and their classroom. First, students freely explored math tools, such as connecting cubes, pattern blocks, two-color counters, and geoblocks. They then used these tools for specific purposes in activities and centers. In this lesson, students choose an object in their classroom and which math tool to use to make a model of this object.

If there is additional time, students can participate in centers from the unit.

How have you seen the way that students interact with math tools change over the course of this unit?