Bobsled Speed Challenge Lesson Plan
❄️
📚 Select Your Grade Level
🎯 Learning Objectives
Grades K-1 Learning Objectives
- Compare whole-second times (23s vs 27s)
- Identify fastest/slowest racers
- Understand that lower numbers = faster times
- Order 3-4 numbers from least to greatest
Grades 2-3 Learning Objectives
- Order decimals with tenths (24.3s vs 25.7s)
- Practice decimal place value
- Compare and rank decimal numbers
- Apply understanding to real-world context
Grades 4-5 Learning Objectives
- Compare decimals to hundredths (23.47s vs 24.18s)
- Apply decimal place value strategies
- Justify rankings with mathematical reasoning
- Understand precision in measurement
The game automatically adjusts time formats based on grade-appropriate decimal understanding.
Four teams from different countries compete down the icy track. Students watch the exciting animation.
Each team's time is displayed. Students must analyze and compare the numbers carefully.
Students drag-and-drop (or click to assign) gold, silver, and bronze medals to the fastest three teams. Gold = 1st place, Silver = 2nd place, Bronze = 3rd place, and 4th place gets no medal. Authentic competition!
Instant feedback shows correct rankings (which racer should get gold, silver, bronze, or no medal). Students can try again or race with new teams.
For Whole-Class Instruction (10 minutes):
- Project on smartboard and select your class grade level
- Watch the race together. Students will love the animation!
- Discuss as a class: "Which time is fastest? How do you know?"
- Call on students to come up and assign medals
- Check answers together and discuss any mistakes
- Play again with new teams for additional practice
For Independent/Center Work (15-20 minutes):
- Students work individually or in pairs on tablets/Chromebooks
- Challenge: Can they get it right on the first try?
- Extension: Play multiple rounds and record the times. Which country has won the most medals?
- For advanced learners: Calculate time differences between 1st and 2nd place
Before Playing:
- "In a race, does the highest or lowest time win? Why?"
- "What does it mean if someone finishes in 24.3 seconds versus 24.8 seconds?"
- "How many Olympic medals are there in each event? Why only 3? What are they called?" (gold, silver, bronze)
After Playing:
- "How did you decide which time was fastest?"
- "What strategy did you use to compare the numbers?"
- "How did you feel about the racer who came in 4th place and didn't get a medal?"
- "If two racers had times of 25.47s and 25.48s, how would you decide who won?"
For Deeper Understanding (Grades 4-5):
- "If the winning time was 23.47 seconds, what would be a reasonable time for 2nd place? Why?"
- "How much faster was the gold medal winner than the bronze medal winner?"
- "Could you have two racers with the exact same time? What would happen?"
Click to view standards for your state or framework:
Compare two numbers between 1 and 10 presented as written numerals.
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions.
Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Georgia's K-12 Mathematics Standards are organized through the SuitCASE Framework. For the most current standards, learning progressions, and SuitCASE resources, visit the official Georgia Department of Education Mathematics Standards portal or consult your district curriculum coordinator.
Relevant Georgia Mathematics Standards:
Compare two numbers between 1 and 10 presented as written numerals.
Compare two two-digit numbers based on the meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when two decimals refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions.
Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
These standards align with Georgia's SuitCASE learning progressions for comparing and ordering numbers. Consult your district's SuitCASE implementation guide for instructional frameworks, formative assessment strategies, and learning trajectories specific to number comparison.
Compare two numbers between 1 and 10 presented as written numerals.
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <.
Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Compare two numbers between 1 and 10 presented as written numerals.
Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <.
Compare two three-digit numbers based on meanings of the hundreds, tens, and ones digits, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two decimals refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions.
Compare two decimals to thousandths based on meanings of the digits in each place, using >, =, and < symbols to record the results of comparisons.
Compare the number of objects from 0 to 20 in two groups using the terms less than, equal to or greater than.
Explore the relationship between addition and subtraction by comparing two-digit numbers using the symbols >, < or =.
Compare two whole numbers up to 1,000 using the symbols >, < or =. Explain how the values of the digits determine the comparison.
Compare fractions and decimals to hundredths. Explain and show comparisons using models or drawings, and use the symbols >, < or =.
Compare and order multi-digit numbers with decimals up to the thousandths.
- The race times for all 4 teams
- Correct medal assignments (which racers should receive gold, silver, bronze, or no medal)
- Number of attempts taken
- Whether student was correct
- Standards addressed
What to Observe:
- Speed: How quickly can students identify the fastest time?
- Strategy: Do they compare systematically or randomly?
- Precision: Are they looking at the correct decimal place?
- Self-correction: Do they catch their own mistakes?
This game leverages several research-backed learning principles:
- Real-World Context: Winter Olympics connection makes abstract decimal comparison meaningful and memorable
- Visual Learning: Students see the race happen, connecting abstract numbers to concrete events
- Immediate Feedback: Students know instantly if they're correct, supporting rapid skill development
- Low-Stakes Practice: Can retry immediately, removing anxiety and encouraging experimentation
- Differentiation Built-In: Grade-level selection ensures all students work at appropriate challenge level
- Authentic Challenge: The "4 racers, 3 medals" structure (gold/silver/bronze for top 3, no medal for 4th place) mirrors real competitions and teaches life lessons
🎮 Ready to Play?
Launch the Bobsled Speed Challenge game now!
Start Racing →
Works on smartboards, tablets, Chromebooks, and desktop computers
No login required • Instant play • Mobile-friendly
This Month™ | Winter Sports Festival
Standards-Aligned, Timely Learning Experiences
More seasonal activities at month.thence.us