Lesson 6

Workshop: Decimal Concepts

Est. Class Sessions: 1

Developing the Lesson

Part 1. Playing Decimal Hex

Ask students to remove the Decimal Hex, Decimal Hex Game Board, and Decimal Hex Spinners pages from the their Student Activity Book. Display the game pages, and tell students that in this game they will compare decimals. Figure 1 shows the spinners. After reviewing the directions of the game, give two student players a clear spinner or a pencil and paper clip and two game markers each—both of the same color. Ask them to demonstrate the game for the class. Model how to make decimal comparisons using base-ten pieces and fraction circle pieces.

As students are playing, clarify rules and ask:

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  • Which number is [greater than, equal to, or less than] the number your marker is on?
  • How do you know that number is [greater than, equal to, or less than] the number your marker is on?
  • Which representation helps you think about this?
  • Does it make sense to not move a marker at all during a turn? Why? (Yes, if the marker could not move closer to the targets.)

Have students play the game in pairs or groups of three as you monitor their ability to compare decimals. Have base-ten pieces and fraction circle pieces readily available.

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Students can model decimals and fractions with pictures, number lines, base-ten pieces, or circle pieces to make comparisons.

Discuss strategies students used to compare decimals while playing Decimal Hex:

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  • How do you know one decimal is bigger than another?
  • How do you know it is smaller?
  • How do you know it is equivalent?
Student Guide:
Student Activity Book: 433 435
Answers
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SG_Mini
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X
SG_Mini
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Master:
Spinners for Decimal Hex
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