Education Technology


Amazing Appetites

Activity Overview

Students learn to count and solve original word problems. They learn to add by combining sets and subtract when removing the set. They use manipulatives to reflect the reasoning used in problem solving.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 63 - 72 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the page to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
    Activity A:

  • Discuss the different creatures in the book
  • Read the book to the class, and construct a list of items and the number of items eaten
  • Discuss the chart with the students


  • Activity B:
  • Use manipulatives, the calculator, and the class chart to solve word problems
  • Demonstrate problem solving strategies and calculator keystrokes


  • Activity C:
  • Use manipulatives, the calculator, and the class chart to solve word problems
  • Discuss the solutions to the problems


  • Activity D:
  • Solve more word problems using words, pictures, and numbers
  • Share solutions and demonstrate how the problem can be solved using the calculator
  • After the Activity

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary