Poster: Basic Math Skills for Chemistry or Science (12 x 39) - No QR codes

Are students having trouble with the mathematics involved with Chemistry, Physics, or other science courses?

Many students have shown up to my class lacking basic math skills that are required for science courses (multiplication, division, fractions, scientific notation, significance, etc.). This poster can hang in the room and hopefully be a reminder of those skills.

The poster also makes and effort to address the mnemonic device/ shortcut of the teacher dreaded triangle math for things like density (D = m/v) or molarity (M = mol/L). I know that many teachers use the triangle to rush students through a topic without guaranteeing that the student comprehends the topic but it can ultimately do damage to the student down the road. I understand it gets used. I just try to make an effort to show students its shortcomings as they learn more advanced topics.

Topics covered:

• Significant Digits or Figures
• Manipulation of Algebraic Equations
• Scientific Notation
• Power or Exponent Rules when Multiplying or Dividing with base 10 (10^)
• Greek Prefixes
• Dimensional Analysis or Factor-label Method using Greek Prefixes

This poster can be printed using a printer that can print a maximum width (paper roll) of 39 inches. Variquest printers were able to do this for me. Make sure that the custom print size is 12 inches by 39 inches.

Why the odd size? I hung this poster and others like them on cabinet doors in my classroom.

Students can then scan the QR-code with their phones or tablets to be directed to a YouTube video featuring an instructional guide through the problem that they see on the poster.

Common Core State Standards (MATH)

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.A.1 Recognize that in a multi-digit number, a digit in one place represents 10 times as much as it represents in the place to its right and 1/10 of what it represents in the place to its left.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.A.2 Explain patterns in the number of zeros of the product when multiplying a number by powers of 10, and explain patterns in the placement of the decimal point when a decimal is multiplied or divided by a power of 10. Use whole-number exponents to denote powers of 10.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.A.3 Read, write, and compare decimals to thousandths.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.A.4 Use place value understanding to round decimals to any place.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.A.1 Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system (e.g., convert 5 cm to 0.05 m), and use these conversions in solving multi-step, real world problems.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.B.2 Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots. For example, given different measurements of liquid in identical beakers, find the amount of liquid each beaker would contain if the total amount in all the beakers were redistributed equally.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.3 Recognize volume as an attribute of solid figures and understand concepts of volume measurement.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.3.A A cube with side length 1 unit, called a "unit cube," is said to have "one cubic unit" of volume, and can be used to measure volume.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.3.B A solid figure which can be packed without gaps or overlaps using n unit cubes is said to have a volume of n cubic units.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.4 Measure volumes by counting unit cubes, using cubic cm, cubic in, cubic ft, and improvised units.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.MD.C.5 Relate volume to the operations of multiplication and addition and solve real world and mathematical problems involving volume.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.A.4 Perform operations with numbers expressed in scientific notation, including problems where both decimal and scientific notation are used. Use scientific notation and choose units of appropriate size for measurements of very large or very small quantities (e.g., use millimeters per year for seafloor spreading). Interpret scientific notation that has been generated by technology.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.MG.A.2 Apply concepts of density based on area and volume in modeling situations (e.g., persons per square mile, BTUs per cubic foot).*