Interactive Bar Models
Explore part-whole relationships, comparison problems and word problems using clear visual bar models. Children can build, split and compare bars to represent mathematical thinking and solve problems step by step.
⭐️ Best used in full screen mode!
Teacher Notes
Curriculum Links
This tool supports the Number and Algebra strands of the Irish Primary Mathematics Curriculum, especially work in part-whole relationships, comparison, equality, operations, unknown values, patterns, problem-solving and mathematical reasoning. It is most suitable for 1st Class – 6th Class, with the complexity of the problems adjusted to the class level.
Children can use Bar Models to:
represent word problems, show part-whole relationships, compare quantities, model missing numbers, explore equal groups, support multiplication and division, reason about fractions, and explain their problem-solving strategies visually.
Lesson Ideas
Part-Whole Problems
Show a whole bar split into parts. Ask children to identify the known parts and work out the missing part.
Comparison Problems
Use two bars to compare quantities. Ask children to explain which amount is greater, which is smaller, and what the difference is.
Word Problems
Read a short word problem and ask children to build a matching bar model. This helps them decide what information is known, unknown and needed.
Related Tools
Check out some other interactive tools to help children with number sense.
Cuisenaire Rods Jr
Explore early number, length, patterns and part-whole relationships using colourful rods.
Cuisenaire Rods Sr
Investigate ratio, proportion, equivalence and algebraic reasoning using visual rod models.
Algebra Scales
Explore balance, equality, unknown values and equations using interactive scales.
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