Concord Consortium
Petit Fours
Four 4s represent the counting numbers. Pupils attempt to write equivalent expressions to as many counting numbers as possible using only four 4s. Scholars then determine whether the same feat is possible using only three 3s.
Concord Consortium
Perfect Ten
How many ways can you make 10? Class members tackle three problems to find all possible ways three numbers add to be 10. The first is with positive integers, secondly with non-negative integers, and finally with real numbers. Pupils also...
Balanced Assessment
Legos
How many ways can you arrange two six-hole Legos? Scholars practice their understanding of combinations as they investigate this question. As they create a plan, they develop a specific definition of a combination.
Curated OER
K-5 Mathematics Module: Number and Number Sense
Reinforce number sense with a collection of math lessons for kindergarteners through fifth graders. Young mathematicians take part in hands-on activities, learning games, and complete skills-based worksheets to enhance proficiency in...
Illustrative Mathematics
Pick Two
Learning to break apart numbers into smaller pairs is a critical step young mathematicians take as they develop their number sense. To practice this skill, children are provided with sets of three numbers and are asked to pick the two...
Illustrative Mathematics
What’s Missing?
Now you see them, now you don't! This fun peek-a-boo activity engages young mathematicians in developing their ability to compose and decompose numbers. After being presented with a series of counters, children close their eyes while the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Shake and Spill
Entertaining as well as educational, this math activity about decomposing numbers is bound to capture the engagement of young learners. Given a cup and five two-color counters, young mathematicians simply shake and spill the cup,...
Curated OER
Learning Styles in Math
Students discover which learning style works best for them in a math setting. In this math comprehension lesson, students create different combinations of numbers that equal the sum of 11. Students determine if they are better visual,...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Which Is Worth More, a Smile or a Frown?
Solve for the value of the smiles and frowns to find out how much a smile is worth, in this activity. A challenge that focuses on number sense, number combinations, and unknowns. Included are examples of how this skill is applied in real...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: k.oa What's Missing?
Students will practice composing and decomposing numbers with this quick game. Show the student 6 counters. Ask the student to close his/her eyes. Hide some of the counters under a sheet of heavy paper. When the student opens his/her...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: k.oa Ten Flashing Fireflies
The purpose of this task is to help students develop fluency with addition facts to 10. Using the book "Ten Flashing Fireflies" by Philemon Sturges, students will move a yellow counter to the ten frame to represent the firefly in the...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Camp Add 'Em Up Iii
Camp Add 'Em Up is a series of lessons for first grade students. Students will use prior knowledge of friendly numbers (two number combinations that make a "10") and "adding on" as they master the ability to add three numbers. In this...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Combination Locks
If you're good with numbers, then here's a challenge just for you. See if you can figure out how many three number combinations you can make using numbers from 0 to 39. A probability challenge that explores number arrangements. Taken...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: How Can You Use Old Stamps?
Test your number sense and problem-solving aptitude with this math challenge using postage stamps with different values. This one-page activity from the NCTM Math Challenge for Families series focuses developing skills that can be used...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Radar Bills
Have you seen a radar bill lately? Explore number patterns, number combinations, and probability in this math challenge that examines serial numbers on U.S. bills. A one page activity from the NCTM Math Challenges for Families series.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: Daisies in Vases
Jasmine has eight daisies and three vases - one large, one medium-sized and one small. Students can work independently or in small groups to see how many ways you can put daisies into vases with the most in the large vase and the least...