Georgia 6.MP.5
The Standard
Use appropriate tools strategically.
Georgia's K-12 Mathematics Standards · Display perseverance and patience in problem-solving. Demonstrate skills and strategies needed to succeed in mathematics, including critical thinking, reasoning, and effective collaboration and expression. Seek help and apply feedback. Set and monitor goals.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students select a tool that fits the problem, such as a ruler, graph paper, calculator, spreadsheet, or virtual manipulative. They use it accurately and explain how it helps solve or check the problem.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students compare available tools and choose one that makes the work accurate and efficient. They use the tool correctly, check the result, and switch tools when needed.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may use a calculator for every problem, even when mental math is faster. They may trust a tool’s output without checking whether the answer is reasonable. They may also choose tools based on convenience rather than accuracy.
How to Assess It
- Give students three short problems involving measurement, computation, and data. Ask them to name the best tool for each and explain their choices.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs rulers, tape measures, and meter sticks, then have them choose and use the best tool to measure five classroom objects.
Ask students to write which tool they would choose for finding a mean from 30 data values and why.
Run a Tool Match relay where teams pair problem cards with calculators, graph paper, rulers, spreadsheets, or no tool.
Have students plan a class snack budget from a price list, estimate the total, then choose a calculator or spreadsheet to verify it.
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Printable 6.MP.5 Worksheet
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