Lesson 14

The purpose of this lesson is for students to apply their understanding of place value to count real-world objects.

This lesson is optional because it does not address any new mathematical content standards. This lesson does provide students with an opportunity to apply precursor skills of mathematical modeling.

In this lesson, students build on their previous understandings and experiences with representations of numbers between 100 and 999. Students use their understanding of the base-ten structure of numbers to count and represent quantities of real-world objects (MP7). When students investigate the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of counting a large number of objects and then choose a method to use they critique the reasoning of others and model with mathematics (MP3, MP4).

• Each group of 2 to 4 students will need between one-half cup to one cup of beans or other small objects to count. If real-world objects are unavailable, centimeter cubes could be used instead.

How do students transfer their understanding of base-ten representations to real-world situations? How can you support students with making these connections outside of math class?