Dear Thinkers,

Today we fill our sixteenth cup to fill our fourth quart to fill our first gallon. What’s important to remember is that all of these measures–16 cups=4 quarts=1 gallon–are equivalent.

This is a big idea in fourth grade, and it’s not just one we talk about in math. How is a theme of this poem like this other poem? How are these two words related? How do these two events in Colorado history relate to each other and to the bigger story of our state’s past?

You could just memorize 16 cups=4 quarts=1 gallon, but I think it’s better to see it actually happen and “feel” the way they are equivalent. That feeling or idea will stay with you longer and you will find it useful throughout your life.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck