Interactive Multiplication Tables
The activity provides a large multiplication square. Simple to use allowing students to explore the times tables in a fun way. While helping them to make connections, spot patterns and improve their number sense. Teachers can use the multiplication grid on an interactive whiteboard for classroom discussion.
Controlling the Multiplication Square
In the initial manual mode simply click anywhere on the grid and shapes will move in or out to make the product. Alternatively
- click one of the numbered buttons
- Random button for a random product
- arrow button button to move to the next value in the multiplication tables.
- × button empties the tables square
Multiplication Arrays
The latest updates introduces shapes with two colors, this is because when showing a product such as 2×6 = 12. We need to use the correct convention, in this case 2×6 refers to two lots of six, using two colors we make sure the six are all the same color.
Note the default shape now is circles, simply because it is clearer but feel free to choose fish or cards using the shape style select
When launched the activity is in manual mode. To change the tables value,
Modifying times tables appearance
You can change various aspects of the interface
- Click the toggle button to show all the products like a traditional multiplication square
- Click head buttons to show or hide the number buttons.
- Click number direction button to toggle between numbering shapes vertically or horizontally
- Click side shapes button, to toggle whether to show shapes that are not in the square either on or offscreen.
Shape Numbering
Initially all the shapes have a number this can be turned off using the number style control. Choose 'None' to turn off all the numbers, 'all' shows all, 'last' shows the number on the last shape which is the same as the product answer. Choose 'sequence' to show multiples, described in more detail below.
Numbering direction
The shapes as they are arranged in the table can be numbered either horizontally or vertically, this also effects what will happen when next is pressed.
Automatic Modes
To start automatic mode simply press play button. This will reveal the timer slider. Now the activity will run automatically through all values. Adjust the slider to change the speed. This can be used to go through whole sets while children repeat the values out loud. Use
Learning Concepts
The activity is good at reinforcing the concept of multiplication as repeated addition. Further that multiplication is in effect a process that can vastly speed up counting of ordered objects.
It is also useful for showing how multiplication is commutative. The children can see quite clearly that
4 × 3 = 12 and
3 × 4 = 12 are just the same 12 shapes.
You can also show why square numbers are so called and notice why such numbers must lie along the diagonal.
Multiples of a Number
To view the multiples of a number it is a good idea to the change the shape style to either balls or cards, since the number are bit a clearer. Then change the number display type to sequence Now you will see multiples displayed either horizontally or vertically depending on the direction of numbering control setting.
Related activities
This activity is for teaching multiplication facts, there is also the addition and subtraction facts activity.
The number explorer uses animated fish again, but this time to teach about division, number types and much more.