Base ten blocks are a hands-on mathematical tool used to teach the concepts of place value, addition, subtraction, and more. They consist of three types of blocks: unit cubes, which represent one, longs, which represent ten, and flats, which represent one hundred. These blocks help students visualize numbers and understand how they are built from smaller parts. Teachers often use base ten blocks in classrooms to make learning more interactive. By physically manipulating the blocks, students can better grasp the relationships between numbers and how to perform calculations. This tactile approach enhances comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts.