A concrete manipulative for teaching the properties of odd and even numbers. The manipulative includes an elongated channel having end walls at each end, and a plurality of rods that fit at least partially within the channel. The rods are in two sets of different lengths, with each length being represented by more than one rod. Rods of even length are visually and/or tactilely distinguishable as a set from rods of odd length. The elongated channel displays markings at precise intervals, with the spacing between markings generally being twice the length of the shortest rod. Through a variety of activities involving placement and manipulation of various combinations of the rods within the channel, students are able to identify properties of odd and even numbers. These activities include, but are not limited to, identification of the properties of the lengths of the rods as related to the markings on the channel, addition and multiplication with odd and even rods, the gaining of insight into even and odd multiplication tables, and generalizing from the insights gained to assist in learning multiplication facts.
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