The Large and Small of It

Get a grip on large numbers and have learners show what they know about place value to determine how long it will take Jon to drive 400–400,000 kilometers going 50 miles per hour.

Work with small and large numbers alike with a place-value activity. After writing the value of selected numbers, fourth graders write what happens to each number if they change certain parts of it. 

Before handing out this number-value learning exercise make sure you explain all directions clearly, as they may throw some students for a loop! Using starting numbers in a table, they first shade in all boxes with numbers smaller than...

What polygon is this? Young geometers categorize shapes by circling all the quadrilaterals in a set of figures. Next, they write the names of 10 polygons using a visual guide as reference. Review the guide together before they start if...

The math monster is at it again, this time stealing all the cars and drivers that were to take part in the cart race. If their addition and subtraction facts are up to the challenge, young mathematicians can win the drivers' freedom and...

First, second, and third graders explore elapsed time through estimation and prediction. They work with a partner to estimate how long it will take to perform various tasks. One person uses a stop watch to time his or her partner...

Explore with young mathematicians how large rectangles and be broken into smaller ones when finding area. This process is clearly modeled with visual examples, each with multiple possible solutions. Consider pausing the video and...

Explore the concept of volume using unit cubes. Working individually or in small groups, your class measures with a ruler in inches and calculates the volume of various rectangular household boxes (provided by the teacher) and completes...

Can your class solve the problem presented in the Chinese folktale, "Weighing the Elephant?" Read your class the description before having them attempt to solve the problem. After they've come up with an answer (or attempted to!), finish...

Third graders practice multiplication. In this multiplication lesson, 3rd graders receive instruction on how to multiply large numbers using the lattice method.