Community Garden Grid: Multiplying 2-Digit Numbers with Area Models and Partial Products
Shared by A STEM Educator
Students will use area models and partial products to multiply two 2-digit numbers, connecting rectangular decomposition to numerical computation (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.5).
Lesson Overview
Students progress from decomposing single-digit arrays to building full 2×2-digit area models using the community garden context, discovering that breaking a rectangle into parts makes large multiplication manageable. The lesson bridges visual area models to the partial products algorithm.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or chart paper
- Dry-erase markers (multiple colors)
- Rulers or straight-edges
- Random grouping tool
- Printed graphic organizer (optional)
- Base-ten blocks (optional manipulative support)
Scaffolded Task Progression
Draw a rectangle on your whiteboard. Label the width 3 and the length 4.
How many square feet is the herb section?
Count the squares inside to check your answer.
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
That's too wide to count squares easily — so let's CHOP it.
Break 14 into 10 + 4. Draw TWO rectangles side by side:
• Rectangle A: 3 wide, 10 long
• Rectangle B: 3 wide, 4 long
Find the area of each piece. Then add them together.
What is the total area of the tomato section?
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
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