Base Ten Blocks for Number Sense

thingiverse

Base Ten Blocks for Number Sense Base-ten blocks are traditionally used in primary grades to help children understand the base-ten numeral system. The term "numeral" is essential when there's confusion between the abstract idea of a number and its various representations. For instance, the number 9 is represented as 9 in base-ten, 1001 in base two, 11 in base-eight, neuf in French, IX in Roman numerals, 九 in Chinese, nueve in Spanish, and many more. Mathematically, it's irrelevant which base we use, but culturally and psychologically, it can be a significant struggle. To claim that 11 (in base seven) is an even number would offend many people. These blocks are simple to create using a 3D design environment. I'm posting a series of base-N blocks (N is a natural number) at the request of some teachers for mathematical entertainment. The impact of these blocks depends on how they're used to communicate and model mathematical practices. After N^3, it's physically impossible to use blocks to demonstrate the meaning of a base in a positional value number system (or rather numeral system). Among the files are: 1. Unit (10^0=1) 2. Ten (10^1) 3. Hundred (10^2) 4. Thousand (10^3) + A different design that saves filament 5. Multiples of Unit, Ten, Hundred for batch printing If the 1000-piece is printed at a low infill (say 1%), it turns out well and looks big! However, it feels like it's 1000 in terms of weight. You can dump a big cup of "rice or pinto beans" at about 90% completion to make some difference. Well, just play with your ideas. Have fun!