Funding sponsored by:
www.qad.com
Mastering Multiplication
for Middle Schoolers
Click here to download the project resources.
Project Description: This unit allows students to play interactive games online to assist them in learning their multiplication tables. This project was designed for students who are in 6th, 7th or 8th grade, and have not mastered their times tables from 1-12. The internet games allow for immediate feedback, on specific concepts and goals. The students are able to differentiate to their level, and choose from a variety of games. The unit is assessed online and on paper.
How it works: This program was designed to be done for 25 minutes each day. A typical week has the students working 3 days in class and 2 days in the lab. The work in class focuses on skip counting, recognizing patterns, games, multiplication "tricks", color coding, and standard drill. The work they do in class is a lead in for their computer work. The typical day in the lab is as follows. The students go to www.multiplication.com and complete games on the fact of the day. They might be working on 4's or 5-7, it depends on where they are. The first twenty minutes are spent doing the games, and the last 5 minutes are for online assessment. The students are assessed on the facts they practiced during the class.
Assessment: Online assessment in the lab, paper pencil and journal in the classroom.
Standards: The multiplication tables are a number sense standard for grade 3. It is a key concept, and students who have not mastered it are incapable of achieving proficiency. This unit allows students to finally master their multiplication facts with the use of specific online games.
Estimated Number of Class Periods for Students To Complete Unit: 10 periods or more
Software or Materials Used: Internet connection with adobe flash capability, dvd player
Keywords: times tables, multiplication tables, multiplication facts, multiplication basics
The Students: The students in this class all score far below basic or below basic on their cst in math. This class is designed to fill a major hole in their education, and teach them the times tables.
Overall Value: The best feature of this program is that the students are motivated to learn their times tables, after having years of no success. The program has had 100% success with the students who have taken it. The students enjoy the online games, and the immediate feedback they get. They are also proud of their own improvement. The students are able to "see" themselves learning something that was seemingly impossible before. They gain a lot of self confidence too.
Subject Area: Math
Grade Levels: Grades 6-8
Homepage: Not available.
Tips for the Teacher: Let the students choose the games that they want to play. Avoid hovering over them as they are at the computers, but do circulate and complement their work.
