Running Races

A number-line model is an effective tool for helping students to understand the process of multiplication and to learn multiplication facts. In this unit, students begin with a number-line model and extend it to investigate linear relationships with the Distance, Speed, and Time Simulation from NCTM's E-Examples. Students then progress to plotting points and graphing linear functions while continually learning and reinfocing basic multiplication facts.

Math Content

• Basic multiplication facts (i.e., "times tables")
• Math sentences and equations
• Plotting points

Prerequisite Knowledge

• Skip counting

Individual Lessons

Lesson 1 - Number Line Journeys

In this lesson, students generate products using a number line model. Students are encouraged to predict the products and to answer puzzles involving multiplication.

Lesson 2 - Setting the Pace

Students continue their investigation of modeling multiplication on the number line using the Distance-Speed-Time Simulation from the NCTM E-Examples.

Lesson 3 - The First Race

Again using the E-Example simulation, students will model multiplication facts on the number line and compare various representations.

Lesson 4 - Telling Racing Stories

In this lesson, students model races in which runners start from various positions. They enter numbers in a table of values, model races on a coordinate grid, and compare the results. Students begin to develop an understanding of linear relationships.

Lesson 5 - Running Races

Students generate and compare paths which model given problem situations on graphing grids.