Area Model Multiplication: Let's Build and Partition!

Mathematics Grades 3rd Grade 5:16 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about area model multiplication using an interactive simulation! We'll explore how to find the area of rectangles and use partitions to make multiplication easier.

Video Resource

Intro to Area Model Multiplication Simulation

Miacademy Learning Channel

Duration: 5:16
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Area of a rectangle
  • Factors and products
  • Area model multiplication
  • Partitioning

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define area and calculate the area of a rectangle.
  • Students will be able to use the area model to represent multiplication.
  • Students will be able to use partitioning to simplify multiplication problems.
  • Students will be able to relate area models to the distributive property.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing the concept of area. Ask students: 'What is area?' 'How do we find the area of a rectangle?' Introduce the idea of area model multiplication as a visual way to understand multiplication.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Show the 'Intro to Area Model Multiplication Simulation' video from Miacademy Learning Channel. Encourage students to pay attention to how the area is calculated and how partitioning works.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    As a class, access the Miacademy simulation (if feasible) or draw area models on the board. Start with simple multiplication problems (e.g., 3 x 4). Then, demonstrate partitioning with problems like 6 x 7 (e.g., breaking the 7 into 5 and 2). Have students explain each step.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with worksheets or use online resources with area model multiplication problems. Include problems where they need to draw the area model and partition. Offer varying difficulty levels.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts and answer any remaining questions. Discuss how area model multiplication can help solve real-world problems.

Interactive Exercises

  • Miacademy Simulation
    Use the Miacademy area model multiplication simulation. Students can explore different factors, see the area represented visually, and practice partitioning.
  • Drawing Area Models
    Provide students with multiplication problems and have them draw the area model on graph paper. They can then partition the model and solve the problem.

Discussion Questions

  • What is area, and how is it different from perimeter?
  • How does the area model help you visualize multiplication?
  • Why is partitioning helpful when multiplying larger numbers?
  • Can you think of a real-life scenario where using an area model would be useful?

Skills Developed

  • Multiplication skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Visual representation skills
  • Critical thinking skills

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is area?

Correct Answer: The amount of space inside a shape

Question 2:

What two things do you multiply to find the area of a rectangle?

Correct Answer: Length and width

Question 3:

In an area model, what do the sides of the rectangle represent?

Correct Answer: The factors

Question 4:

What is it called when we break apart a number to make multiplication easier?

Correct Answer: Partitioning

Question 5:

If a rectangle has a length of 5 and a width of 4, what is the area?

Correct Answer: 20

Question 6:

Which of these is a factor?

Correct Answer: The numbers you multiply together

Question 7:

If you partition 8 into 5 and 3, what is 4 x 8 the same as?

Correct Answer: 4 x 5 + 4 x 3

Question 8:

What shape do we usually use for area models?

Correct Answer: Square

Question 9:

Why might we use the calculation button in the Miacademy simulation?

Correct Answer: To help us understand our partitions

Question 10:

If you have a box that is 6 squares tall and 7 squares wide, how many squares are there in total?

Correct Answer: 42

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The amount of space inside a shape is called its __________.

Correct Answer: area

Question 2:

The numbers you multiply together are called ___________.

Correct Answer: factors

Question 3:

Breaking apart a number into smaller numbers is called __________.

Correct Answer: partitioning

Question 4:

Length times width equals ___________.

Correct Answer: area

Question 5:

The answer to a multiplication problem is called the __________.

Correct Answer: product

Question 6:

Area is measured in __________ units.

Correct Answer: square

Question 7:

A model that uses a rectangle to show multiplication is called a __________ model.

Correct Answer: area

Question 8:

If one side of a square is 4, all sides will be ___________.

Correct Answer: 4

Question 9:

An area model helps you __________ multiplication.

Correct Answer: visualize

Question 10:

Area is measured in __________.

Correct Answer: squares

Educational Standards

3.N.2.1:[Objective] Represent multiplication facts by modeling a variety of approaches (e.g., manipulatives, repeated addition, equal-sized groups, arrays, area models, equal jumps on a number line, skip counting). 3.N.2.8:[Objective] Use various strategies (e.g., base ten blocks, area models, arrays, repeated addition, algorithms) based on knowledge of place value, equality, and properties of addition and multiplication to multiply a two-digit factor by a one-digit factor. 3.GM.2.2:[Objective] Analyze why length and width are multiplied to find the area of a rectangle by decomposing the rectangle into one unit by one unit squares and viewing these as rows and columns to determine the area.

Teaching Materials

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