1. Using Symbols to Compare
Unit of Study: Comparing Numbers
Global Concept Guide: 2 of 3

2. Content Development
In this GCG, students are making direct models of numbers with base-10 blocks to compare numbers. They are also drawing models of number cards to solve problem situations that require them to compare and order numbers. Remember that the term “model” may refer to using manipulatives or to a drawing (including quick pictures, number lines and other mathematical representations).

3. Day 1
Building Conceptual Knowledge – Voyages Grade 2 Excursions A Number of Locations TE p. 27 – 30
Introduce the lesson with the Setting the Stage section using TR1 (found in the back of the TE) Continue with the Day 1 Relative Size of Numbers – Building Conceptual Knowledge section using TR2 (found in the back of the TE) and student page 39.
Model how to label the number lines and provide support with students as needed (remember that the focus of this lesson is comparing numbers on a number line, not labeling the number lines).
End the lesson at the top of p. 30 in the TE, before Number Lines with Intervals of 2.
Independent Practice - Voyages Grade 2 Excursions A Number of Locations Student p. 41 (omit #14)

4. Day 2
Building Conceptual Knowledge – Go Math Lesson 7.3 Algebra – Use Symbols to Compare
Each student uses base-10 blocks (rods and unit cubes) model less than, equal to, and greater than situations. Make sure students correctly draw quick pictures of their models.
Independent Practice – Go Math Lesson 7.3 # on p. 298 – 299
At this point, encourage students to draw the quick pictures without making the models first. The goal is that by the end of the lesson students will mentally compare numbers using place value without having to draw pictures.

5. Day 3 Go Math Lesson 7.4 Problem Solving – Compare Numbers
Engage/Student Discovery
Without allowing students to open their Go Math books, read the Unlock the Problem on p. 301 and have them solve it in their math notebooks
Invite a few students to share their solutions, steering the discussion toward the “making a model” solution as described in the lesson
See Extend the Math Activity on p. 303 in Go Math TE for a whole class activity modeling how to put numbers in order.
Guided Practice - #1 & 2 on p. 302, discuss solutions
Independent Practice - #3 – 8 on p. 303 – 304
Students are applying what they have learned so far in this unit in problem situations

6. Enrich/Reteach/Intervention
Use Secret Code cards to build numbers and record comparisons
Click here for reproducible cards and Representation Mat.
Enrich (Both located near bottom of page under 1.NBT3)
Comparing 2-digit Numbers – students use digit cards to make 2-digit numbers and compare using correct symbols. Record in math notebook
Scoop It! – scoop up buttons and counters and compare the amounts (if buttons aren’t available, substitute any other small object). Record in math notebook.