Using Number Bars to Balance the Scale

Students add within 50 while leveraging their fluency with one-digit facts and their understanding of decomposition of numbers. This activity is designed for 1st grade students.

By Desmos Classroom

1st - 3rd Grade

Math

This warm up and quick routine takes about 5-10 minutes and can be used in or outside of a Math block. It is designed to be flexibly implemented in your day! Today's Goals • Add within 50 using strategies based on composition and decomposition of numbers. • Compare quantities to make 2 sides of a scale equal. • Language Goal: Explain how they added up numbers using composition strategies. (Speaking and Listening) Prep Checklist • Click Present to show this activity to the class or a small group. • On the Warm-Up screens, drag number bars to either side of the scale to show how the scale works. Then, on the next screen, invite students to share how they could balance the scale. As they share, drag the number bars to balance the scale. • On the Activity screen, demonstrate choosing a dice and clicking Roll. Have students find ways to choose the number bars to balance the scale.