Base ten blocks
Encyclopedia
Base ten blocks are a mathematical manipulative used by students to learn basic mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, number sense
, place value and counting. The student can manipulate the blocks in different ways to express numbers and patterns. Generally, the 3-dimensional blocks are made of a solid material such as plastic or wood and come in four sizes to indicate their individual place value: Units (one’s place), Longs (ten’s place), Flats (hundred’s place) and Blocks (thousand’s place). There are also computer programs available that simulate base ten blocks.
Number sense
In mathematics education, number sense can refer to "an intuitive understanding of numbers, their magnitude, relationships, and how they are affected by operations." Many other definitions exist, but are similar to the one given...
, place value and counting. The student can manipulate the blocks in different ways to express numbers and patterns. Generally, the 3-dimensional blocks are made of a solid material such as plastic or wood and come in four sizes to indicate their individual place value: Units (one’s place), Longs (ten’s place), Flats (hundred’s place) and Blocks (thousand’s place). There are also computer programs available that simulate base ten blocks.
Use in mathematics instruction
Base ten blocks are popular in elementary school mathematics instruction. They are frequently used in the classroom by teachers to model concepts, as well as by students to reinforce their own understanding of said concepts. Physically manipulating objects is an important technique used in learning basic mathematic principles, paricularly at the early stages of cognitive development. Studies have shown that their use, like that of most mathematical manipulatives, decreases as students move into higher grades.See also
- Mathematical manipulative
- Base 10
- Number senseNumber senseIn mathematics education, number sense can refer to "an intuitive understanding of numbers, their magnitude, relationships, and how they are affected by operations." Many other definitions exist, but are similar to the one given...
- Mathematics educationMathematics educationIn contemporary education, mathematics education is the practice of teaching and learning mathematics, along with the associated scholarly research....
External links
- http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_152_g_1_t_1.html?from=topic_t_1.html
- http://www.mathsolutions.com/documents/0-941355-57-8_L.pdf
- http://www.susancanthony.com/Resources/base10ideas.html