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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Sum calculator fun

Students work in pairs to practice math facts and use calculators to check answers.

A lesson plan for grade 2 Mathematics

By Laurie Melton

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Learning outcomes

The learner will be able to compute with whole numbers mentally and on a calculator.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

30 minutes

Materials/resources

  • one calculator per pair of students
  • one deck of cards per pair of students
  • paper
  • pencil

Pre-activities

Students need to be aware of how to do simple math facts on the calculator. Students also need to know how to add two numbers and switch the order of addends.

Activities

  1. The students will be seated in pairs. Each pair will have a calculator, deck of cards, a pencil and paper. Review how to add two numbers on a calculator (I use my overhead calculator).
  2. The teacher then explains the value of each card in the deck of cards.
    • Joker=0
    • Aces=1
    • Number Cards=the number on the card
    • Jacks=11
    • Queens=12
    • Kings=13
  3. The rules are explained to the students while modeling (on the overhead, if possible). Students take turns. The deck of cards is placed face down between the two students. One student chooses two cards off the top of the deck to get two addends. He/She then writes an addition sentence on his/her paper including the sum. The partner will check the sum with the calculator. If it was answered correctly, the student gets to keep those two cards. If the answer is incorrect, those two cards must be put back on the bottom of the pile.
  4. The students then switch roles back and forth until all of the cards are gone. The students can then count their cards to determine who has the most cards in their stack. The last part is optional if you want to make it a game where one person is winner.

Assessment

Observe the students to evaluate. The papers they write the number sentences on can also be taken up, if needed.

Supplemental information

Variations:

  • Easier Game- Use only number cards
  • Harder Games- Write two addition sentences changing the order of addends. Choose three cards for adding three addends.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 2

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will read, write, model, and compute with whole numbers through 999.
    • Objective 1.04: Develop fluency with multi-digit addition and subtraction through 999 using multiple strategies.
      • Strategies for adding and subtracting numbers.
      • Estimation of sums and differences in appropriate situations.
      • Relationships between operations.