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Multiply & Compare!

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Ashley Hooks

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Multiply & Compare!

Students will be able to understand and solve multiplication comparison problems, identifying how many times one quantity is as great as another.

Understanding multiplication comparison helps students make sense of relationships between numbers in real-world situations, building foundational skills for proportional reasoning and problem-solving.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

85 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, guided practice with manipulatives, and cooperative learning.

Materials

Smartboard or Projector, Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck, Warm Up: Brain Boost, Linking cubes or other manipulatives (e.g., counters, base-ten blocks), Multiplication Comparison Script, Array Adventure Activity, Partner Problem-Solving Discussion, Comparison Story Problems Activity, Comparison Challenge Worksheet, Multiplication Comparison Game: Factor Frenzy, Answer Key: Comparison Challenge, and Cool Down: Exit Ticket

Prep

Teacher Preparation

20 minutes

  • Review all generated materials, especially the Multiplication Comparison Script and Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck, to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
    - Gather linking cubes or other manipulatives (e.g., counters, base-ten blocks) for each student or small group.
    - Print copies of the Warm Up: Brain Boost, Comparison Story Problems Activity, Comparison Challenge Worksheet, and Cool Down: Exit Ticket for each student.
    - Prepare materials for the Array Adventure Activity and Multiplication Comparison Game: Factor Frenzy.
    - Arrange students into cooperative learning groups (2-3 students per group).

Step 1

Warm Up: Brain Boost

10 minutes

  1. Distribute the Warm Up: Brain Boost to each student.
    2. Have students complete the warm-up independently.
    3. Review answers as a class, reinforcing basic multiplication facts.

Step 2

Introduction to Multiplication Comparison

15 minutes

  1. Use the Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck to introduce the concept of multiplication comparison.
    2. Follow the prompts in the Multiplication Comparison Script to guide the discussion.
    3. Emphasize keywords like 'times as many' and model examples with manipulatives.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Array Adventure Activity

20 minutes

  1. Introduce the Array Adventure Activity and explain the instructions clearly, using the Multiplication Comparison Script.
    2. In cooperative learning groups, have students use linking cubes to build arrays that represent multiplication comparison statements.
    3. Circulate to provide support, facilitate discussion, and offer SEL reminders for collaboration.

Step 4

Partner Problem-Solving Discussion

10 minutes

  1. Transition to the Partner Problem-Solving Discussion by posing comparison problems.
    2. Students will work in pairs to discuss and solve the problems, verbalizing their strategies.
    3. Encourage students to refer back to the examples from the slide deck or manipulatives if needed.

Step 5

Creative Comparison: Story Problems Activity

10 minutes

  1. Introduce the Comparison Story Problems Activity.
    2. In small groups, students will create their own multiplication comparison story problems using given number pairs, write equations, and solve them.
    3. Circulate to provide support and encourage creative problem-solving and collaboration.

Step 6

Independent Practice: Comparison Challenge Worksheet

10 minutes

  1. Distribute the Comparison Challenge Worksheet.
    2. Instruct students to complete the worksheet independently, applying what they've learned.
    3. Remind students to show their work and to take their time (extended time for IEPs). Provide quiet support as needed.

Step 7

Consolidation & Game: Factor Frenzy

5 minutes

  1. Briefly review selected problems from the Comparison Challenge Worksheet using the Answer Key: Comparison Challenge.
    2. If time allows, introduce and play a quick round of the Multiplication Comparison Game: Factor Frenzy in small groups, reinforcing comparison concepts in a fun way.

Step 8

Cool Down: Exit Ticket

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Cool Down: Exit Ticket to each student.
    2. Students will complete the exit ticket to demonstrate their understanding of multiplication comparison.
    3. Collect exit tickets to assess learning.
lenny

Slide Deck

Multiply & Compare!

How do we compare numbers using multiplication?

Welcome students and introduce the day's lesson. Briefly explain the concept of comparing numbers using multiplication.

Warm Up: Brain Boost Review

Let's check our thinking!

Review the warm-up activity. This slide can be used to display the warm-up questions or answers for discussion. Encourage students to share their strategies.

What is Multiplication Comparison?

Comparing numbers to see how many 'times as many' or 'times as much' one quantity is compared to another.

Keywords:

  • 'times as many'
  • 'times as much'
  • 'is'
  • 'groups of'

Objective: Understand and solve multiplication comparison problems!

Explain what 'multiplication comparison' means. Emphasize keywords like 'times as many', 'times as much', 'is', 'groups of'. Use simple examples. Explicitly state the learning objective.

Let's Model It!

