The purpose of this learning experience is to enable students to apply addition and subtraction within 20 to solve real-world problems, enhancing their mathematical fluency and critical thinking. By collaborating with a local animal shelter, students gain practical skills while fostering a sense of community involvement and empathy. This project encourages students to reflect on their learning journey, develop persistence, and showcase their problem-solving strategies through interactive and engaging activities.

Students will develop fluency in adding and subtracting within 20 using mental strategies through real-world applications. They will enhance their problem-solving skills by calculating food and care needs for animals, fostering a deeper understanding of math's role in everyday life. Students will also cultivate a sense of community involvement and personal growth by reflecting on their contributions to the animal shelter project.

Students will create handmade animal care kits, each containing items labeled with math calculations that demonstrate their problem-solving skills. Throughout the project, they will develop presentations or posters detailing their strategies for calculating food and care needs. These products will be showcased at the Critter Calculations Carnival, highlighting their ability to apply math in real-world contexts.

Begin the project with "Shelter Stories," where a representative from the local animal shelter visits the class to share engaging stories about the animals. Integrate simple math problems related to these stories, allowing students to use addition and subtraction to solve real-life scenarios. This interactive session sets the stage for students to connect math skills with real-world applications, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for the upcoming project.

Host the "Critter Calculations Carnival" in the schoolyard, where students present their handmade animal care kits, showcasing their math skills and problem-solving strategies. Set up interactive booths with games and activities that demonstrate addition and subtraction within 20, inviting families and community partners to participate. Encourage students to explain their projects and share insights on how their work supports the local animal shelter.