Using Rectangular Arrays To Understand Area

This is a free interactive video lesson on Using Rectangular Arrays to Understand Area problems consistent with the Common Core math standards. It is appropriate for third and fourth graders who have learned the concept of multiplication and have learned to model multiplication problems with rectangular arrays.
This lesson uses colorful graphics and sound to explore the geometric concept of Area as the number of squares that cover a rectangle. Area is defined as the space inside a rectangular that can be covered in squares. Importantly, students compare the area of rectangles by using multiplication to find the number of squares--just as there would find the number of objects in an array. This lesson is a valuable segue to the concepts of area and perimeter in future geometry lessons.
This lesson is suitable for use with both Smart Boards and video projectors and allows the children to participate in the lesson by working appropriate problems. The lesson is in the form of a PowerPoint presentation so it can be paused and restarted in order to allow classroom discussion at the teacher's discretion.
This lesson on the concept of multiplication is Part 1 of a five part sequence on multiplication that addresses the Common Core math standards