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.
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.