Integrating Math in a Sea of Science

In this featured lesson, entitled "Fishy Feeding Frenzy," fourth-grade students engage in a classic science activity that requires them to experience the interdependent relationships of organisms in an ecosystem. The students explore how adaptations increase the survival of a member of a species by participating in an active "fishy feeding frenzy." The fishy feeding frenzy lesson addresses "Next Generation Science Standards" ("NGSS") as students compete for survival within an ecosystem while exploring structure and function of given organisms. The fishy frenzy has several opportunities for mathematics concepts to come to the forefront of science learning by using the "Common Core" Data Analysis standards as well as the Mathematical Practices. This lesson demonstrates how math can come to life in science teaching. Students can self-assess using the Fishy Feeding Frenzy rubric. This rubric will provide an overall assessment of mathematical thinking, communication skills, and science conceptual understanding.