Example: Sarah has 3 apples. Tom has 4 times as many apples as Sarah. How many apples does Tom have?

Think: 4 groups of 3
Equation: 4 x 3 = 12

Remember: We can use our linking cubes to help us see this!

Model an example problem using linking cubes. Explain each step clearly and slowly. For example: "Sarah has 3 apples. Tom has 4 times as many apples as Sarah. How many apples does Tom have?" Demonstrate building 3 cubes, then 4 groups of 3 cubes.

Array Adventure Activity!

Work in your groups to build arrays using linking cubes based on the comparison statements!

Remember to:

  • Share materials nicely.
  • Listen to your teammates.
  • Help each other understand.

Introduce the Array Adventure activity. Explain the task: students will work in groups to build arrays based on comparison statements. Remind them of cooperative learning expectations.

Reflect & Discuss

What did you notice during the Array Adventure?

How did building with cubes help you understand 'times as many'?

Great job collaborating!

Facilitate a short discussion about the activity. Ask guiding questions to check for understanding. Address any misconceptions. Reinforce positive group behavior.

Time for Independent Practice!

Complete the Comparison Challenge Worksheet on your own.

  • Read each problem carefully.
  • Show your work.
  • Take your time!

Explain the independent worksheet. Remind students about extended time for IEPs and to show their work. Offer encouragement.

Game Time: Factor Frenzy!

Let's play a game to practice our comparison skills!

Factor Frenzy: A fun way to reinforce what we've learned.

Remember: Have fun and learn from each other!

Introduce the Factor Frenzy game. Explain the rules clearly. Emphasize that it's a fun way to practice and that mistakes are okay.

Cool Down: Show What You Know!

Complete the Cool Down: Exit Ticket to show what you've learned today.

  • This helps me see what you understood.
  • Great work today, everyone!

Explain the Cool Down/Exit Ticket. Reiterate that this helps you understand what they've learned. Thank them for their hard work.

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Warm Up

Warm Up: Brain Boost

Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Let's get our brains warmed up for some multiplication!

Instructions: Solve the following multiplication problems. Show your work if it helps you!

  1. 3 x 5 =


  2. 6 x 2 =


  3. 4 x 4 =


  4. If you have 2 bags, and each bag has 7 marbles, how many marbles do you have in total?



  5. What is 3 groups of 8?



lenny
lenny

Script

Multiplication Comparison Script

Warm Up: Brain Boost (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's get our brains ready for some exciting math. Please find your Warm Up: Brain Boost on your desk. Take about 5 minutes to complete it quietly. Remember to do your best and show your thinking!"

(Allow students to work. Circulate and provide quiet support as needed.)

Teacher: "Alright, pencils down! Let's go over our warm-up. Who would like to share their answer for number 1, 3 x 5?" (Call on a student.) "Excellent! Why is that the answer?" (Encourage explanation.) "Fantastic! Let's quickly review the others." (Go through answers, providing positive feedback.) "Great job warming up, mathematicians!"

Introduction to Multiplication Comparison (15 minutes) - Refer to Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck

Teacher: (Display Slide 1: Multiply & Compare!) "Today, we're going to learn about a super useful math skill called multiplication comparison!" (Display Slide 3: What is Multiplication Comparison?) "Multiplication comparison is all about comparing numbers to see how many 'times as many' or 'times as much' one quantity is compared to another."

"Think of it like this: if I have 2 cookies, and my friend has 3 times as many cookies as me, how many cookies does my friend have? We are comparing my 2 cookies to my friend's amount, which is 3 times more. What equation could we use?" (Pause for student responses. Guide towards 3 x 2 = 6.) "Exactly!"

"Look at the keywords on the slide: 'times as many', 'times as much', 'is', 'groups of'. These words are super important clues that tell us we need to use multiplication comparison. Our objective today is to understand and solve these kinds of problems!"

Teacher: (Display Slide 4: Let's Model It!) "Let's try an example together. I need everyone's eyes and ears on me!" (Show example with manipulatives - e.g., Sarah has 3 apples. Tom has 4 times as many apples as Sarah. How many apples does Tom have?)

"First, I see Sarah has 3 apples. So, I will take out 3 linking cubes." (Place 3 cubes on the table.) "Now, Tom has 4 times as many apples as Sarah. That means Tom has 4 groups of Sarah's 3 apples. Let's make 4 groups of 3." (Create 4 groups of 3 cubes, modeling slowly and counting aloud.)

"Count with me: 1 group of 3, 2 groups of 3, 3 groups of 3, 4 groups of 3. How many do we have in total?" (Guide students to count 12.) "So, Tom has 12 apples. The equation is 4 x 3 = 12."

