Solar Array Multiplication: Area Models & Partial Products
Shared by A STEM Educator
Students will multiply multi-digit whole numbers (up to 4-digit × 1-digit and 2-digit × 2-digit) using area models with place-value decomposition and partial products, connecting the grid structure to the distributive property (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.B.5).
Lesson Overview
Students use a solar panel array context to build area model multiplication from 2-digit × 1-digit all the way to 2-digit × 2-digit, decomposing factors by place value and combining partial products at vertical whiteboards in random groups of 3.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper (one per group)
- Dry-erase markers in 2 colors per group
- Erasers or paper towels
- Random grouping cards
- Printed Four-Quadrant Note Sheets (one per student)
- Projector for launch image
Scaffolded Task Progression
How many panels are there in total?
On your whiteboard, draw a rectangle and split it into tens and ones to show . Label every section and find the total.
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
How many panels total?
Use the same area model split. Show on your whiteboard with labeled tens and ones sections.
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
Unlock the full lesson
See all 7 scaffolded tasks, the full answer key, warm-up, exit slip, and a print-ready version — free to start.
Create a free accountAlready have an account? Sign in
Like this lesson but want to tweak it?
Make an editable copy and adjust the tasks, warm-up, and answer key to fit your class — no need to start from scratch.