Grade: Elementary
Subject: Mathematics

#1748. Fish Subtraction Game

Mathematics, level: Elementary
Posted Wed May 3 10:28:50 PDT 2000 by Teri Martin (martint2809@uni.edu).
Student Work
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Materials Required: 20 Laminated fish numbered 1-20, Dry Erase Board or Chalk Board, Marker or Chalk
Activity Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Concepts Taught: Subtraction, Tallying

Teri Martin
For: Prof. Salih/200:040:05

Name of lesson: Fish Subtraction Game Date: 4/26/00

Lesson #: 1 Type of Lesson: Review/Game

Teaching Time for This Lesson: 15-20 minutes

Lesson Plan

Objective: Given the numbered fish, the Unit II students will be able to form the physical subtraction equations with 90% accuracy.

Materials: Laminated fish numbered 1-20

Dry Erase Board/Chalk Board

Marker/Chalk

Procedure: Write a subtraction sign and an equal sign on the board about three feet apart. Pass out the fish to the students. Explain that you are going to call out a subtraction problem and the three students with the numbered fish that are used in the problem should come up and stand in the appropriate spots. Example: #11 fish - #7 fish = #4 fish. Also, explain that this is both an individual and a group activity. Before anyone shouts out the answer or tries to help, the person who is holding the numbered fish with the correct answer will receive a few seconds to try to figure it out on his/her own. If that person needs help, you will call on a student whose hand is raised to answer the problem. Each correct answer is worth one point. If the team receives the number of points you set (could be a "magic" number), they receive a prize such as stickers or pencils. The students can help you keep track of how many they have answered correctly by using tally marks.
Evaluation: Could the students physically make the subtraction equations? Could the students with the answers figure it out or did they consistently need help from the team? Did the students follow directions? Were the students engaged in the activity?