Place Value Odd one Out

The "Odd One Out" activity, designed for Year 6 students, is an engaging way to assess their understanding of place value. The activity consists of a PowerPoint with 10 slides, each presenting a set of three numbers, images, or items. Teachers encourage students to identify the odd one out in each set and articulate their reasoning using precise mathematical language. Multiple answers are possible, but each must be justified clearly. The activity is versatile, serving as an excellent starter or a tool for evaluating conceptual grasp. It can be carried out individually or in pairs, with the option for the teacher to demonstrate the activity using one of the slides as an example.

Each slide presents a unique challenge, ranging from comparing multi-digit numbers to deciphering different representations of the same number, such as numerals, written words, and Roman numerals. For instance, students might be asked to find the odd one out in a series of numbers like 3,910,042, 3,901,024, and 3,910,420, or to choose between different formats of the same value, such as MMVVVVII, MMII, 2022, and MMXXII. The activity requires careful consideration of place value, number composition, and the various ways numbers can be represented. This task not only tests students' knowledge but also encourages them to think critically and develop their mathematical vocabulary.