The Multiplication Fact Machine

Game Title: The MFM (Multiplication Fact Machine)

Grade Level: 3^rd grade

Math Domain: Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Standard: 3.0A7 Multiply and divide within 100. Fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 ×5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations. By the end of Grade 3, know from memory all products of two one-digit numbers.

Number of Players: 1 or more

Materials:

1.      egg carton

2.       2 coins

3.      squared paper- 1 per player

4.      markers

Object of the Game: multiply the numbers correctly and fill up your squares

How to Play the Game:

1.      Place 2 coins in the egg carton.

2.       Shake the egg carton then open it. Multiply the two numbers together that the coins land on. If both coins land in the same spot, multiply that number against itself (ex. 2 coins on 6 would be 6 x 6= 36).

3.      Color in that many of squares on your paper (rows and columns). Ex. If my coins landed on a 4 and 5 I would color in 4 rows of 5 squares to show that 20 is the answer for 4x5. See picture 3.

4.      Then write the multiplication equation in the square (example: 4 x 5=20).

5.      Take turns between players. If you land on a double, 2 coins land in the same spot (6x6), you get to go again.

6.      Keep going until your paper is filled up.

7.      If there is no room for your number, lose your turn and the next player takes their turn.

8.      Have fun multiplying!

How to Recreate the Game

1.      You need an egg carton and 2 coins.

2.    Number the spots with any color marker in the egg carton 1-12 in order. See attached            p           picture 2.

3.    Print the attached document on pg 3 (squared paper) or use graph paper.

4.      Title your game the MFM (multiplication fact machine) or your child may come up with a different name.

5.      Print out the how to play directions and glue on the lid of the carton so they are easily accessible.

6.      This is a great game for your child to play by themselves or for the whole family to be involved! Multiplication facts are an important and useful skill.

I got this idea from an egg carton game I saw online for addition. I decided it would also be a great game for multiplication. Egg cartons are a readily available item at home. To add to the game, I came up with the idea of coloring in the squares. The squares have to be colored so they create a larger square to show the number of rows and columns that represent the multiplication fact. This helps students visually see the multiplication. I made the object of the game to fill up the sheet because this makes the students think a little more about where they decide to color the squares. As your paper fills up it begins to be like a puzzle.

For the complete handout go to: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3TccfO1yWqZcW1zUVJzX2hXbzQ/edit