Using Math
Manipulatives
Jordan Tress
What are manipulatives?
Manipulatives are tools that create
opportunites for hands-on,
collaborative learning that can turn
more abstract concepts, in to
concrete examples.
Examples include:
Base 10 Blocks
Pattern blocks
Fraction tiles
3D shape models
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Geoboards
What are they designed to
do?
Connect to Develop higher-
Clarify concepts
abstract topics level thinking
skills
Form and
Improve problem
recognize Encourage
solving
patterns exploration
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Who are manipulatives for?
They are most commonly used in elementary school classrooms, but can
be used for a variety of concepts K-12
Base 10 Blocks
Elementary example
These can be used when students are learning about
place values, addition with carrying, subtraction with
borrowing and more!
Base 10 Blocks
Middle School Example
Can be used for learning decimal places, exponential
thinking
Successful Use
Successful classroom use:
Allowing a minute of free time to explore the tool before starting task reduces misuse
Pattern blocks could be used in a geometry class to discuss symmetry, measures of interior angles
of polygons, measuring area
Success would give students concrete examples of calculations and encourage learning
through exploration. If a student can work in a team to find the measurements of interior angles
of the polygons included in a set of pattern blocks, they would likely be able to remember the
process of practicing on a physical object rather than a worksheet
3D shape models can be used to calculate surface area, volume, exploring edges, faces, and
verticies
This can help visual and tactile learners to be able to manipulate the shape in their hands and
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see for themselves rather than relying on 3D shapes drawn in 2D diagrams
Technology
Potential Uses/Improvements
Google slides has tools that allow for shape creation for another alternative to
physical materials
Creates exploration opportunities, defeats some of the hands on-learning
Students can save work they’ve done and have pictures
Tools like google-slides can make using manipulatives acessible on e-
learning days
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