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Maia’s Pet Club for Years 4–5

Years 4–5

Look after a pet and the care is the maths: fractions, decimals, area, time, coordinates and more.

For children ages 9 to 11.

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Each part of looking after a pet is a different strand of maths. Feeding is fractions, washing is decimals and volume, playing is coordinates and angles, and so on. The child never sees a worksheet: the care is the question.

Every task is mapped to the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics v9.0 content descriptions for Year 4 and Year 5. The table below shows how well each one is practised, and the list after it says plainly what is not covered yet.

Care by care

What the child does, care by care

Nine ways of looking after a pet, each one a different part of the maths.

  • Feed

    Fractions

    Measures out meals with fractions, comparing bowls and reading scoops and scales.

    Example Pick the scoop that makes the same amount as the one in the recipe.
    • AC9M4N01
    • AC9M4N03
    • AC9M4N04
    • AC9M4M01
    • AC9M5N03
    • AC9M5N05
    • AC9M5N09
    • AC9M5M01

  • Wash

    Decimals and volume

    Works with decimals and volume at the bath: reading thermometers, pouring and rounding.

    Example Read the bath thermometer, then pour two jugs together and say how much water there is.
    • AC9M4N01
    • AC9M4N07
    • AC9M4M01
    • AC9M5N01
    • AC9M5N08
    • AC9M5N09
    • AC9M5M01

  • Play

    Coordinates and angles

    Plays outdoor games that use coordinates, angles, chance and measuring.

    Example Read a point on the grid, then follow a set of moves across it.
    • AC9M4M01
    • AC9M4M04
    • AC9M4SP02
    • AC9M4P01
    • AC9M4P02
    • AC9M5M01
    • AC9M5M04
    • AC9M5SP02
    • AC9M5SP03
    • AC9M5P01
    • AC9M5P02

  • Groom

    Symmetry and patterns

    Brushes and styles with patterns, algorithms and symmetry.

    Example Follow a short set of steps to make a number pattern, or find the lines of symmetry in a shape.
    • AC9M4N09
    • AC9M4SP03
    • AC9M5N10
    • AC9M5SP03

  • Bed

    Area and perimeter

    Builds the pet a bed and pen: area, perimeter, nets and solids.

    Example Work out how much fence a pen needs, or which flat net folds into a cube.
    • AC9M4M02
    • AC9M4SP01
    • AC9M5M01
    • AC9M5M02
    • AC9M5SP01
    • AC9M5A02

  • Treats

    Multiplication and factors

    Shares out treats with multiplication, division, factors and multiples.

    Example Find the missing number in a times fact, or the pairs of factors of a number.
    • AC9M4N02
    • AC9M4N05
    • AC9M4N06
    • AC9M4A02
    • AC9M5N02
    • AC9M5N06
    • AC9M5N07
    • AC9M5A01
    • AC9M5A02

  • Shop

    Money

    Shops for the pet with money: totals, change, budgets, estimates and percentages.

    Example Estimate the total of a shopping list, then work out the change.
    • AC9M4N07
    • AC9M4N08
    • AC9M5N04
    • AC9M5N07
    • AC9M5N08
    • AC9M5N09

  • Routine

    Time

    Plans the pet's day with time: elapsed time, timetables and 12- and 24-hour clocks.

    Example Work out how long something lasts from its start and end times.
    • AC9M4M03
    • AC9M5M03

  • Explore

    Mixed challenges

    Mixed challenges that bring several strands together: data, maps, equations and place value.

    Example Read a bar chart or a compass map, or find the missing number in an equation.
    • AC9M4N01
    • AC9M4N05
    • AC9M4N06
    • AC9M4N07
    • AC9M4N08
    • AC9M4SP02
    • AC9M4ST01
    • AC9M4ST02
    • AC9M4ST03
    • AC9M4A01
    • AC9M5N05
    • AC9M5N09
    • AC9M5A02
    • AC9M5ST01

Curriculum

How it maps to the curriculum

Mapped to the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics v9.0. Codes are shown here for grown-ups; children never see them in the game.

