Manipulatives are physical objects that help people learn by allowing them to touch and interact with the material. They can include items like blocks, counters, or shapes that make abstract concepts more concrete. For example, using base ten blocks can help students understand addition and subtraction by visually representing numbers. In classrooms, manipulatives are often used in subjects like math and science to enhance understanding. They encourage hands-on learning, making it easier for students to grasp difficult ideas. By engaging with these tools, learners can explore and discover concepts at their own pace, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.