Learning Activity

Let's Compare

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

1

Overview

This engaging learning activity will allow students to compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits and record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.  The students will enjoy using the mathematical understanding of place value using dice to create numbers. The students will use mathematical reasoning to decide if the numbers are greater than, less than or equal to. This activity makes comparing numbers fun!

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 1

MA19.1.11

Explain that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.1.11

Vocabulary

  • Base ten
  • Decompose

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to decompose numbers 11-19.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use place value models or mental strategies to decompose numbers.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • a two-digit number represents amounts of tens and ones.
  • Ten things can be represented as one ten or as ten ones.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 1

MA19.1.12

Compare pairs of two-digit numbers based on the values of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and < and orally with the words “is greater than,” “is equal to,” and “is less than.”

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.1.12

Vocabulary

  • Equalities
  • Inequalities

Knowledge

Students know:

  • how to compare quantities using the terminology "greater than", "equal to", and "less than".

Skills

Students are able to:

  • compare 2-digit numbers.

Understanding

Students understand that:

  • numbers can be decomposed to determine if the amount is greater than, equal to, or less than, how that can be done.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • The student will understand the quantities to 99
  • The student will compare numbers up to 99.
  • The student will use mathematical words to compare numbers.
  • The student will use the <, >, = symbols appropriately.

Activity Details

  1. The teacher will tell the students they are going to play a game where they roll dice and compare numbers.
  2. The teacher will model the "math talk" for deciding if the first number is greater than, less than, or equals the second number.  
  3. The teacher will review the words and symbols using an anchor chart/poster for reference.
  4. The teacher will instruct the students to sit with their assigned partners. 
  5. The teacher will discuss with the class the procedures for rolling the dice and recording the numbers on the game board.
  6. The first partner rolls the dice and tells the second partner what the number is and the writes the number in the box.
  7. The first partner rolls the dice again and tells the second partner what the second number is and writes the number in the box.
  8. The first partner compares the two numbers with his/her partner.  The first partner writes <, >, = in the circle between the two numbers. Each time the partner will discuss their thinking through "math talks" with the other partner.
  9. The teacher will distribute the game board/recording sheet and a pair of dice to each group.
  10. The teacher will tell the students to begin playing the game.
  11. The partners take turns until the game board is filled.

Examples of Math Talks:  Student rolls a 7 and a 2 to make the number 72.  Then rolls a 5 and a 3 to make the number 53. 72 has 7 tens and 2 ones.  53 has 5 tens and 3 ones.  72 has more tens than 53. So, 72 is greater than 53.

Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

  • Review the recording sheet of the student to assess student understanding of the standards.
  • Pose these questions during the play of the game to evaluate student progress towards the standards:  How do you know the first number is greater than, less than or equal to the second number? Why did you use that symbol? What does that symbol mean?

Variation Tips

  • Have students use number cards or dice for numbers less than 50 for the game.
  • Have students use mini-ten frames and/or groupable manipulatives to build numbers to compare so students can visually compare.
  • Have students use number lines to compare.
  • Use 3 dice for three-digit numbers to compare.

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Prior to the lesson, the teacher will need to:

  • reproduce the game board/recording sheet for every student.
  • prepare 2 dice for each pair of students.
  • create an anchor chart/poster for reference with symbols and words.
  • prepare a list of names for working pairs of students.
  • assess the students' mathematical understanding of the values of two-digit numbers.

Digital Tools / Resources

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Virtual-Dice-Greater-than-OR-Less-Th…

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

kimhenderson
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