Summary
Students will model multiplication problems using Unifix cubes.
Materials
- The Best of Times, by Greg Tang
- Art paper
- Unifix cubes
- Corner pieces
- Crayons
Additional Resources
Books
- The Grapes of Math, by Greg Tang; ISBN 0-439-21040-2
- Math for All Seasons, by Greg Tang; ISBN 0-439-44440-3
- Math Appeal, by Greg Tang; ISBN 0-439-21045-5
- Too Many Kangaroo Things To Do, by Stuart J.Murphy;
ISBN 0-590-10060-2
- Hershey's Kisses Multiplication and Division, by Jerry Pallotta;
ISBN 0-439-56009-8
- The Best of Times, by Greg Tang; ISBN 0-439-52918-2
Background for Teachers
Students need to use a variety of methods and tools to facilitate
computation of numbers. Rounding is one method for estimation.
Students need to practice mental math strategies to help approximate
correct answers.
Intended Learning Outcomes
2. Become mathematical problem solvers.
Instructional Procedures
Invitation to Learn
We will model some multiplication problems. Students will configure
number sentences using Unifix cubes.
Instructional Procedures
- Placing a corner piece on the overhead, place six Unifix cubes
(2 x 3) in the center of the corner piece. What is the
multiplication problem these cubes show?
- Place Unifix cubes on the outside of the corner piece and on the
top of the corner piece to show the multiplication problem.
- Ask what the difference is between 2 x 3 and 3 x 2. Have students
demonstrate the difference on the overhead and explain why it is
the correct answer.
- After a couple of problems, ask if the students like riddles.
- Read the book The Best of Times.
- Together have the class come up with a multiplication problem
and write the problem on the board.
- Have the students come up with ideas for a story to go with the
problem. Some students could make it a riddle.
- Illustrate the problem.
- Show several examples explaining how the numbers represent
groups.
- Pass out art paper for each student. Have the students each make
a page for the class book discussed in Assessment Plan .
Extensions
- Students roll two dice to come up with numbers to multiply
together and illustrate in their journals.
- May use die-cut paper, stickers, or punches to represent items in
word problems.
- Introduce the Nada activity (pdf) having students engage in continued
review and practice.
Assessment Plan
- Make a class book. Each student may be graded on the page s/he
turns in for the book. The page will demonstrate what they know
about representing a problem with words.
Created: 10/07/2004
Updated: 02/05/2018
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