"Self-Regulation Reminder: Remember, it's okay if this feels a little new. We are learning together, and it takes practice! If you feel stuck, take a deep breath and look at the examples again. We're a team!"

Guided Practice: Array Adventure Activity (20 minutes) - Refer to Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck

Teacher: (Display Slide 5: Array Adventure Activity!) "Now it's your turn to be array adventurers! In your cooperative learning groups, you will use your linking cubes to build arrays that show multiplication comparison statements. Your group will get an Array Adventure Activity sheet."

"Explicit Instructions: Here's how we'll do this:

  1. Each group will get a set of linking cubes and the activity sheet.
  2. Read the first comparison statement aloud in your group.
  3. Work together to build the array using your cubes that represents the statement.
  4. Once you agree on your array, record your answer on the sheet.
  5. Then move to the next statement."

"SEL Reminders: Remember our group rules: Share materials nicely, listen to what your teammates say, and help each other understand. Everyone's ideas are valuable! I'll be walking around to help if you get stuck or have questions. Show me how wonderfully you can work together!"

(Circulate, provide guidance, observe group dynamics, and offer positive feedback. Ask questions like, "How did you decide how many groups to make?" or "What does 'times as many' mean in this problem?")

Partner Problem-Solving Discussion (10 minutes) - Refer to Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck

Teacher: (Display Slide 6: Reflect & Discuss) "Alright, adventurers, let's bring it back together. What did you notice during the Array Adventure?" (Allow a few students to share their observations.) "How did building with the cubes help you understand 'times as many' better?" (Encourage students to connect the concrete models to the abstract concept.)

"Now, we're going to transition to a quick Partner Problem-Solving Discussion. With your partner, I want you to discuss and solve the following problem:

  • 'A blue crayon is 6 inches long. A red crayon is 2 times as long as the blue crayon. How long is the red crayon?'"

"Explicit Instructions: Talk with your partner about how you would solve this. What equation would you use? What would it look like with cubes if you had them? Be ready to share your thinking in about 3 minutes."

(Monitor discussions, prompt students to explain their reasoning.)

Teacher: "Time's up! Who can share their partner's strategy and solution?" (Call on a few pairs, asking them to explain their process.) "Fantastic explanations, everyone! You're really thinking deeply about this!"

Creative Comparison: Story Problems Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher: "You've done a great job solving comparison problems! Now, let's become math storytellers. Each group will get a Comparison Story Problems Activity sheet. For each set of numbers, your group will create your own multiplication comparison story problem, write the equation, and solve it!"

"Explicit Instructions:

  1. Look at the first number pair on your sheet.
  2. Work together to brainstorm a story problem that uses 'times as many' or 'times as much' with those numbers.
  3. Write your story problem, the multiplication equation, and the answer on your sheet.
  4. Move on to the next number pair."

"SEL Reminders: This is a chance to be creative and work together! Listen to everyone's ideas and help each other make amazing math stories. There are no 'wrong' stories, just creative ways to think about math!"

Independent Practice: Comparison Challenge Worksheet (10 minutes) - Refer to Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck

Teacher: (Display Slide 7: Time for Independent Practice!) "You've done a wonderful job working together and thinking through these problems. Now it's time to show what you know independently. You each have a Comparison Challenge Worksheet on your desk."

"Explicit Instructions: Please read each problem carefully. Show your work – whether it's drawing a picture, writing an equation, or explaining your steps. For those of you who need a little extra time, remember to use it wisely. Work quietly and focus on your own paper. I am here if you need quiet help, just raise a silent hand."

(Circulate quietly, offering individual support as needed. Remind students with IEPs about extended time and to utilize it.)

Consolidation & Game: Factor Frenzy (5 minutes) - Refer to Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck

Teacher: (Display Slide 8: Game Time: Factor Frenzy!) "Excellent effort on the worksheet! We're going to quickly review a couple of problems using the Answer Key: Comparison Challenge and then we're going to play a fun game called Multiplication Comparison Game: Factor Frenzy to practice these skills in a different way!"

"(Briefly review 1-2 problems from the worksheet, discussing the correct answers and strategies.)"

"Explicit Instructions for Factor Frenzy: I'll explain the rules of Factor Frenzy. Listen carefully." (Explain game rules from the game material.) "SEL Reminder: Remember to cheer on your classmates and have fun while you learn! This is a chance to practice and enjoy math."

(Facilitate the game.)

