Final answer:
The activity of solving timed addition problems mentally is geared towards improving mental computation skills and is typically used in middle school grades to help students build a strong foundation in mental math.
Step-by-step explanation:
The activity described, where students are given a list of addition problems and are timed to solve them mentally, is geared towards improving mental computation skills. This type of activity is typically used in the elementary to middle school grades to help students practice and enhance their ability to do mental math quickly and accurately.
It is important for students to develop mental computation skills as they progress through their math education, as it will help them with more complex math concepts and real-life problem-solving situations. Students in middle school would benefit from activities like this to build a strong foundation in mental math.
By practicing mental computation through timed addition problems, students can improve their number sense, build fluency in basic addition facts, and develop strategies for mental calculation, which are essential skills for success in higher level math courses.