Check this out! A paper toy that demonstrates multiplication. A hand-made multiplication model.
Allows for hands-on, kinesthetic learning, and multiple-representations of the same concept.
Multiplication Basics
– Factor x factor = product
– Rows x columns = total
Making a Paper Calculator
– Planning
• Determine the factors you want students to multiply.
• For simplicity, keep below 10 (single digit).
• Sample: 7 x 7
– Materials
• Construction paper in 3 colors
• Large background (sample: black, roughly 12” x 13”)
• Strips in 2 other colors (sample: blue and green, about 1/2” x 12)
• Tape
– Assembly
• Start with the large background piece (color A).
• Lay out strips horizontally and tape strips at their base (color B), making sure they are separate, with space in between each row.
• Repeat with columns, vertically (color C).
Activities
– Demonstrate how to use:
• See images below (5 x 3)
– By folding back 2 horizontal strips, we have 5 rows remaining.
– By folding back 4 vertical strips, we have 3 columns remaining.
– Count intersections of horizontal and vertical strips (marked in white) to find the product of 5 x 3.
• Compare and contrast multiple interpretations of the same product.
– Example: 12 = 2 x 6 and 6 x 2
• Ask students to create more.
– Example: 3 x 4 and 4 x 3
• How else can you and your students use Paper Calculator? Please post notes below and shares pics to CoTA’s Facebook or @cotaprogram on Twitter!
Extensions/Possibilities
– Journaling/labeling
• Students make captions to represent Paper Calculator multiplication problems.
• Students draw Paper Calculator multiplication problems:
– as intersecting vertical and horizontal lines
– as arrays
– Making Patterns
• Weaving
• Over/under
