Number and representation game

Interactive GeoGebra investigation that allows children (age 6-10) to explore an element of mathematics for themselves.

Lesson idea. Geogebra has been used to create a simple interactive applet. The applet and guidance notes on how to use it with students are included with the resource.

Resource details
Title	Number and representation game.
Topic
Teaching approach
Learning Objectives
Format / structure	Embedded GeoGebra applet and guidance notes.
Subject
Age of students / grade
Table of contents
Additional Resources/material needed
Useful information
Related ORBIT Wiki Resources	This activity is a result of the 2013 ORBIT/GeoGebra Competition that asked entrants to create an open-ended activity that supports interactive teaching and active learning for the 6-10 age range.
Other (e.g. time frame)
Files and resources to view and download	GeoGebra file: File:Number and representation game.ggb Guidance notes: File:Number and representation game.doc
Acknowledgement	John Golden
License

Guidance notes

1) Overview

This game is a variation of War that emphasizes representation for number. The ten frames are filled with a random number from 1 to 20, and the three dice work like regular dice, each having a random number from 1 to 6.

2) Learning Objectives

Use the applet for the following:

• number sense, to compare two different values
• representation: to subitize
• representation: to compose/decompose small numbers (<=20)
• addition, adding small numbers and encourage strategies that use ten.
• probability, comparing two different random sets of data with different ranges to determine fairness

3) Teaching Approach

The sketch is usable in several ways: as a visual to discuss number representation, addition strategies and comparison; as a game that encourages number sense; as an investigation into probability and whether it is a fair game.

4) Teacher's Note

I would use this with the whole group briefly, to demonstrate the various buttons. Then encourage students to play in teams of two. First the basic game, who has more, then with the challenge of determining who has more. If that is too competitive, teams could take turns being the judge of who has more.