Multiplying Armadillos
4th Grade Activity - Teacher Directions
An Armadillo baby (click for a larger image)
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:
- Discuss the information about armadillos above.
- 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.)
- Have students complete the paper and pencil activity.
- 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.