Multiplying Armadillos

4th Grade Activity - Teacher Directions


Summary

Students create a multiplication table using the example of armadillo litters.

Background

An interesting fact about armadillos is that they have litters of four babies. The babies develop from the same egg and are quadruplets. Use multiplication facts to predict how many babies a female armadillo will have had in all after 5 litters. After 8 litters? After 12 litters? (Hint: Find the pattern and complete the chart below.) Answers are filled in.

Skills

Mathematics: Multiplication (Table of Fours), Numerical Patterns, Multiples of 4

Materials

Copy of the student page for each student
Pencils
Calculators, optional (Teacher choice)

Procedure
  1. Discuss the information about armadillos above.
  2. Give each student a copy of the student activity page. (Listing the multiplication facts can be optional; it might help some students see the number pattern in the chart.)
  3. Have students complete the paper and pencil activity.
  4. Answers may be graded and discussed in class. (Hint: Mention that the multiplication facts show multiples of four. Armadillo litters always add up to a multiple of four, because they have four babies at a time.)
    # Of Litter(s) # Of Babies Total # of Babies in All Multiplication Fact
    1 4 4 1 x 4 = 4
    2 4 8 2 x 4 = 8 
    3 4 12 3 x 4 = 12 
    4 4 16 4 x 4 = 16 
    5 4 20 5 x 4 = 20 
    6 4 24 6 x 4 = 24 
    7 4 28 7 x 4 = 28 
    8 4 32 8 x 4 = 32 
    9 4 36 9 x 4 = 36 
    10 4 40 10 x 4 = 40 
    11 4 44 11 x 4 = 44 
    12 4 48 12 x 4 = 48 

 

Additional Activity

Have students brainstorm other things that equal four. (Example: 2 pairs of socks)

Activity developed for TPWD by Vicki Almour.