WGU C109-TASK1 EVALUATING TOOLS FOR
ELEMENTARY MATH LESSON PLANNING WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026
Part One: Tools
Explore several hands-on and virtual tools you could use in an elementary
mathematics lesson and select four of each to evaluate in the following
prompts.
A. Evaluate four hands-on tools that elementary-age students can
use to explore mathematical concepts, including the following for
each tool:
Two color counters- explore adding, subtraction (red positive, yellow
negative)
• Benefit- provides students a visual
• Challenge- using large numbers such as 307 would not be
feasible with this manipulative.
Ruler – measuring area, perimeter, conversions
• Benefit- Allow students to measure objects
• Challenge- they are small only 12 inches
Base ten blocks- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Benefit- Very versatile, can use these for bigger numbers
as there are hundreds and thousands blocks; organize
their thought process
• Challenge- Will take a long time to layout lots of blocks for
many large specific numbers; may not have enough for all
students to have a large number
Calculators- exploring patterns
• Benefit- Allow students to see patterns they may not normally
see
• Challenge- May become too reliant on using a calculator
B. Evaluate four virtual tools that elementary-age students can
, use to explore mathematical concepts, including the following
for each tool:
• Finding place value, adding money(value)
• Benefit- just drag money and allow students to engage at a high
level
• Challenge - lack of hands on doesn’t allow student to get
the feel and experience of real money
• Adding or subtracting, probability
• Benefit- Engages students in a lesson by creating own
numbers for the problems by rolling the dice
• Challenges only 0-5 number cubes
• Make shapes, find area and perimeter
• Benefit- rubber bands won't be flung across the room
ELEMENTARY MATH LESSON PLANNING WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026
Part One: Tools
Explore several hands-on and virtual tools you could use in an elementary
mathematics lesson and select four of each to evaluate in the following
prompts.
A. Evaluate four hands-on tools that elementary-age students can
use to explore mathematical concepts, including the following for
each tool:
Two color counters- explore adding, subtraction (red positive, yellow
negative)
• Benefit- provides students a visual
• Challenge- using large numbers such as 307 would not be
feasible with this manipulative.
Ruler – measuring area, perimeter, conversions
• Benefit- Allow students to measure objects
• Challenge- they are small only 12 inches
Base ten blocks- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Benefit- Very versatile, can use these for bigger numbers
as there are hundreds and thousands blocks; organize
their thought process
• Challenge- Will take a long time to layout lots of blocks for
many large specific numbers; may not have enough for all
students to have a large number
Calculators- exploring patterns
• Benefit- Allow students to see patterns they may not normally
see
• Challenge- May become too reliant on using a calculator
B. Evaluate four virtual tools that elementary-age students can
, use to explore mathematical concepts, including the following
for each tool:
• Finding place value, adding money(value)
• Benefit- just drag money and allow students to engage at a high
level
• Challenge - lack of hands on doesn’t allow student to get
the feel and experience of real money
• Adding or subtracting, probability
• Benefit- Engages students in a lesson by creating own
numbers for the problems by rolling the dice
• Challenges only 0-5 number cubes
• Make shapes, find area and perimeter
• Benefit- rubber bands won't be flung across the room
