teaching resource

Multi-Digit Subtraction - Interactive Claw Machine

  • Updated

    Updated:  11 Aug 2023

Review knowledge of 3-and-4-digit subtraction with an exciting interactive claw machine game!

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Years

    Years:  3 - 4

Curriculum

  • VC2M3N04

    Add and subtract two- and three-digit numbers using place value to partition, rearrange and regroup numbers to assist in calculations without a calculator <ul> <li>using partitioning and part-part-whole models and the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction to solve addition or subtraction problems, making informal written ‘jottings’ to keep track of the numbers if necessary</li> <li>using physical or virtual grouped materials or diagrams to make proportional models of numbers to assist in calculations, for example, to calculate 214 + 325, representing 214 as 2 groups of 100, one group of 10 and 4 ones and 325 as 3 groups of 100, 2 groups of 10 and 5 ones, resulting in 5 groups of 100, 3 groups of 10 and 9 ones, which is 539</li> <li>choosing between standard and non-standard place value partitions to assist with calculations, for example, to solve 485 + 365, thinking of 365 as 350 + 15, then adding the parts, 485 + 15 = 500, 500 + 350 = 850</li> <li>solving subtraction problems efficiently by adding or subtracting a constant amount to both numbers to create an easier calculation; for example, 534 − 395, adding 5 to both numbers to make 539 − 400 = 139</li> <li>justifying choices about partitioning and regrouping numbers in terms of their usefulness for particular calculations when solving problems</li> <li>applying knowledge of place value to assist in calculations when solving problems involving larger numbers; for example, calculating the total crowd numbers for an agricultural show that lasts a week</li> </ul>

  • VC2M3A01

    Recognise and explain the connection between addition and subtraction as inverse operations, apply to partition numbers and find unknown values in number sentences <ul> <li>partitioning numbers using materials, part-part-whole diagrams or bar models, and recording addition and subtraction facts for each representation, explaining how each fact is connected to the materials, diagrams or models (for example, 16 + 8 = 24, 24 − 8 = 16, 8 = 24 − 16)</li> <li>using the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction to find unknown values with a calculator or by counting on; for example, representing the problem ‘Peter had some money and then spent $375. Now he has $158 left. How much did Peter have to start with?’ as □ − $375 = $158 and solving the problem using $375 + $158 = $533; or solving 27 + □ = 63 using subtraction, □ = 63 – 27, or by counting on 27, 37, 47, 57, 60, 63, so add 3 tens and 6 ones, so □ = 36</li> <li>exploring Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ stories and dances that show the connection between addition and subtraction, representing this as a number sentence and discussing how this conveys important information about balance in processes on Country/Place</li> </ul>

  • VC2M3A02

    Extend and apply knowledge of addition and subtraction facts to 20 to develop efficient mental strategies for computation with larger numbers without a calculator <ul> <li>partitioning using materials and part-part-whole diagrams to develop subtraction facts related to addition facts, such as 8 + 7 = 15 therefore 15 − 7 = 8 and 15 − 8 = 7</li> <li>using partitioning to develop and record facts systematically (for example, ‘How many ways can 12 monkeys be spread among 2 trees?’, 12 = 12 + 0, 12 = 11 + 1, 12 = 10 + 2, 12 = 9 + 3, …), explaining how they know they have found all possible partitions</li> <li>understanding basic addition and related subtraction facts and using extensions to these facts; for example, 6 + 6 = 12, 16 + 6 = 22, 6 + 7 = 13, 16 + 7 = 23, and 60 + 60 = 120, 600 + 600 = 1200</li> </ul>  

teaching resource

Multi-Digit Subtraction - Interactive Claw Machine

  • Updated

    Updated:  11 Aug 2023

Review knowledge of 3-and-4-digit subtraction with an exciting interactive claw machine game!

  • Editable

    Editable:  Google Slides

  • Pages

    Pages:  1 Page

  • Curriculum
  • Years

    Years:  3 - 4

Review knowledge of 3-and-4-digit subtraction with an exciting interactive claw machine game!

Multi-Digit Subtraction Claw Machine Game

Are you looking for a ready-to-go interactive activity to help your students review what they’ve learned about multi-digit subtraction? We understand that finding unique and engaging ways to review grade-level standards can sometimes be tricky. That’s why we’ve created an interactive game that is easy to download and use in your classroom, even with your most reluctant students!

This digital claw machine game has all the design work and linking done for you, so all you have to do is open the file, put it in presentation mode, and start playing!

Through this resource, students will review how to use multiple strategies to subtract three and four-digit numbers. The strategies included are

  • Bar Model
  • Standard Algorithm
  • Expanded Model (Place Value)

Use Our Interactive Subtraction Games with Ease

Upon opening the file, you will find a title slide, several claw machine slides, and 18 question slides. Slides 2-39 make this resource come to life in presentation mode, so there is no need to edit or adjust anything on these slides. Also, be careful not to delete or move slides since the linking is intricate.

Simply click to place the slides into “Presentation” or “Slideshow” mode and watch the claw machine come to life.

Once hitting “Start,” you will see that you can use the arrows to move the claw machine. You can move it left to right, backward, and forward to locate a new question. Each time you select “GO,” the claw machine drops to grab a colourful ball. Click “Open” to reveal the question! Have your students answer the question, discuss it when they finish, and have them record the points they earned inside the bubble. When you are ready to return to the claw machine, click “Reset.”

Teacher Note: The positions of the claw machine are laid out in 2 rows of 9. For example, if you click the left cursor once, question 1 will appear. If you click the left arrow five times, question 5 will appear. To get to questions 10 – 18, the claw machine click the up arrow button to shift to the back row, then use the left/right arrows to move between positions 10 – 18.

Preparing Your Files to Play

Click the dropdown arrow on the download button to select this resource’s Google Slides or PowerPoint Resource file. 

Put your new resource in presentation mode and have some fun!


This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a Teach Starter Collaborator.

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