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Method 8: Multiplication Tower

What is it? 

Allow students to make a visual representation to explore multiplication. Allow exploration of the concept and foundational meanings of multiplication. 

Variation 1 - Beaded Grid

Use beads to make a multiplication grid.

Materials:

  • 1 Styrofoam grid

  • Markers

  • 25 bamboo skewers

method 8 1.jpg

Variation 2 - Lego Tower

Have students build a multiplication chart using Legos. The vertical side of the base will represent how many Legos are in each group while the horizontal side represents how many groups must be built. In the end, students will have a 3D graph of the multiplication facts. ​​

Materials:

  • One large base plate

  • 15 green 1 x 1 bricks

  • 30 orange 1 x 1 bricks

  • 45 yellow 1 x 1 bricks

  • 60 blue 1 x 1 bricks

  • 75 red 1 x 1 bricks

method 8 2.jpg

Why is it Effective?

Great for visual and tactile learners and those that already enjoying the use of manipulatives. This method will likely get students to start asking questions and exploring the properties of multiplication.

References

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