Lesson: Subsets of the Real Numbers
Teacher: Julie Fink
Level: Pre-Algebra or Algebra I
Overview:
 This lesson is to introduce students to the different subsets of the real
numbers. This includes the Natural, Whole, Integer, Rational, and Irrational
sets.
Objectives and Goals:
 Washington Standards
o A.1.2A Know the relationship between all real #’s and the number line,
and compare and order real #’s with and without the number line.
o 8.4D Identify rational & irrational #’s.
Anticipatory Set (5 min):
 Have students independently:
o Brainstorm a list of the names of different types of numbers that
they have learned about over the years.
Direct Instruction (20 min):
 Put the names of each subset on the board.
 Ask students if they can define any of the terms or give any examples of
that type of number.
 Formally define each subset and have the students copy down the definitions
as well as several examples for each.
 Put a list of several numbers on the board. Give students a few minutes to
list the subset to which each number belongs.
 Ask students for their answers. Make corrections as needed.
Guided Practice (10 min):
 Demonstrate how the Alice program “SubsetsFinal” will look and run.
 Have each student open and play the program “SubsetsFinal” and complete as
many of the three quizzes as time allows.
Closure (5 min):
 Have the students create a Venn Diagram to visually demonstrate how the
subsets look/work.
Independent Practice:
Continue practice at home with an assignment from the book or a worksheet.
Required Materials and Equipment:
 Computer(s) with Alice software
 Students will need paper, pencil, and calculator
Assessment
 Walk around the classroom as students play the program. Watch how many
tries it takes them to get the correct answer and whether or not the
teacher in the program suggests they “Go and Study.”