Place Value Partners

Overview

In this activity, students work in pairs to represent two-digit numbers using base-10 blocks and place value charts. This hands-on approach helps students understand the concept of place value and how numbers are composed of tens and ones.

Students will take turns creating numbers, representing them with manipulatives, and challenging their partners to identify the numbers. This collaborative activity reinforces place value understanding while developing communication and mathematical vocabulary.

Learning Objectives

• Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number represent amounts of tens and ones
• Represent two-digit numbers using concrete materials and place value charts
• Decompose two-digit numbers into tens and ones
• Use place value understanding to compare two two-digit numbers
• Use mathematical vocabulary to describe place value concepts

Materials

• Base-10 blocks (tens rods and ones cubes) or alternative manipulatives
• Place value mats or charts (one per pair)
• Number cards (0-9, two sets per pair)
• Student recording sheets
• Pencils
• Optional: Digital place value tool on tablets or computers

Preparation

1. Prepare place value mats with clearly labeled columns for tens and ones
2. Organize base-10 blocks or alternative manipulatives for each pair
3. Create number cards with digits 0-9 (two sets per pair)
4. Print student recording sheets
5. Set up a demonstration area with a document camera or large place value chart

Steps

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Review the concept of place value with the whole class
   • Demonstrate how to represent two-digit numbers using base-10 blocks on a place value mat
   • Show examples of how the same number can be represented in different ways (e.g., 42 as 4 tens and 2 ones, or 3 tens and 12 ones)
2. Partner Setup (3 minutes):
   • Arrange students in pairs
   • Distribute materials to each pair: place value mat, base-10 blocks, number cards, and recording sheets
   • Assign roles: Partner A and Partner B
3. Activity Round 1 (7 minutes):
   • Partner A selects two number cards to create a two-digit number
   • Without showing the cards, Partner A represents this number on the place value mat using base-10 blocks
   • Partner B observes the representation and identifies the number
   • Partners discuss and record the number, showing how many tens and ones it contains
   • Partners switch roles and repeat
4. Activity Round 2 (7 minutes):
   • Partner A creates a two-digit number with base-10 blocks but represents it in a non-standard way (e.g., 42 as 3 tens and 12 ones)
   • Partner B identifies the number and then rearranges the blocks to show the standard form
   • Partners record both representations on their sheet
   • Partners switch roles and repeat
5. Challenge Round (5 minutes):
   • Each partner creates a two-digit number with blocks
   • Partners compare their numbers using <, >, or = symbols
   • Partners record their comparison and explain their reasoning
   • Repeat with new numbers if time allows
6. Wrap-up Discussion (3 minutes):
   • Bring the class back together to share observations and insights
   • Discuss different strategies used to identify and compare numbers
   • Reinforce key vocabulary: place value, tens, ones, greater than, less than, equal to

Differentiation

Assessment

Observe students during the activity and look for:

• Accurate representation of two-digit numbers using base-10 blocks
• Correct identification of numbers from their representations
• Understanding of standard and non-standard forms of numbers
• Appropriate use of comparison symbols and reasoning
• Use of mathematical vocabulary in discussions

Collect and review student recording sheets to assess understanding and identify any misconceptions.