Conservation of Numbers
    1. Give the student several sets where the number of objects are the same (7 OBJECTS) but the sizes and shapes are very different. Ask the student how they are alike and different. If the student doesn't mention that the amount in each group is the same prompt them to count each group. When they say the number is the same, ask if they were surprised that they were the same amount.

    If the student is successful continue with the 12, 16, and 24.

    Response
    The student is surprised and doesn’t agree they are the same 7, 12, 16, 24 The student is surprised and agrees they are the same. 7, 12, 16, 24 The student isn’t surprised. 7, 12, 16, 24

    Summary
    Student doesn't conserve (know that the number of objects doesn’t change with the size or shape) uses visual comparison. Student may be transitional. Student does conserve (knows that the number of objects doesn’t change with the size or shape).

Show students two collections of 8 OBJECTS that are the same only one is arranged spaced farther apart in a larger area. Ask the student which group has more objects. Ask how they know. Ask them to prove their answer. If the student is successful continue with the following 12, 16, and 24.

    Response
    Student predicts each collection has the same amount. 7, 12, 16, 24 Student predicts the group spaced father apart has more. 7, 12, 16, 24 Student predicts the bunched together group has more. 7, 12, 16, 24

    Summary
    Student doesn't conserve (know that the number of objects doesn’t change with the size or shape) uses visual comparison. Student may be transitional. Student does conserves (knows that the number of objects doesn’t change with the size or shape).

    1. Give the students a collection of 8 OBJECTS. Ask the student to count the group. Rearrange the group and ask the students how many now? If the student counts the set ask why they think the amount is the same. If the student is successful continue with the following 12, 16, and 24.

Response
Student says the amount without counting. 7, 12, 16, 24 The student counts the set. 7, 12, 16, 24

Summary
Student doesn't conserve (know that the number of objects doesn’t change with the size or shape) uses visual comparison. Student may be transitional (count the group to solve the problem of comparing the number of objects in groups). Student does conserves (knows that the number of objects doesn’t change with the size or shape).

Dr. Robert Sweetland's Notes ©