Cool Down: Show What You Know! (5 minutes) - Refer to Multiply & Compare! Slide Deck

Teacher: (Display Slide 9: Cool Down: Show What You Know!) "Alright, mathematicians, it's almost time to wrap up. To help me see what you learned today, please complete your Cool Down: Exit Ticket. This is your chance to show me your understanding of multiplication comparison on your own."

"Explicit Instructions: Read the problem carefully and answer it to the best of your ability. When you're finished, please turn it over and wait quietly."

(Collect exit tickets. Provide positive reinforcement as students complete it.) "You all did fantastic work today! I am so proud of your effort and how much you've learned about multiplication comparison. Great work, everyone!"

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lenny

Activity

Array Adventure Activity

Names: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Let's Build and Compare!

Instructions: Work with your group to read each comparison statement. Use your linking cubes to build arrays that represent the problem. Then, draw your array and write the multiplication equation.

Remember: Share your cubes and listen to your teammates!


Problem 1:

A green block tower is 2 cubes tall. A red block tower is 3 times as tall as the green block tower.

  • Build It! Use your linking cubes to show the green tower and the red tower.
  • Draw It! Draw your arrays below.






  • Equation: What multiplication equation represents this problem?




Problem 2:

There are 4 cookies on a plate. There are 2 times as many cookies in the jar as on the plate.

  • Build It! Use your linking cubes to show the cookies on the plate and in the jar.
  • Draw It! Draw your arrays below.






  • Equation: What multiplication equation represents this problem?




Problem 3:

Jamal has 5 toy cars. His brother has 3 times as many toy cars as Jamal.

  • Build It! Use your linking cubes to show Jamal's cars and his brother's cars.
  • Draw It! Draw your arrays below.






  • Equation: What multiplication equation represents this problem?




Problem 4:

A cat weighs 6 pounds. A small dog weighs 2 times as much as the cat.

  • Build It! Use your linking cubes to show the cat's weight and the dog's weight.
  • Draw It! Draw your arrays below.






  • Equation: What multiplication equation represents this problem?



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Discussion

Partner Problem-Solving Discussion

Instructions: With your partner, discuss and solve the following problem. Be ready to share your thinking with the class!


The Crayon Problem

A blue crayon is 6 inches long. A red crayon is 2 times as long as the blue crayon. How long is the red crayon?

Discuss with your partner:

  1. What is the problem asking us to find?



  2. What information do we already know?



  3. What keywords in the problem tell us it's a multiplication comparison problem?



  4. What multiplication equation can we use to solve this problem?



  5. How would you explain your solution to someone else?



Our Solution:











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lenny

Worksheet

Comparison Challenge Worksheet

Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Show What You Know About Multiplication Comparison!

Instructions: Read each problem carefully. Write a multiplication equation and solve each problem. Show your work by drawing pictures, using words, or writing equations.


  1. A small fish tank holds 5 gallons of water. A large fish tank holds 3 times as many gallons as the small tank. How many gallons does the large fish tank hold?

    Equation:


    Show your work:






    Answer: The large fish tank holds __________ gallons.


  1. There are 7 red balloons. There are 4 times as many blue balloons as red balloons. How many blue balloons are there?

    Equation:


    Show your work:






    Answer: There are __________ blue balloons.


  1. A recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar. If you want to make a batch that is 5 times as big, how many cups of sugar will you need?

    Equation:


    Show your work:






    Answer: You will need __________ cups of sugar.


  1. Sarah has 8 stickers. Her brother has 2 times as many stickers as Sarah. How many stickers does her brother have?

    Equation:


    Show your work:






    Answer: Her brother has __________ stickers.


  1. A book has 10 pages. Another book has 3 times as many pages. How many pages does the second book have?

    Equation:


    Show your work:






    Answer: The second book has __________ pages.

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lenny

Activity

Comparison Story Problems Activity

Names: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Be a Math Storyteller!

Instructions: Work with your partner or group. For each set of numbers below, create your own multiplication comparison story problem. Then, write the equation and solve it!

Remember to:

  • Use the keywords 'times as many' or 'times as much'.
  • Make your story problem clear and interesting.
  • Help your teammates if they need ideas!

Number Pair 1: 3 and 6

  • My Story Problem:









  • Equation:


  • Answer:



Number Pair 2: 4 and 5

  • My Story Problem:









  • Equation:


  • Answer:



Number Pair 3: 2 and 7

  • My Story Problem:









  • Equation:


  • Answer:


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Game

Multiplication Comparison Game: Factor Frenzy!

Players: 2-4
Materials: A standard deck of playing cards (remove face cards, Ace=1, Joker=0 or remove), linking cubes or other manipulatives, scratch paper for equations.

