Lesson Plan
Power-Up Game Day
Students will be able to build and compare three-digit numbers using their understanding of place value, specifically focusing on hundreds, tens, and ones.
Understanding place value is a foundational math skill that helps students grasp larger numbers, perform operations, and solve real-world problems. This game-based lesson makes learning fun and memorable.
Audience
3rd Grade Class
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Through an engaging game, students will actively apply place value concepts.
Materials
Dice (6-sided, 3 per group), Whiteboards or scratch paper (1 per student), Markers or pencils, Number Builders Battle Game Sheet, Teamwork and Strategy Rubric, and Game Rules and Strategy Slide Deck
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Game Rules and Strategy Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the game flow.
- Print copies of the Number Builders Battle Game Sheet (one per student or group).
- Print copies of the Teamwork and Strategy Rubric (one per group for self-assessment, or one per student for individual assessment).
- Gather dice (3 per group).
- Ensure whiteboards/scratch paper and markers/pencils are available.
- Review all generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Display the first slide of the Game Rules and Strategy Slide Deck.
- Engage students with a quick warm-up question about place value: "What does the '2' mean in the number 245? What about the '4'?"
- Briefly introduce the 'Place Value Power-Up' game, highlighting that today they'll be battling with numbers!
Step 2
Game Rules & Strategy Overview
10 minutes
- Present the Game Rules and Strategy Slide Deck, explaining each rule clearly.
- Demonstrate a round or two of the game using the slide deck as a guide.
- Distribute the Number Builders Battle Game Sheet and other materials.
- Emphasize fair play and teamwork if playing in groups.
Step 3
Number Builders Battle Game
15 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (2-3 students per group).
- Students play 'Number Builders Battle' using the Number Builders Battle Game Sheet.
- Circulate around the classroom, providing support, asking probing questions (e.g., "How did you decide where to put that digit?"), and observing student understanding.
- Remind students to record their numbers and compare them on the game sheet.
Step 4
Wrap-Up & Reflection
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Ask students to share their biggest number or most challenging round.
- Lead a brief discussion: "What strategies did you use to build the largest number? How did understanding place value help you win?"
- Distribute or discuss the Teamwork and Strategy Rubric for self-assessment or peer feedback.
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Slide Deck
Place Value Power-Up!
Ready for a Number Battle?
Get ready to unleash your place value superpowers!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting concept of today's math adventure. Connect place value to everyday life (e.g., understanding prices, reading large numbers).
The Mission: Number Builders Battle!
Your Goal:
- Build the BIGGEST 3-digit number possible!
- Use your smarts to place digits wisely!
Explain the objective: to build the largest (or smallest, if you choose to vary it) 3-digit number. Emphasize that every digit matters!
Your Tools for Battle
What you'll need:
- 3 dice per team
- Number Builders Battle Game Sheet
- Pencil or marker
Clearly state the materials. Show the dice and the game sheet. Ensure everyone has what they need.
How to Play: Step 1
Roll those dice!
- One player rolls all 3 dice.
Explain step 1. Demonstrate rolling the dice. Ask a student to say their rolled numbers.
How to Play: Step 2
Place your digits!
- Decide where each number goes: Hundreds, Tens, or Ones.
- Think carefully! You want to make the biggest number!
Explain step 2. Emphasize the importance of choosing wisely to make the biggest number. Give an example: If you roll 2, 5, 9, where would you put the 9?
How to Play: Step 3
Lock it in!
- Write your chosen digits on your Number Builders Battle Game Sheet.
- Once a digit is placed, it CANNOT be changed!
Explain step 3. Show how to write the number on the game sheet. Reiterate that once placed, the digit cannot be moved.
How to Play: Step 4
Compare your numbers!
- Once everyone has built a number, compare them!
- Who has the biggest number in your group?
Explain step 4. Emphasize clear comparison, perhaps using terms like 'greater than' and 'less than'.
How to Play: Step 5
Score your points!
- The player with the biggest number gets a point for that round.
- Play for 5 rounds to find the ultimate Number Builder!
Explain step 5. Highlight the scoring system and how to determine the winner of a round.
Winning Strategy Tips!
Master Place Value!
- The hundreds place is the most powerful!
- Always try to put your biggest digit there first.
- Then, your next biggest in the tens place, and so on.
Briefly mention strategy. Encourage students to think about how place value affects the size of a number. This can tie into the rubric.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Remember to:
- Work together (if in teams).
- Be a good sport.
- Learn from each other!
Encourage good sportsmanship and collaboration. Remind them to think about the rubric.
Let the Battle Begin!
Time to build some numbers!
- Good luck, Number Builders!
Transition to the game play. Get them excited!
Game
Number Builders Battle: Game Sheet
Player Name: _________________________ Team Name (Optional): _________________________
Goal: Create the largest 3-digit number possible in each round using the digits you roll. Once a digit is placed, it cannot be moved!
Round 1
-
Dice Roll: ______, ______, ______
-
Your Number:
Hundreds Tens Ones -
My Number is: ______________________
-
Winning Number in Group: ______________________
Round 2
-
Dice Roll: ______, ______, ______
-
Your Number:
Hundreds Tens Ones -
My Number is: ______________________
-
Winning Number in Group: ______________________
Round 3
-
Dice Roll: ______, ______, ______
-
Your Number:
Hundreds Tens Ones -
My Number is: ______________________
-
Winning Number in Group: ______________________
Round 4
-
Dice Roll: ______, ______, ______
-
Your Number:
Hundreds Tens Ones -
My Number is: ______________________
-
Winning Number in Group: ______________________
Round 5
-
Dice Roll: ______, ______, ______
-
Your Number:
Hundreds Tens Ones -
My Number is: ______________________
-
Winning Number in Group: ______________________
My Score
- Total Rounds Won: ________
Reflection
- What strategy did you use to try and make the biggest number?
- What did you learn about place value today?
Rubric
Teamwork and Strategy Rubric: Place Value Power-Up
Student Name(s): _________________________
Date: _________________________
This rubric will help you assess your participation and strategic thinking during the "Number Builders Battle" game.
| Criteria | 4 - Excellent | 3 - Good | 2 - Developing | 1 - Needs Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place Value Strategy | Consistently applies an effective strategy (e.g., placing largest digit in hundreds place) to build the biggest number possible. Clearly articulates reasoning. | Generally applies an effective strategy to build large numbers. Can explain most strategic choices. | Attempts to use a strategy but may be inconsistent or less effective. Explanations are limited. | Randomly places digits without a clear understanding of place value strategy. Struggles to explain choices. |
| Number Comparison | Accurately compares all numbers, correctly identifying the largest number in each round. | Compares numbers with minor errors, mostly identifying the largest number. | Compares numbers with some difficulty, sometimes incorrectly identifying the largest number. | Struggles to compare numbers and identify the largest number. |
| Active Participation | Fully engaged throughout the game, taking turns, rolling dice, and recording numbers actively. | Participates in most aspects of the game, generally taking turns and recording. | Participates minimally, sometimes needing prompts to engage or complete tasks. | Shows little engagement or participation in the game. |
| Teamwork (if applicable) | Collaborates effectively with teammates, shares ideas, and helps others understand. Positive and supportive. | Works well with teammates, contributes ideas, and is generally supportive. | Works with teammates but may not actively contribute or offer support. Sometimes works independently. | Struggles to work with teammates, preferring to work alone or not contributing. |
Self-Reflection (Optional)
- What was your biggest strength during the "Number Builders Battle" game today?
- What is one thing you would do differently next time to improve your number-building strategy?