Pre-K-2
Students are introduced to the concepts of greater than, less than and equal to
by observing quantities and making comparisons. Using various
instructional materials such as modeling clay, buttons, beans, and
cotton balls, students create amounts to compare using the open-mouthed
fish. Depending which fish is chosen, the fish cut-out (with its mouth
open) represents either greater than or less than. For equivalent amounts, a clam cut-out represents equal to.
This introductory lesson can be assessed through visual observation
and verbal questioning. A group size of 3 – 6 students per group is
optimal.
Pre-K-2, 3-5
Students often view linear measurement as a procedure in which a number is simply read off a ruler. The goal of this lesson is to have students gain experience in linear measurement by using a variety of measuring instruments to measure the heights of classmates, to discover the error inherent in measurement, and to search for patterns in data that are represented on a table. In this lesson, students compare results of measuring the same height using different methods, and discuss measurement error. They measure the heights of classmates and the heights of older students in their school, and construct a table of height and age data. The lesson is also designed to serve as a springboard for a second lesson in which students relate measurement to algebra and data analysis concepts.
Pre-K-2
In this lesson, students are encouraged to discover all of the combinations for a given situation. Students apply problem-solving skills (including elimination and collection of organized data) to draw their conclusions. The use of higher-level thinking skills (synthesis, analysis, and evaluations) is the overall goal.
Pre-K-2
In this lesson, students have an opportunity to explore the foundations of equivalence, an important step in their development of algebraic thinking as they see how quantities relate. Students explore equivalence by comparing weights of different collections of objects.
Pre-K-2
Students construct sets of numbers up to 10, write the numerals up to 10, and count up to 10 rationally. They use ten frames and also make bean sticks.
Pre-K-2
This lesson focuses on forming 3-digit house numbers to meet specific requirements. Careful reading of information and understanding of mathematical language are important to finding appropriate solutions. Using the problem-solving strategies of looking for patterns and establishing an organized list will aid students in finding all the possible solution sets.
Pre-K-2
The following lesson introduces elementary students to subtraction. The
objective is to create a link between students' experiences and
mathematics. By the end of the lesson it is expected that students have
a deep understanding of subtraction and how it relates to their world.
This lesson was adapted from "Helping Students Understand Subtraction"
by Anita Page, which appeared in the November 1994
Teaching Children Mathematics, Vol. 1, No. 3.
Pre-K-2, 6-8
This lesson encourages students to explore another model of subtraction, the balance. Students will use real and virtual balances. Students also explore recording the modeled subtraction facts in equation form.
Pre-K-2
Students explore the use of variables as they solve for the weights of objects using information presented in pictures. They model situations that involve adding and subtracting whole numbers, using objects, pictures, and symbols.
Pre-K-2
In this lesson, the exploration of the relation of addition to subtraction is continued as the students use problem-solving skills to find fact families, including those in which one addend is zero or in which the addends are alike.