  • Full: practised at several levels
  • Partial: the main skill, not all of the wording
  • Thin: only a small piece
  • Not yet: not practised yet

Year 4

23 content descriptions

  • Number

    9

    6 full, 3 partial

    See the 9 descriptions
    • AC9M4N01Place value to tenths and hundredths; decimal notationFull
    • AC9M4N02Explain and use properties of odd and even numbersFull
    • AC9M4N03Equivalent fractions with related denominators; fractions and decimalsFull
    • AC9M4N04Count by fractions incl. mixed numerals; number linesFull
    • AC9M4N05Multiply and divide by multiples and powers of 10Full
    • AC9M4N07Estimation and rounding to check reasonableness, incl. moneyFull
    • AC9M4N06Efficient strategies for +, - (and ×, ÷ without remainder)Partial
    • AC9M4N08Modelling additive and multiplicative problems, incl. moneyPartial
    • AC9M4N09Follow and create algorithms (steps and decisions) that make sets of numbersPartial

  • Algebra

    2

    2 full

    See the 2 descriptions
    • AC9M4A01Unknown values in + and - equationsFull
    • AC9M4A02Multiplication facts to 10 × 10 and related division; mental strategiesFull

  • Measurement

    4

    4 full

    See the 4 descriptions
    • AC9M4M01Read unmarked and partial units: length, mass, capacity, duration, temperatureFull
    • AC9M4M02Measure and approximate perimeter and area, formal and informal unitsFull
    • AC9M4M03Duration incl. am/pm; convert units of timeFull
    • AC9M4M04Angle names: acute, obtuse, straight, reflex, revolution; relation to a right angleFull

  • Space

    3

    1 full, 2 partial

    See the 3 descriptions
    • AC9M4SP03Line and rotational symmetryFull
    • AC9M4SP01Composite shapes and objects from familiar shapesPartial
    • AC9M4SP02Grid references and directions; positions and pathwaysPartial

  • Statistics

    3

    1 partial, 2 thin

    See the 3 descriptions
    • AC9M4ST01Acquire and represent data: many-to-one pictographs, column graphsPartial
    • AC9M4ST02Effectiveness of displays; shape and variation of distributionsThin
    • AC9M4ST03Statistical investigations: surveysThin

  • Probability

    2

    2 partial

    See the 2 descriptions
    • AC9M4P01Likelihood of events; order by likelihood; independent or dependentPartial
    • AC9M4P02Repeated chance experiments; variation in resultsPartial

Year 5

24 content descriptions

  • Number

    10

    7 full, 3 partial

    See the 10 descriptions
    • AC9M5N02Factors, multiples, divisibilityFull
    • AC9M5N03Compare and order fractions (same or related denominators, mixed numerals); number lineFull
    • AC9M5N04Percentages: 100% is the whole; link to fractions and decimalsFull
    • AC9M5N05Add and subtract fractions with same or related denominatorsFull
    • AC9M5N06Multiply larger numbers by one- or two-digit numbersFull
    • AC9M5N07Division; interpret remainders in context; whole, decimal or fractionFull
    • AC9M5N08Check reasonableness with estimation, incl. moneyFull
    • AC9M5N01Decimals with more than 2 places: interpret, compare, order; number linePartial
    • AC9M5N09Modelling additive and multiplicative problems, incl. moneyPartial
    • AC9M5N10Algorithms with factors, multiples, divisibilityPartial

  • Algebra

    2

    2 full

    See the 2 descriptions
    • AC9M5A01Multiplication and division as inverses; fact familiesFull
    • AC9M5A02Unknown values in × and ÷ equationsFull

  • Measurement

    4

    2 full, 2 partial

    See the 4 descriptions
    • AC9M5M01Choose metric units; smaller units or a combination for accuracyFull
    • AC9M5M0312- and 24-hour time; conversionsFull
    • AC9M5M02Perimeter and area of regular and irregular shapes, metric unitsPartial
    • AC9M5M04Estimate, construct and measure angles in degrees; protractorPartial

  • Space

    3

    2 full, 1 partial

    See the 3 descriptions
    • AC9M5SP02Grid coordinate system; position and movementFull
    • AC9M5SP03Translations, reflections, rotations; what changes, symmetriesFull
    • AC9M5SP01Connect objects to nets; build objects from netsPartial

  • Statistics

    3

    1 partial, 2 not yet

    See the 3 descriptions
    • AC9M5ST01Acquire, validate, represent data; mode and shapePartial
    • AC9M5ST02Line graphs of change over timeNot yet
    • AC9M5ST03Plan and conduct investigations; choose displaysNot yet

  • Probability

    2

    1 full, 1 partial

    See the 2 descriptions
    • AC9M5P02Repeated experiments; frequency to estimate likelihoodFull
    • AC9M5P01List outcomes; equally likely or notPartial

45 of 47 content descriptions practised: 27 full, 16 partial, 2 thin. 2 not yet.

Every content description

  • Full: practised at several levels
  • Partial: the main skill, not all of the wording
  • Thin: only a small piece
  • Not yet: not practised yet
Year 4 content descriptions (23)
CodeWhat it asks forPractisedNote
AC9M4N01Place value to tenths and hundredths; decimal notationFull
AC9M4N02Explain and use properties of odd and even numbersFull"Explain" is answered by choosing, not by writing an explanation.
AC9M4N03Equivalent fractions with related denominators; fractions and decimalsFull
AC9M4N04Count by fractions incl. mixed numerals; number linesFullNumber lines use halves, quarters, fifths, eighths and tenths only; thirds cannot be drawn yet.
AC9M4N05Multiply and divide by multiples and powers of 10Full
AC9M4N06Efficient strategies for +, - (and ×, ÷ without remainder)Partial"Appropriate digital tools" is not practised.
AC9M4N07Estimation and rounding to check reasonableness, incl. moneyFull
AC9M4N08Modelling additive and multiplicative problems, incl. moneyPartialThe child solves a stated problem but does not formulate the number sentence.
AC9M4N09Follow and create algorithms (steps and decisions) that make sets of numbersPartialFollow: yes. Create: no; the child never writes an algorithm.
AC9M4A01Unknown values in + and - equationsFull
AC9M4A02Multiplication facts to 10 × 10 and related division; mental strategiesFull
AC9M4M01Read unmarked and partial units: length, mass, capacity, duration, temperatureFullDuration on scaled instruments (a stopwatch dial) is not practised. Durations are covered by the time tasks.
AC9M4M02Measure and approximate perimeter and area, formal and informal unitsFullInformal units ("squares" of a mat) and m².
AC9M4M03Duration incl. am/pm; convert units of timeFull
AC9M4M04Angle names: acute, obtuse, straight, reflex, revolution; relation to a right angleFull
AC9M4SP01Composite shapes and objects from familiar shapesPartialNo 3D drawings of solids yet, so composite objects are described in words or cards.
AC9M4SP02Grid references and directions; positions and pathwaysPartialLettered grid references ('B3') are not used. Both axes are numbered, so places are named instead.
AC9M4SP03Line and rotational symmetryFullRotational symmetry orders 1, 2 and 4 only. Order 3 or 6 cannot be drawn on a square grid.
AC9M4ST01Acquire and represent data: many-to-one pictographs, column graphsPartialThe child reads displays and does not collect data. The pictograph is approximated with a set of items and a key; there is no real pictograph display yet.
AC9M4ST02Effectiveness of displays; shape and variation of distributionsThinComparing displays and describing shape are not practised.
AC9M4ST03Statistical investigations: surveysThinSurvey contexts only; no investigation cycle.
AC9M4P01Likelihood of events; order by likelihood; independent or dependentPartialIndependent or dependent events are not practised.
AC9M4P02Repeated chance experiments; variation in resultsPartialThe child interprets results but does not run the experiment.
Year 5 content descriptions (24)
CodeWhat it asks forPractisedNote
AC9M5N01Decimals with more than 2 places: interpret, compare, order; number linePartialDecimals are not placed on a number line yet.
AC9M5N02Factors, multiples, divisibilityFullPrimes are Year 6 in AC v9 (AC9M6N02) and Grade 4 in CCSS (4.OA.B.4). See "Beyond Year 5" below.
AC9M5N03Compare and order fractions (same or related denominators, mixed numerals); number lineFullfeed.compare-bowls L4-5 use unrelated denominators, which is beyond AC Y5.
AC9M5N04Percentages: 100% is the whole; link to fractions and decimalsFullPercentage of a quantity and discounts are left out on purpose; they are AC9M6N07 (Year 6).
AC9M5N05Add and subtract fractions with same or related denominatorsFullfeed.fill-to-target L3-5 also use unlike denominators, which is AC9M6N05 (Year 6) but CCSS 5.NF.A.1.
AC9M5N06Multiply larger numbers by one- or two-digit numbersFull
AC9M5N07Division; interpret remainders in context; whole, decimal or fractionFull
AC9M5N08Check reasonableness with estimation, incl. moneyFull
AC9M5N09Modelling additive and multiplicative problems, incl. moneyPartialAs for Year 4: problems are given, not formulated.
AC9M5N10Algorithms with factors, multiples, divisibilityPartialThe child follows an algorithm but does not create one.
AC9M5A01Multiplication and division as inverses; fact familiesFull
AC9M5A02Unknown values in × and ÷ equationsFull
AC9M5M01Choose metric units; smaller units or a combination for accuracyFullConversions with decimals (1.25 m = 125 cm, 0.855 L = 855 mL) are AC9M6M01 (Year 6) but CCSS 5.MD.A.1.
AC9M5M02Perimeter and area of regular and irregular shapes, metric unitsPartialMany spaces use metres or count "squares" to keep sizes believable. Higher levels still use "squares" (a 24 by 25 squares patchwork blanket) where the curriculum wants metric units, so cm² is no longer practised.
AC9M5M0312- and 24-hour time; conversionsFull
AC9M5M04Estimate, construct and measure angles in degrees; protractorPartialEstimating only. There is no protractor interaction, and the child does not construct angles.
AC9M5SP01Connect objects to nets; build objects from netsPartialCube nets only. Nets of prisms and pyramids need a net drawing that is not built yet.
AC9M5SP02Grid coordinate system; position and movementFull
AC9M5SP03Translations, reflections, rotations; what changes, symmetriesFull
AC9M5ST01Acquire, validate, represent data; mode and shapePartialShape of a distribution and spreadsheets are not practised.
AC9M5ST02Line graphs of change over timeNot yetNeeds a line graph display, which is not built yet.
AC9M5ST03Plan and conduct investigations; choose displaysNot yetAn investigation cycle does not fit a one-answer task. A "which display suits this question?" choice task would be a start. Not built.
AC9M5P01List outcomes; equally likely or notPartial
AC9M5P02Repeated experiments; frequency to estimate likelihoodFull

