Title: ​Computational Thinking Lesson Plan- 

Decomposition 
Alexis Methner, Shelby Ayers, Claire Hilgemann 
Grade: ​1st Grade 
Time Duration:​ 1 school day, 25- 30 minutes 
Overall Goal:​ ​The objective of this unit is for students to be able to use computational thinking 
through decomposition. They will use decomposition to solve addition and subtraction problems 
in mathematics. This is important because students can utilize this method to find answers to 
math problems in a more sufficient manner. ​The main ideas taught in the lesson will help students 
break down math problems into smaller parts that will become easier for them to solve and 
understand. Students will practice decomposition in a fun and engaging activity with their peers. 
These concepts are important for first grade students to understand because they will be 
exposed to difficult levels of math in the future grades. 
 
Standards  Learning Objective  Assessment 

1.CA.1: Demonstrate fluency  1. The students will be able  See Kahoot Quiz 
with addition facts and the  to break large numbers 
corresponding subtraction  into smaller numbers. 
facts within 20. Use strategies   
2. The students will be able 
such as counting on; making 
to write out the break 
ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 
down of the numbers into 
+ 4 = 14); decomposing a  smaller numbers. 
number leading to a ten (e.g.,   
13 – 4 = 13 – 3 – 1 = 10 – 1 = 9);  3. The students will be able 
using the relationship between  to explain the relationship 
addition and subtraction (e.g.,  between addition and 
knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one  subtraction verbally 
knows 12 – 8 = 4); and creating  through decomposition. 
 
equivalent but easier or 
4. The students will be able 
known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 
to add and subtract the 
by creating the known  correct numbers that they 
equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 =  rolled with the dice. 
13). Understand the role of 0 in 
addition and subtraction 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Terms & Definitions: 
 
● Decomposition​- ​breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller parts that are 
easier to understand 
● Addition​- finding the total, or sum, by combining two or more numbers 
● Subtraction​- taking one number away from another to find a total 
● Difference​ - ​the result of subtracting one number from another 
 
Lesson Introduction (Hook, Grabber): 
 
https://youtu.be/QkPa9V2wtZs 
We will begin this lesson by showing a short video that introduces pirate subtraction. This video 
gives students visual examples of decomposition through math problems. This video will get 
students engaged in the lesson because the video presents a catchy and memorable song about 
an educational topic. After the video has ended, we will talk as a class about subtraction and how 
the pirates got rid of certain items or people. Ask students “What is the definition of the number 
are we looking for when we subtract?” and “Why do we end up with less of something when we 
subtract?”. Then follow up with an explanation about how the pirates could have used addition in 
the video. The pirates could invite more people onto their ship, which would give them a bigger 
total number. The pirates would end up with a larger number than what they originally started 
with. Explain to students that the concepts of addition and subtraction can be used through 
decomposition, which is when they can ​break down a complex math problem into smaller parts 
that are easier to understand​ and solve. Make sure students know that this is an easy process 
that will help them in their future math courses. This explanation is important because these 
students are learning math at a basic level in first grade, but they need to know that math will 
become more difficult the older they get. 
 
Lesson Main: 
 
After watching the pirate video (the hook), we will present a Powerpoint to students that explains 
how to use decomposition with addition and subtraction. Then, we will incorporate a ladybug 
activity for students to practice with using decomposition. Students, in groups, will be given a cut 
out of a ladybug, a worksheet, dice, and a handful of black beads. They will then complete the 
hands on activity with these materials. 
 
