1. Base Blocks
reviewed by Liz
Base-ten virtual
manipulatives
allow students
to compose
numbers, deco
mpose and
regroup using
base-ten blocks.
2. How the applet works
Applet contains base-ten blocks and generates a number for
students to construct using the blocks.
Students click on the block at the top of the column
(100s, 10s, 1s) and the manipulative appears in the column
below.
Manipulatives can be moved to the column to the right
and will be broken down (e.g. a flat into ten longs,) or can
be lassoed into a larger group and moved to the left.
Students can explore various ways to use the blocks to
construct the number – can add up to get to the number, or
can start with a larger block and break it down (subtraction)
to arrive at the number.
3. Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
Includes clear instructions for use, as Instructions may need to be
well as link to information for explained to younger users.
teachers/parents.
Counts number of blocks
Is student-friendly. Students can represented, but does not give a
work independently on the site. sign to indicate when student has
the correct response.
Number of places can be increased
or decreased depending on Rods need to be lined up fairly
instructional level of students. specifically in order to be lassoed
into a flat. May be challenging for
Includes options for exploring other younger users, or users may spend
bases – e.g. base-five, as well as too much time trying to line up
decimals. correctly.
Does not construct problems, so
usage may be limiting after a
certain point.
4. Evaluation of applet
Applet is easy to use, without a lot of “bells and whistles” to
distract from student learning.
Includes online instructions for use that are easily accessible in
a sidebar so students can read directions while applet is
open.
However, instructions are written for an older (mid-primary
and above) audience, and verbal directions will need to be
given for younger users and some English-language learners.
Applet is associated with a reputable educational
organization – The National Library for Virtual Manipulatives.
Applet is designed for independent student exploration or
teacher-directed activities.
Applet can provide varying levels of challenge by changing
the base, the number of places, or the decimal place.
5. A Problem-Based Task
Task:
Using the base-ten blocks, construct the number 437 as
many ways as possible. Record your methods on paper.
Connection to the standards and/or big ideas:
Grades 3–5 Expectations:
In grades 3–5 all students should-
Understand the place-value structure of the base-ten number
system and be able to represent and compare whole numbers
and decimals
Recognize equivalent representations for the same number
and generate them by decomposing and composing numbers
6. Questions to Ask to Assess
and Advance Student
Thinking
Launch
Task Set-Up:
What are some examples of different groupings of base-ten blocks
we can expect to see that will construct the number 437?
Explore
During Task Implementation:
Using the base-ten applet, what are some possible strategies we
can use to arrive at 437?
Summarize
As students share findings, strategies, reasoning, etc.:
What did you discover as you were exploring different strategies?
What groupings made the most sense to you?
Did different groupings of blocks make it easier or more challenging
to construct and visualize 437? Why, or why not?