The gaps

What is not covered yet

We would rather you knew. These descriptions are practised partly, thinly or not at all, and the notes say why.

Year 4

  • AC9M4ST02Thin

    Effectiveness of displays; shape and variation of distributions

    Comparing displays and describing shape are not practised.

  • AC9M4ST03Thin

    Statistical investigations: surveys

    Survey contexts only; no investigation cycle.

  • AC9M4N06Partial

    Efficient strategies for +, - (and ×, ÷ without remainder)

    "Appropriate digital tools" is not practised.

  • AC9M4N08Partial

    Modelling additive and multiplicative problems, incl. money

    The child solves a stated problem but does not formulate the number sentence.

  • AC9M4N09Partial

    Follow and create algorithms (steps and decisions) that make sets of numbers

    Follow: yes. Create: no; the child never writes an algorithm.

  • AC9M4SP01Partial

    Composite shapes and objects from familiar shapes

    No 3D drawings of solids yet, so composite objects are described in words or cards.

  • AC9M4SP02Partial

    Grid references and directions; positions and pathways

    Lettered grid references ('B3') are not used. Both axes are numbered, so places are named instead.

  • AC9M4ST01Partial

    Acquire and represent data: many-to-one pictographs, column graphs

    The child reads displays and does not collect data. The pictograph is approximated with a set of items and a key; there is no real pictograph display yet.

  • AC9M4P01Partial

    Likelihood of events; order by likelihood; independent or dependent

    Independent or dependent events are not practised.

  • AC9M4P02Partial

    Repeated chance experiments; variation in results

    The child interprets results but does not run the experiment.

Year 5

  • AC9M5ST02Not yet

    Line graphs of change over time

    Needs a line graph display, which is not built yet.

  • AC9M5ST03Not yet

    Plan and conduct investigations; choose displays

    An investigation cycle does not fit a one-answer task. A "which display suits this question?" choice task would be a start. Not built.

  • AC9M5N01Partial

    Decimals with more than 2 places: interpret, compare, order; number line

    Decimals are not placed on a number line yet.

  • AC9M5N09Partial

    Modelling additive and multiplicative problems, incl. money

    As for Year 4: problems are given, not formulated.

  • AC9M5N10Partial

    Algorithms with factors, multiples, divisibility

    The child follows an algorithm but does not create one.

  • AC9M5M02Partial

    Perimeter and area of regular and irregular shapes, metric units

    Many spaces use metres or count "squares" to keep sizes believable. Higher levels still use "squares" (a 24 by 25 squares patchwork blanket) where the curriculum wants metric units, so cm² is no longer practised.

  • AC9M5M04Partial

    Estimate, construct and measure angles in degrees; protractor

    Estimating only. There is no protractor interaction, and the child does not construct angles.

  • AC9M5SP01Partial

    Connect objects to nets; build objects from nets

    Cube nets only. Nets of prisms and pyramids need a net drawing that is not built yet.

  • AC9M5ST01Partial

    Acquire, validate, represent data; mode and shape

    Shape of a distribution and spreadsheets are not practised.

  • AC9M5P01Partial

    List outcomes; equally likely or not

Practised even though the Australian sequence places it later

  • Prime and composite numbers (Year 6 in the Australian sequence)
  • Adding and subtracting decimals (Year 6)
  • Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators (Year 6)
  • Fraction of a quantity (Year 6)
  • Metric conversions with decimals (Year 6)
  • Order of operations with brackets, and the volume of a box (Year 7 in the Australian sequence)

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