Tutor Notes

We spoke to tutors and decided on their advice to cover two closely related curriculum points in one - N1/L1.4 and MSS1/L1.7.
N1/L1.4 is on multiplying and dividing whole numbers by 10 and 100. MSS1/L1.7 is on converting between units such as g and kg, which involves multiplying and dividing by 1000.
This module can be used as a starting point for learning multiplication and division by 10, 100 and 1000 using place value of digits and also by moving the decimal point. It includes converting between metric and decimal units (m to cm, g to kg, etc).

Please let us know what you think of the factsheets, worksheets and quiz at skillswise.feedback@bbc.co.uk

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England
  N1/L1.4 - Multiply and divide whole numbers by 10 and 100.
  MSS1/L1.7 - Convert units of measure in the same system.
• Wales
  As England.
• Northern Ireland
  As England.
• Scotland
  See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.

In the Skillswise module you'll find:

Mental multiplication quiz
The learner can choose their level. Level A is on arithmetic of multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000. Level B is on converting between metric units and also pounds to pence. Level C is harder problems involving two stages.
Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Once printed students can write their name on the certificate.

Mental multiplication factsheets
There are five factsheets in this section which can be printed out and kept.

• Factsheet 1 - What are 'digits'?
• Factsheet 2 - Mulitplying by 10, 100 and 1000 using place value.
• Factsheet 3 - Dividing by 10, 100 and 1000 using place value.
• Factsheet 4 - Shortcuts by moving the decimal point.
• Factsheet 5 - Metric and decimal units and convertions.

Mental multiplication worksheets
There are eleven printable worksheets in this section, for learners to carry on the work done online. The last four worksheets are investigations using dice to make random numbers and then multiplying or dividing by 10, 100 and 1 000. Sheet 8 is with whole numbers, sheet 9 starts with whole numbers then divides to get decimal answers. Sheets 10 and 11 create decimal numbers and then multiply and divide with them.

• Worksheet 1 - Mixed bag matching answers to questions.
• Worksheet 2 - Multiplying by 10.
• Worksheet 3 - Dividing by 10.
• Worksheet 4 - Multiplying by 100.
• Worksheet 5 - Dividing by 100.
• Worksheet 6 - Multiplying by 1 000.
• Worksheet 7 - Dividing by 1 000.
• Worksheet 8 - Investigation - multiplication.
• Worksheet 9 - Investigation - division.
• Worksheet 10 - Investigation - multiplying decimals.
• Worksheet 11 - Investigation - dividing decimals.

Technical help:

To get the most out of this topic area you need the following 'plug-ins':

• Flash
  The game in this topic section uses Flash. This is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
  Find out more.

If you don't have Flash the same learning points are covered in the quiz and in the worksheets and factsheets.
If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Get WebWise.

You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.

Taking it further:

Here are a few suggestions of other places on the web that you might find useful resources that you can adapt for teaching multiplication.

• Multiplication.com
  A site with games, activities, techniques, tips, and secrets for teaching times tables.
• AAA Math - multiplication
  An American site containing many pages demonstrating different multiplication skills, with interactive activities and games.

Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of other websites.

Don't forget to visit Teaching inspirations for three more ideas for teaching Time.

Do you know of any great online resources for practising mental multiplication? Tell us about them!