Grade
4

Math in Our World: Walk-A-Thon

The school had a 4-week walk-a-thon to raise money to build a park in the community. People in the community agreed to donate money for each mile walked. Not every student participated, but everyone was encouraged to. The posters made by the first, fourth, and sixth grade classes are shown. They show the total amount of money raised by each grade level each week.

Walk-a-thon weekly totals: First Grade, week 1: $24. Week 2: $36. Week 3: $48. Fourth Grade, week 1: $58. Week 2: $65. Week 3: $72. Sixth Grade, week 1: $65. Week 2: $103. Week 3: $141. Week 4 totals aren't available yet.
  1. Use pictures, models, or numbers to show what is happening.
  2. What do you notice? What do you wonder?
  3. What mathematical questions can you ask about this situation? Answer all the questions you can!
  • Think about how each week compares with the one before.
  • What is the total for each grade in weeks 1–3?
  • How much money was raised each week by all three grades?
  • Based on the past weeks, what do you think the totals might be for the 4th week?
  • Show your work to someone else, and explain your thinking. Did they understand?
  • Ask whether they have any other questions you can answer!

Try to walk a little each day. If you don’t have a way to record the total distance, count your steps and record them. How many steps would you take in a week or a month at the same rate?

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Reference for Educators

Sample problems and solutions