MCAS Math Grade 4 case studies
MCAS Math Grade 4 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The MCAS Mathematics Grade 4 assessment is part of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, a set of statewide standardized tests administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students in grades 3–8 and 10 take MCAS tests in English language arts and mathematics, so grade 4 mathematics is one of the required statewide mathematics administrations. The test is given on a computer and uses a variety of question formats, including multiple choice, short answers, and essays. It is untimed: students have as much time as they need within a regular school day. Topics on this exam: Mathematics. The MCAS Math Grade 4 case studies are 5 cases and about 2,167 words.
1The Bigger Denominator Trap
During a fraction talk, Ms. Rivera writes two fractions on the board: 3/8 and 2/5. A student, Leo, says 3/8 is greater because 8 is greater than 5, so the pieces must be bigger. Another student, Ana, says both are less than 1/2, so you cannot tell without more work.
422 words, about 2 min2Fencing the Garden
The fourth-grade garden club has 24 feet of fencing to enclose a rectangular garden. They must use all 24 feet and want the largest possible area. The garden must have whole-number side lengths in feet. One student, Priya, says a 6 ft by 6 ft square uses 24 ft and has area 36 sq ft, so nothing can be larger.
460 words, about 2 min3Field Trip Bus Problem
The fourth grade is going on a field trip. There are 187 students and 14 teachers/chaperones. Each bus can seat 40 people. The school district requires that every bus has at least one adult, and no bus may carry more than 40 people total.
399 words, about 2 min4The Coupon Decimals
At two stores, the same notebook costs different amounts. Store A sells it for 4.50. Store B sells it for 4.05. Store A has a coupon for 0.75 off one notebook.
413 words, about 2 min5Bean Plant Line Plot
A class measured bean plants to the nearest 1/4 inch. The line plot shows these heights in inches: 2 1/4 (three plants), 2 1/2 (five plants), 2 3/4 (two plants), 3 (four plants), and 3 1/4 (one plant). The class wants to find the total height if all plants were laid end to end, and the difference between the tallest and shortest plant. A student, Devon, says the total is just the average height times 15 because there are 15 plants, but he cannot find the average.
473 words, about 2 min