DecimalLine Game
This software is separate to the Decimal Games system. It provides a flexible teaching tool.
Number lines drawn by students can be difficult to segment even into tenths, while hundredths whilst thousandths are usually out of the question! One useful solution to the problem of resolution is to use a software tool such as DecimalLine that automatically rescales the number line to the resolution desired. DecimalLine is a 'zoom-in and zoom-out number line' that allows the student to set the resolution of a number line dynamically in order to concentrate on the decimal place of current interest. It is also useful for whole numbers and helps to demonstrate the multiplicative structure of the base ten number system in a way that static number lines cannot. It may also help explain the difficult concept of the "density" of the number line.
DecimalLine is a tool for use by teachers and students. It shows a number line with a microscope (for looking at small sections close up) and a telescope (for looking at large sections). Students can use DecimalLine to zoom into a small region. For example, they could see some of the numbers between 9.995 and 10.005. They can look at big numbers and negatives. It works to 6 decimal places.
DecimalLine is a vertical number line, to use to best advantage the fundamental metaphor relating bigger/larger/higher quantities to larger numbers. Students can use DecimalLine to develop a sense of where numbers are on a number line through individual exploration or set tasks. For example, find 3.14159 in as few steps as you can, or: go from 1.8 to 1.08 in as few steps as you can.
Instructions
1. Open the Decimal Games folder on the CD-ROM. To do this, go to "My Computer" and then right click on the CD icon and then 'open'. Copy the folder titled "Decimal Line" onto your computer.
2. Inside this copied folder, double click on the file titled, "dl.exe" to play the game.