All Aboard!

Introduction: Have you ever wanted to take a train trip to another city in California? What would you do when you got there? You are going to take a "train trip" to a city of your choice. You will then tell us about your trip when you return.

Prior Knowledge: Students should have prior experience with: telling time, reading charts and maps, using compass directions (NSEW), calculating distances on a map.

Grade Level: 2-4

Task: Each student group will create a display showing a "train trip" to a destination of their choice from a teacher-made list. Students will also answer a series of questions related to their trip. Groups will present their displays.

Resources: Welcome to QuickRail! (http://www.quickaid.com/~qrail/). Road map of California, Poster board or butcher paper, Scratch paper, Pencils, Crayons or markers, Clock manipulative.

Process:

The teacher will give each group of students one California road map and a list of the following cities: Emeryville, Fresno, Fullerton, Los Angeles, Oakland, Oceanside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco (Ferry Building), San Jose.
Each group of students will choose a city they would like to visit.
Students will figure out and record the mileage to their destination.
Students will select the "Plan-A-Trip" link from the QuickRail site. They will select their city of origin and their destination. They will then select the "Let's see those routes!"link.
Students will use the information on their screen to record number of departures, the departure time they are choosing and why, how long they will be on the train, and their arrival time.
Students should then choose the "QuickRail main menu" link at the bottom of the page. They should select the "Area Maps" link and then the link for their destination.
Students will print out the area map, pick one or more places they would like to visit, and write out the directions to those places from the Amtrak Station.
Students will compile all of their collected data and create an attractive display.
Groups will give presentations about their trips.

Learning Advice: Teachers will need to get several California road maps. (AAA will provide these free of charge for members!) Partners or small groups are suggested for this activity. If small groups are used, each participant should have an assigned role. Teachers may want to take their whole class through this activity first. A computer lab situation is recommended.

Evaluation: Displays should be neat and well organized. They should show a full understanding of reading charts and maps, calculating time and distances, and giving directions from one location to another. Communication should be clear and concise. Group work should show equal participation by each member.

Extensions: Students could write to the Chamber of Commerce of their chosen destination for more information. Students could be given a budget and a time schedule with which to plan a trip. Students could make an advertisement for the city they visit.

Conclusion: Upon completion of this activity, students will have learned how to analyze charts and maps, apply their skills of time and measurement to a real-life situation, communicate more effectively, and navigate on the Internet.

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California Mathematics Academic Standards:

Grade 2:
Number Sense
2.0 Students estimate, calculate and solve problems involving addition and subtraction of two- and three-digit numbers.
2.2 find the sum or difference of two whole numbers up to three digits long
2.3 use mental arithmetic to find the sum or difference of two 2-digit numbers

Measurement and Geometry
1.0 Students understand that measurement is accomplished by identifying a unit of measure, iterating (repeating) that unit and comparing it to the item to be measured.

1.4 tell time to the nearest quarter hour and know relationships of time (e.g., minutes in an hour, days in a month, weeks in year.
1.5 determine the duration of intervals of time in hours (e.g., 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

Grade 3:
Number Sense
1.0 Students understand place value of whole numbers.

1.1 count, read, and write whole numbers to 10,000

Grade 4:
Number Sense
1.0 Students understand place value of whole numbers and decimals to two decimal places, how these relate to simple fractions, and use concepts of negative numbers.

1.2 order and compare whole numbers and decimals to two decimal places

Mathematical Reasoning
2.0 Students use strategies, skills and concepts in finding solutions.

2.3 use a variety of methods, such as words, numbers, symbols, charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, and models, to explain mathematical reasoning
2.4 express the solution clearly and logically by using the appropriate mathematical notation and terms and clear language; support solutions with evidence in both verbal and symbolic work

3.0 Students move beyond a particular problem by generalizing to other situations.

3.2 note method of deriving the solution and demonstrate conceptual understanding of the derivation by solving similar problems

NCTM - K4:

STANDARD 1: MATHEMATICS AS PROBLEM SOLVING
STANDARD 4: MATHEMATICAL CONNECTIONS
STANDARD 9: GEOMETRY AND SPATIAL SENSE
STANDARD 10: MEASUREMENT