How to Play:

  1. Setup: Each player starts with 10 linking cubes.

  2. Deal: Shuffle the deck and deal 2 cards face down to each player. Players keep their cards hidden.

  3. Round Start: Each player secretly looks at their two cards. They must choose one card to be their "Base Number" and the other card to be their "Multiplier."

    • Example: If a player draws a 3 and a 5, they could choose 3 as the base and 5 as the multiplier (5 times as many as 3), or 5 as the base and 3 as the multiplier (3 times as many as 5).
  4. Build & Compare: On the count of three, all players reveal their chosen "Base Number" and "Multiplier" cards simultaneously.

    • Each player then states their comparison problem aloud (e.g., "I have 5 times as many as 3!").
    • Players use their linking cubes to quickly build the array that represents their comparison problem. (e.g., for 5 times as many as 3, they would build 5 groups of 3 cubes).
  5. Score Points:

    • The player who correctly builds their array first and states the correct multiplication equation (e.g., 5 x 3 = 15) earns 1 point.
    • The player with the largest product (the result of their multiplication comparison) in that round earns 1 point.
    • If there's a tie for the largest product, both players get the point.
  6. Optional: Players can use scratch paper to write down their equations and products for each round.

  7. Winning: The game can be played for a set number of rounds (e.g., 5 or 10 rounds), or until one player reaches a target score (e.g., 5 points). The player with the most points wins!

SEL Reminders:

  • Be a good sport, whether you win or lose.
  • Help your teammates if they are struggling.
  • Celebrate everyone's efforts! We are all learning and growing together.
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lenny

Answer Key

Answer Key: Comparison Challenge

Warm Up: Brain Boost Answers

  1. 3 x 5 = 15

    • Thought Process: This is a basic multiplication fact. 3 groups of 5 equals 15.
  2. 6 x 2 = 12

    • Thought Process: This is a basic multiplication fact. 6 groups of 2 equals 12.
  3. 4 x 4 = 16

    • Thought Process: This is a basic multiplication fact. 4 groups of 4 equals 16.
  4. If you have 2 bags, and each bag has 7 marbles, how many marbles do you have in total?

    • Equation: 2 x 7 = 14
    • Thought Process: We have 2 groups (bags) with 7 items (marbles) in each group. We multiply the number of groups by the number in each group.
    • Answer: You have 14 marbles in total.
  5. What is 3 groups of 8?

    • Equation: 3 x 8 = 24
    • Thought Process: The phrase "groups of" directly translates to multiplication. 3 multiplied by 8.
    • Answer: 3 groups of 8 is 24.

Comparison Challenge Worksheet Answers

  1. A small fish tank holds 5 gallons of water. A large fish tank holds 3 times as many gallons as the small tank. How many gallons does the large fish tank hold?

    • Equation: 3 x 5 = 15
    • Thought Process: The phrase "3 times as many" indicates multiplication. We multiply the base amount (5 gallons) by the multiplier (3 times).
    • Answer: The large fish tank holds 15 gallons.
  2. There are 7 red balloons. There are 4 times as many blue balloons as red balloons. How many blue balloons are there?

    • Equation: 4 x 7 = 28
    • Thought Process: "4 times as many" means we multiply the number of red balloons (7) by 4.
    • Answer: There are 28 blue balloons.
  3. A recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar. If you want to make a batch that is 5 times as big, how many cups of sugar will you need?

    • Equation: 5 x 2 = 10
    • Thought Process: "5 times as big" means we multiply the original amount of sugar (2 cups) by 5.
    • Answer: You will need 10 cups of sugar.
  4. Sarah has 8 stickers. Her brother has 2 times as many stickers as Sarah. How many stickers does her brother have?

    • Equation: 2 x 8 = 16
    • Thought Process: "2 times as many" means we multiply Sarah's stickers (8) by 2.
    • Answer: Her brother has 16 stickers.
  5. A book has 10 pages. Another book has 3 times as many pages. How many pages does the second book have?

    • Equation: 3 x 10 = 30
    • Thought Process: "3 times as many" means we multiply the pages in the first book (10) by 3.
    • Answer: The second book has 30 pages.
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Cool Down

Cool Down: Exit Ticket

Name: ________________________
Date: ________________________

Show What You Know!

Instructions: Read the problem carefully and answer it to the best of your ability. Show your work.


  1. A soccer ball costs $7. A new pair of soccer cleats costs 4 times as much as the soccer ball. How much do the soccer cleats cost?

    Equation:


    Show your work:






    Answer: The soccer cleats cost __________.


Self-Reflection:

  1. What was one new thing you learned about multiplication comparison today?



  2. What is one thing you still have a question about?



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lenny