'Problem solving with multiplication' tutor notes

This module can be used as a starting point for: practising problem solving using multiplication.

Students may find it useful to look at the Times tables and Mental multiplication sections of the site before tackling this module.

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

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England N1/E3.9 - Use and interpret +, -, x , ÷ and = in practical situations for solving problems.
  N1/L1.3 - Add, subtract, multiply and divide using efficient written methods.
  N1/L1.5 - Recall multiplication facts up to 10 x 10 and make connections with division facts.
  
• 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:

Problem solving with multiplication factsheets
There are five sheets in this section which can be printed out and kept.

• Factsheet 1 - Problem solving method.
• Factsheet 2 - Single stage problems.
• Factsheet 3 - Two stage problems.
• Factsheet 4 - Three stage problems
• Factsheet 5 - Multiplication glossary.

Problem Solving Conveyor Belt Game
In this game the learner can solve multiplication problems by answering questions relating to items which appear on a conveyor belt.

At the start of the game the learner can choose whether to answer questions by clicking on one of three choices or by typing in their answers. If they answer any question incorrectly they get the choice of a second chance or to see the correct answer. At the end they are given a summary of the questions, the answers they gave and their score.
You might find it useful to visit the 'How to play' section of the game before showing it to your learners.

If they get 8 questions or more correct, they get a bonus game - 'Monkey tennis'!

TOP TIP! To see the game completely full screen, press the F11 key on the keyboard. This takes away the distraction of the top browser bar. To bring the browser bar back, just press F11 again!

Problem solving with multiplication quiz
The learner can choose their level. Level A is the easiest, Level C the hardest.
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. Students can write their name on the certificate once it's printed.

Problem solving multiplication worksheets
There are three printable worksheets in this section, for learners to carry on the work done online.

• Worksheet 1 - 3 multiplication problems.
• Worksheet 2 - 3 more multiplication problems.
• Worksheet 3 - Another 3 multiplication problems.

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 where you might find useful resources that you can adapt for teaching problem solving with 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.
• Abiator - problem solving
  This site from from New Zealand has lots of problem solving puzzles. The site is fully interactive, tempting the user to take the 'Problem Solving Challenge'.

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

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

Don't forget to visit Lesson plans and Teaching inspirations for more ideas for practising problem solving with multiplication.