Investigations in Multiplication
“Efficiency and economy simply do not make good pedagogy.”
― Paul Lockhart
“We teach a subject not to produce little living libraries on that subject, but rather to get a student to think mathematically for himself, to take part in the process of knowledge-getting.”
― Jerome Bruner
Link: What Are Puzzle Points?
- Review Game: Half-Blind Teacher
Students use white boards or paper to show the teacher the answers to 3 types of review problems:
Follow up the review game with this set of classwork problems:
(Link to Puzzle Point instruction page)
2. Introduction to Order of Operations, and a “Mad Dash” Game
3. Multiplication with Blocks – Alpha Beta Gamma Game
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4. Guessing Game – Powers of 10
This is purely a guessing game – there is no need to keep score or track correct answers. However. it’s a good idea to reward participation.
After the game, a review sheet:
5. Multiplication and ART
Here are a couple choices that involve the multiplication table. The links below include instructions. These files use Google docs, but could be adapted to paper and pencil.
These projects are based on work by a blogger called “@mathrecreation”
6. Order of Operations, Part 2
Another “Mad Dash” game to build students’ comfort with the rules for order of operations.
7. Investigating Students’ Visualization of Multiplication
This lesson encourages the development of flexibility around multiplication by asking for multiple representations of mental math questions.
The lesson is based on lesson from Jo Boaler’s book “Mathematical Mindsets“, page 58.
8. Two-digit Multiplication Puzzles
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9. Mental Multiplication Shortcuts – Friendly Numbers
In honor of Valentines Day! Are there numbers that love each other??
You might use white boards with this activity, and have students hold up their answers.
PUZZLE TIME – Binary Puzzles: Binairo and Heyawake. These are both clever and enjoyable logic puzzles. There is a short video explanation for each puzzle. The website does not provide solutions, but does confirm correct solutions. So students can email you a screenshot of any puzzles they solve correctly. (for puzzle points!)
10. Mental Multiplication Shortcuts – MORE Friendly Numbers
11. EVEN MORE Mental Math Multiplication Shortcuts
12. Review Day – Chips Game
Instructions on how to play this game
13. Remediation Bonus: “Capture the Square” – a strategy Game to Review Basic Multiplication Facts. (link HERE to read or download)
Puzzle points for fast finishers:
Quiz #4, Trimester 2 – What about Assessment?
Link to blog about the philosophy behind our assessments.
