Lesson Focus:
Colonial Math Manipulative

Objective:
For students to create and solve problems using addition and subtraction using a Colonial example.

Materials:

• 1 bag of corn kernels

• Writing Paper and Pencil

• Markers

• Poster board

Background:

In Colonial times, natural resources had a variety of uses. In this activity students will see how corn kernels were used for both food and fun. To begin, explain that it was said that during one time of famine in Colonial days, a family’s food for one day consisted of only five kernels of corn apiece. The following activity is based on this information.

Instructions:

1. Give students a handful of corn kernels. Have them count out five for each member of their family. How many kernels would total for their family for a day? Count enough out for their family for a week. Have them record the totals on a piece of paper and share the results with the class—have students report on who's family would require the most , the least etc.

2. Have them keep the number of kernels that their family would need for a day and collect the rest.

3. Explain that children in Colonial days also played with corn kernels for entertainment. Partner students to create a game that uses their combined number of corn kernels. They can create an outdoor game or one that has game board (like checkers, using the kernels as playing pieces). Use the poster board and markers to create the game boards.