M & M vs. Skittles

Summary

Students will write numbers in expanded form to compare their answers. They will be solving an engaging problem to determine which student has the greater number of M&M's vs. Skittles.

Materials

• manipulatives (ie: counters, blocks, skittles, M&M's, base 10 blocks)
• math journals

Background for Teachers

• understand that numbers can be expressed in multiple ways
• understand what expanded form is
• understanding of the problem solving process and asking clarifying questions
• familiar with using manipulatives and have strategies in place for their use

Student Prior Knowledge

• understanding of place value
• understanding that numbers can be represented in many ways

Intended Learning Outcomes

• students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of multi-step problem solving
• students will be able to represent their numbers in multiple ways
• students will be able to compare numbers and determine which is larger and which is smaller
• students will be able to write numbers in expanded form

Instructional Procedures

Students settle an argument a problem comparing the amount of M&M's vs Skittles in a 2 lb. bag by determining if 15 groups of 10 with 7 left over is great than, equal to or less than 26 piles of 5 candies with 3 left over.

Strategies for Diverse Learners

• provide graphic organizers
• use smaller package comparison

Extensions

• solve in a different way
• have one student eat some of the candies and compare numbers