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Chv5YfL2VlE3Zu0rkPLupRX66vvRTrMKHPtPfe7R2_o/e
dit?usp=sharing 
 
1. Go through Powerpoint presentation about decomposition and answer any questions ( 10 
minutes) 
2. Split students into even groups. Give each group a handful of beads, a cutout ladybug, 
dice, and a worksheet ( 2 minutes) 
3. Explain and work out the example problem below for students, at the front of the 
classroom, so they know how to complete the hands on activity ( 5 minutes) 
 
(Example problem- students will follow this format with different addition and subtraction 
problems. 5 minutes) 
1. Place all six beads on the ladybug. 
2. Give the first student the dice and have them roll the dice. 
3. The number that they roll will be the number that the student will subtract from the 
ladybug's spots. 
● Say the student rolled a 4. They would take 4 beads off of the ladybug. 
4. Have the student say six minus four equals two. 
5. The student will then write down that equation on the worksheet they are given. 
6. Pass the dice to the next student and have them roll the dice and do the same procedure. 
7. Once each student has had a turn, have the students reset their beads on the ladybug 
and go around until the worksheet is filled out. 
 
 
Lesson Ending: 
 
As students wrap up the worksheet they are given to practice using decomposition with addition 
and subtraction, they will come back together as a class and grab iPads. They will then be 
assessed with a short “quiz” on Kahoot. The questions will be related to decomposition using 
addition and subtraction. By individually quizzing students, this will display their own competence 
of the main ideas in the overall topic about computational thinking. This will help the teacher 
gather data on how well the students are understanding the ideas focused on during the main 
lesson. 
 
Assessment Rubric: 
 
● Kahoot: ​https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/e9106810-6dcc-469d-b67f-de729febf2ba 
 
Resources / Artifacts: 
 
● Video- https://youtu.be/QkPa9V2wtZs 
○ This is the video we will show at the beginning of the lesson to hook the students. 
 
● Powerpoint- 
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Chv5YfL2VlE3Zu0rkPLupRX66vvRTrMKHPtPfe7
R2_o/edit?usp=sharing 
○ This will be used in teaching the main lesson. 
 
● Worksheet- 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eviuVHDn2sIhyXhB0XesjdtV8LG0gtE4lCEndXTlUb
c/edit?usp=sharing 
○ Each student will receive this worksheet to fill out during the activity with the 
ladybug cut out. 
  
● Ladybug cut out- https://www.childcareland.com/home/ladybug-math 
○ This is a similar concept to what students will be completing. Everything is the 
same except that the ladybugs are not numbered. 
 
● Kahoot- https://play.kahoot.it/#/k/e9106810-6dcc-469d-b67f-de729febf2ba 
○ This will be the assessment for the students at the end of lesson. 
 
Differentiation: 
 
1. Differentiation for ability levels 
● High ability learners 
These learners could practice more problems on the back of their worksheets if they are 
accelling above other students. They could create addition and subtraction problems on 
their own that are set up in the same format as the front of the worksheet.  
● Low ability learners 
These learners could work in small groups to gain knowledge from their peers. Stepping 
back from a big group discussion gives these students a break from the possible 
overwhelming information in which they are receiving from their teacher and peers. 
 
2. Differentiation for demographics 
● Gender, race, culture, and/or sexual identity 
Multicultural students will feel welcomed and comfortable when the teacher emphasizes 
the differences in many cultures. The teacher could possibly use different cutouts that 
cover different topics of culture. Students could have the opportunity to choose the cutout 
that best relates to them. 
 
3. Differentiation for languages 
● ESL, EFL, ENL 
A solution for these students could possibly be to record audio of the lesson and have it 
play along with each slide. Students that have English as a second language might find it 
difficult to read words that they are unfamiliar with, but listening to audio of the teacher 
reading the slides could help them follow along. 
 
4. Differentiation for access & resources 
● Computers, Internet connection, and/or Wifi access 
Printing out the lesson plan and activities for students would be beneficial if technology 
were to quit. Printing out such things might be easier for students to visualize and work 
with for themselves.  
 
 
 
 
Anticipated Difficulties: 
 
A difficulty students might face is understanding the process of breaking down a problem into 
smaller parts. The Powerpoint is a great visual for students, but some students might need a 
hands on learning process. If this happens to be the case, giving students their own personal 
white boards to work out problems could solve this difficulty. Having the chance to break down 
the problems on their own could help them understand the process of decomposition.