Base 10
Our normal counting system using digits 0-9

Place Value

What: How a digit's position affects its value (like 2 in 42 vs 24)
Why: Builds fundamental understanding of how our number system works in everyday calculations
How does it help: Students learn through hands-on manipulation how numbers work in different positions

Geometric patterns form the foundation of many mathematical principles and can be observed in various forms:


  • Regular polygons and their properties
  • Tessellations and surface coverings
  • Symmetry in natural and man-made objects
  • Fractal patterns and self-similarity
Geometric Pattern Example

Base 10 Blocks

What: Physical or digital tools showing numbers as ones (units), tens (rods), hundreds (flats), and thousands (cubes)
Why: Makes abstract numbers concrete by letting students physically manipulate and see quantity relationships
How does it help: Provides tactile and visual understanding of number relationships

There are several types of symmetry in mathematics:


  • Reflection symmetry (flip)
  • Rotational symmetry (turn)
  • Translational symmetry (slide)
  • Point symmetry
Symmetry Examples

Decimal System

What: A way of writing numbers using powers of ten, where each position is 10 times greater than the position to its right
Why: Forms the basis for all mathematical operations and is used globally for counting and calculations
How does it help: Creates systematic understanding of how numbers build upon each other

Tessellations can be created using:


  • Regular polygons
  • Irregular shapes
  • Transformed shapes
  • Combined patterns
Tessellation Examples

Number Recognition

What: identifying, reading, and writing numbers correctly
Why: Provides the foundation for all future math learning and daily number use
How does it help: Develops fluency and confidence in working with numbers

Famous examples of fractals include:


  • The Mandelbrot Set
  • Koch Snowflake
  • Sierpinski Triangle
  • Dragon Curve
Fractal Examples

Related Resources

Math Resource Library Base-10 Practice Problems Teacher Implementation Guide Video Tutorial Series