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Perfect Squares and Square Roots

Strand: Number
Outcomes: 1 and 2

Curriculum Focus

This sample targets the following changes to the curriculum:

• The general outcome focus is to develop number sense; this has not changed from the previous curriculum.
• The specific outcomes focus on understanding perfect squares and square roots and determining approximate square roots of whole numbers that are not perfect squares.
• A specific outcome in the previous program of studies required students to distinguish between a square root and its decimal approximation on a calculator. In the current program of studies, students use technology to approximate the square root of a given number that is not a perfect square and explain why it is an approximation. These achievement indicators may be used to determine whether students have met Specific Outcome 2.

Perfect Squares and Square Roots addresses the following outcomes from the Program of Studies:

Strand:	Number
Specific Outcomes:	1. Demonstrate an understanding of perfect squares and square roots, concretely, pictorially and symbolically (limited to whole numbers). 2. Determine the approximate square root of numbers that are not perfect squares (limited to whole numbers).

What is a Planning Guide?

Planning Guides are a tool for teachers to use in designing instruction and assessment that focuses on developing and deepening students' understanding of mathematical concepts. This tool is based on the process outlined in Understanding by Design, by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe.

The following steps will help you through the Planning Guide:

• Step 1: Identify Outcomes to Address
• Step 2: Determine Evidence of Student Learning
• Step 3: Plan for Instruction
• Step 4: Assess Student Learning
• Step 5: Follow-up on Assessment

See Bibliography for reference information.