Author - Jean Kay
Category - Lesson Plans, Math
Lesson Plan Duration - 1 hour(s)
Grade Level - 3-5,6-8

Lesson Plan Description

Using Froot Loops or other manipulative to demonstrate the distributive property.

Primary Learning Objective(s):

To understand and apply the distributive property by using manipulatives to visually represent the equation.

Additional Learning Objective(s):

This lesson would follow lessons on associative and commutative property and could be adapted to show those properties as well.

Procedures/Activities:

Write the following problem on the board.  5(3+2) = 5 x 3 + 5 x 2.  Discuss how using order of operations we can add what is the parentheses first and get 5(5) = 5 x 3 + 5 x 2

Each student will have 30 froot loops, divide the class in half.  Have one half of the class make 5 gropus of 5 and have the other half of the class make 5 groups of 3 and 5 gropus of 2.  Then they count the total froot loops used and both halves of the class will have used 25.

Repeat with the following equations 4(3+4)     3 (4+4)      6 (3 + 2)

After seeing both sides are always equal show the mathemaical representation on the board.

5(3+2) = 5 x 3 + 5 x 2

5(5)  = 15 + 10

25 = 25

Materials/Equipment:

Box of Froot loops or other manipulative.   If using cereal or other food, make certain to have napkins for the desks.

Students will need math notebooks and pencils.

Assessment Guidelines:

Have the students complete additional problems on their own and conference with them to ascertain their comprehension of the concept.