Cooperative learning involves a small group of students working together toward a common goal. With the Private Eyes Kids, the goal was to solve detective cases. The kids had to work together and draw on each other’s strengths to accomplish their goals. Using the characters of the Private Eyes Club, these activities will serve to develop cooperative skills while solving problems using base ten blocks.
These problems are designed to be used in groups with no more than four members. If there are fewer in the group, then students may work on more than one section of the problem.
Make sure your students are familiar with the names of the base ten blocks and give them time to explore these manipulatives. For each group you will need to provide base ten blocks and one copy of the activity sheet. Each sheet contains one problem divided into four cards. Each card is has an upper and lower part separated by a dark line. Any instructions shown on the top of the card are for the student who is holding that card. Any instructions on the bottom part of the card are for the whole group. Children should solve the problem using only the blocks they have been told to take. I have included a blank Private Eyes Club master for additional teacher created activities.
CAM, ERIC, AND FRIENDS FACTS
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FIELD DAY
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CAM AND HER FRIENDS GO CAMPING
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CAM AND ERIC LEARN ABOUT THE SKELETON
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NATE AND ROSAMOND’S AEROBICS CLASS
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NATE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
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ROSAMOND’S POPCORN SALE
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NATE’S NEIGHBORHOOD TENNIS COURT
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SHOWING NUMBERS
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SHOWING NUMBERS IN DIFFERENT WAYS
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SHOWING DIFFERENT NUMBERS
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MASTER FOR TEACHER CREATED ACTIVITY
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