Area Models

It highlights the commutative and distributive properties, which are fundamental to the real number system and to the success in manipulating algebraic symbols. The area model for multiplication establishes the groundwork for helping visual learners in the conceptual understanding of the traditional algebraic skills.

Task Card for Group 1 1. Watch the multiplication with area models video on Khan Academy and take notes on using area models for multiplication 2. Discuss the reason area models demonstrate multiplication and the properties of multiplication 3. Reflect on your previous learning (K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th) and discuss models or strategies that you can relate to area models through multiplication. The recorder will type this information on Edmodo to share with the class. 4. Write a multiplication word problem that can be solved with an area model. 5. Create a presentation that can be videotaped to demonstrate how to use area models to multiply multi-digit numbers. (Markers and paper can be found on the front table) 6. Research a method the Mayan’s used to multiply and compare it to the area model looking for ways they are similar and different. The recorder will type this on Edmodo.

Task Card for Group 2 1. Watch the multiplication with area models video on Khan Academy and take notes on using area models for multiplication 2. Write the definition for the distributive property and commutative property. What does it mean to decompose a number? Recorder will type this answer on Edmodo for your group. 3. Discuss the distributive property and how it works. The recorder will type your discussion on Edmodo to share with the class. 4. Relate the distributive property to the area model. Discuss how the area model demonstrates the distributive property. 5. Solve this problem using the area model. Your group will use colored tiles to complete the area model. The parade had 23 clowns. Each clown carried 18 balloons. How many balloons were there altogether? 6. When you complete the area model take a picture of your work to share with the class. 7. Write three multiplication word problems. Use graph paper to draw the solution for each word problem using an area model.

Task Card for Group 3 1. Skip counting with teacher at table to review multiplication facts. 2. How is skip counting and multiplication related? The recorder will type answer on Edmodo to share with the class. 3. Watch the multiplication with area models video on Khan Academy and take notes on using area models for multiplication. 4. What is an array? How is it related to the area model? How can this help you work with area models? Let’s build an array for 9 x Using base ten blocks let’s build some models to show 2-digit by 2- digit multiplication. 6. How do we decompose a number? Explain 7. What property of multiplication would you use to decompose the factors before multiplying? 8. How is this property related to the area model? 9. Use graph paper to solve multiplication problems using area models. (see folder for word problems)

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