Treasure Map Coordinates: Finding Locations on the Coordinate Plane!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 2:30 Video
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Lesson Description

Join Jamal and Lily on a coordinate plane adventure! This lesson teaches you how to read and plot ordered pairs in the first quadrant, just like they did to find the Super Lady cave!

Video Resource

Coordinate Plane and Ordered Pairs Song | 1st Quadrant

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Duration: 2:30
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Coordinate Plane
  • Ordered Pairs (Coordinates)
  • X-axis
  • Y-axis
  • Origin (0,0)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define the coordinate plane, x-axis, y-axis, and origin.
  • Students will be able to identify and plot ordered pairs (coordinates) in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane.
  • Students will be able to describe how to locate a point on the coordinate plane given its ordered pair.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they've ever used a map or looked for buried treasure. Introduce the idea of using coordinates to find specific locations. Briefly explain that today they'll learn how to use a special kind of map called a coordinate plane. Show the NUMBEROCK video.
  • Video Viewing & Discussion (7 mins)
    Play the "Coordinate Plane and Ordered Pairs Song | 1st Quadrant" video. After watching, ask students about Jamal and Lily's adventure. What were they trying to find? How did they use the map? What did (9,4) taste like to Jamal?
  • Key Vocabulary (5 mins)
    Introduce and define the following terms: Coordinate Plane, X-axis, Y-axis, Ordered Pair (Coordinates), and Origin (0,0). Write the terms on the board and have students write them in their notebooks. Explain that the x-axis is the horizontal line and the y-axis is the vertical line. The origin is where they meet, at (0,0).
  • Plotting Points (10 mins)
    Explain how to plot an ordered pair (x, y) on the coordinate plane. Emphasize that the x-coordinate tells you how far to move to the right along the x-axis, and the y-coordinate tells you how far to move up along the y-axis, starting from the origin. Model plotting a few points on a large coordinate plane drawn on the board (e.g., (2,1), (7,10), (3,5)). Refer back to the lyrics from the song to reinforce the process: "go right [x-value], up [y-value]".
  • Practice Activity (10 mins)
    Provide students with worksheets containing blank coordinate planes and lists of ordered pairs. Have them practice plotting the points. Circulate to provide assistance and check for understanding. Make it fun - tell them each plotted point is a clue to finding their own 'treasure' which could be a small reward at the end of the lesson!
  • Elapsed Time Extension (Optional 5 mins)
    Pose a question: If Jamal and Lily started at (0,0) and each coordinate unit represents 10 minutes of travel time, and they reached (9,4), how long did it take them to reach the cave? Guide students through calculating the total time: 9 units right + 4 units up = 13 units. 13 units * 10 minutes/unit = 130 minutes or 2 hours and 10 minutes.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts and ask students to summarize what they learned. Emphasize the importance of ordered pairs in finding locations on a map or in other real-world applications.

Interactive Exercises

  • Coordinate Plane Scavenger Hunt
    Hide small objects around the classroom and give students coordinates to find them. For example, "Find the pencil at (3,2)". First set up a coordinate grid within the classroom.
  • Partner Plotting
    Have students work in pairs. One student calls out coordinates, and the other student plots the point on their coordinate plane. Then they switch roles.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to move right (along the x-axis) first when plotting a point, and then up (along the y-axis)? What would happen if you did it the other way around?
  • Can you think of any real-life examples where you might use coordinates to find a location?
  • What is the purpose of the X-axis and Y-axis on a coordinate plane?

Skills Developed

  • Understanding and applying mathematical vocabulary
  • Visual-spatial reasoning
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Coordinate Reading and Plotting

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the point (0,0) on a coordinate plane called?

Correct Answer: The Origin

Question 2:

Which direction does the x-axis go?

Correct Answer: Left and Right

Question 3:

Which direction does the y-axis go?

Correct Answer: Up and Down

Question 4:

In the ordered pair (3, 5), which number tells you how far to move to the right?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 5:

In the ordered pair (6, 2), which number tells you how far to move up?

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

When plotting the point (4, 1), where do you start counting from?

Correct Answer: The origin (0,0)

Question 7:

What does the first number in an ordered pair tell you to do?

Correct Answer: Move right

Question 8:

What does the second number in an ordered pair tell you to do?

Correct Answer: Move up

Question 9:

What is another name for coordinates?

Correct Answer: Ordered Pairs

Question 10:

Jamal said he could taste (9,4). What are the numbers 9 and 4?

Correct Answer: The coordinates

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The coordinate plane has a horizontal line called the _____.

Correct Answer: x-axis

Question 2:

The coordinate plane has a vertical line called the _____.

Correct Answer: y-axis

Question 3:

An ordered pair tells you how far to move right and how far to move _____.

Correct Answer: up

Question 4:

We always start plotting points from the _____.

Correct Answer: origin

Question 5:

The origin is located at the point (_____,_____) on the coordinate plane.

Correct Answer: 0,0

Question 6:

A set of coordinates is also known as a(n) _____.

Correct Answer: ordered pair

Question 7:

To plot the coordinates (7, 10), you go right 7 and up _____.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 8:

Always start from the bottom left-hand _____, that’s the place that we begin.

Correct Answer: corner

Question 9:

First, plot x; then _____.

Correct Answer: y

Question 10:

You find coordinates on the coordinate _____.

Correct Answer: plane

Educational Standards

4.GM.1.1:Identify points, lines, line segments, rays, angles, endpoints, and parallel and perpendicular lines in various models. 4.GM.3.1:Determine elapsed time. 4.D.1.2:Organize data sets to create tables, bar graphs, timelines, and Venn diagrams. The data may include benchmark fractions or decimals (1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 2/3, 3/4, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75). 4.A.1.1:Create an input/output chart or table to represent or extend a numerical pattern.

Teaching Materials

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