Base Ten Blocks for Number Sense

thingiverse

####Base Ten Blocks for Number Sense Base-ten Blocks are traditionally used in primary grades for children to make sense of the base-ten **numeral system**. The term "numeral" should be used whenever there is confusion. Indeed, a number is an abstract idea, which has numerous representations. For example, the number idea of 9 is 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 on and on. Mathematically, it really does not matter what base we use. Culturally, it is a different matter. Psychologically, it can be a real struggle. To say that 11 (in base seven) is an even number would make many people mad. These blocks are easy to make in a 3D design environment. At some teachers' request, I am posting a series of base-N blocks (N is a natural number) for mathematical entertainment. The impact of these blocks depends on the way they are used to communicate and model mathematical practices. Of course, after N^3, it is physically impossible to use blocks to show the meaning of a base in a positional value number system (or rather numeral system). ####Among the files are (Base =10, unit = 10mm ^ 3) 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. #### Notes If the 1000-piece is printed at a low infill (say 1%), it comes out well. It looks big! However, it does feel like it is 1000 in terms of weight. If so desired, you can dump a big cup of "rice or pinto beans" at about 90% completion. That'll make some difference. Well, just play with your ideas. Have fun!