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http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L326

A lesson plan for grade 3 Mathematics

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics


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Students examine the array, or cross product, model of multiplication to discover the role of the multiplicative identity and the effects of multiplying by 0. Once the teacher has recalled prior knowledge by having students skip count by 3’s, students learn to skip count their 4’s to a different tune. The class then discusses the commutative property and completes an activity predicting the number of stoplights needed in a given street grid. Finally, students learn how to use the 0 factor in an applied situation that uses a multiplication applet.

Students will:

  • Construct array models.
  • Explore the results of multiplying by 0 and by 1.
  • Continue filling in a multiplication chart.
  • Practice the multiplication facts.

NCTM Standards and Expectations covered in this lesson include:

  • Understanding the effects of multiplying and dividing whole numbers.
  • Understanding various meanings of multiplication and division.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 3

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will model, identify, and compute with whole numbers through 9,999.
    • Objective 1.03: Develop fluency with multiplication from 1x1 to 12x12 and division up to two-digit by one-digit numbers using:
      • Strategies for multiplying and dividing numbers.
      • Estimation of products and quotients in appropriate situations.
      • Relationships between operations.
    • Objective 1.06: Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers, and paper and pencil.