The Bakery Floor Dilemma: Equal Groups & Area Models for Multiplication
Shared by A STEM Educator
Students will be able to represent multiplication as equal groups and area models, write multiplication equations in the form a × b = c, and identify multiple rectangular arrangements for a given product (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.OA.A.1).
Lesson Overview
Students discover multiplication as equal groups and area models by arranging 12 brownie pans into rectangular configurations, progressing from counting equal groups to writing multiplication equations and exploring the commutative property.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or chart paper
- Dry-erase markers
- Markers in 2 colors
- Square tiles or sticky notes (12 per group)
- Random grouping tool
- Printed graphic organizer (optional)
Scaffolded Task Progression
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
How many groups of 1 pan is that? Write it as: ___ groups of ___ = ___
How many pans in all?
[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]
How many rows? How many pans in each row?
Write it as: ___ groups of ___ = ___
How many pans in all?
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.