Unit title* Teaching Place Value with the Aid of the TI 15 Calculator
Subject area* Math
Secondary subjectTechnology
Grade* 2nd
Duration/time* 5-10 days
Overview* Children will expand their knowledge of numbers by developing place value concepts using base-10 blocks and the calculator.  In the ensuing lessons students will interpret place values in spoken numbers, written numbers, base-10 exhibits, and calculator displays.
Technology overview*

click on level for description

 
Level 1: Students will access information. 
Students will learn to use the calculator as a tool to help them note comparisons between their calculator display and the base-10 manipulatives.  In Lesson 1 the students will learn how to use the TI-15 calculator.
Level 2: Students will collect data for research.
In Lesson 3, the students will use their calculators to explore how many tens, hundreds, and thousands there are in other numbers.
Level 3: Students will analyze information.
In Lesson 4, students will use the table on "The Value of Place Value" to record their findings and identify any patterns they see.
Level 4: Students will synthesize and communicate information.
In Lesson 4, students investigate how money connects to place value, and develop a table to record their findings.
Focus questions*

1. How can we name each digit in a 3 or 4 digit number if all the digits are the same?

2. How could we model this number without using digits? 

3. How does the display on the calculator compare to what you can do with the base-ten materials? 

4. How can we use the calculator to tell us how may ones, tens, hundreds, or thousands are in a number? 

Content standards and benchmarks*

(Mastery)

Michigan Mathematics benchmarks:
MA.IV.1.2 Investigate and develop an understanding of the base-10 place-value system.

MA IV.1.4 Apply their understanding of number systems to model and solve problems. 
Content standards and benchmarks*

(Secondary)

  
Technology standards and benchmarks*

(Mastery)

T.EE.3 Communicate about technology using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology.

T.EE.6  Demonstrate positive social and ethical behaviors when using technology.

T.EE.9  Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs, writing tools, digital cameras, drawing tools) for problem solving, communication, and illustration of thoughts, ideas, and stories.

Technology standards and benchmarks*

(Secondary)

  
Resources*
  • TI-15: A Guide for Teachers  developed by Texas Instruments Incorporated; activities developed by Jane Schielack
     
  • Counting on Frank  by Rod Clement
Lesson Plan(s)*

Activity 1:  How to Use the TI-15 Calculator
  A.  About the TI-15
  B.  Clearing Entries
  C.  Correcting Entry Errors
  D.  Basic Operations
  E.  Problem Solving:  Auto Mode

Activity 2:  Representing Numbers Using Base-Ten Blocks

Activity 3:  Base-Ten Blocks and the TI-15 Calculator

Activity 4:  Using Base-Ten Blocks and the TI-15 Calculator to Extend Exploration
 

Example student materials Student work for Activity 2
Assessment*  Writing Activity
Reflection  
Home activities  
Credits

Barb Ryan
bryan@manistique.k12.mi.us