Learn the Concept of Multiplication by Building with LEGO® Bricks!
The other week, I posted a multiplication activity using a grouping approach to multiplication. Here’s an activity that goes about it from a slightly different angle – a geometric approach to multiplication. And it uses one of our favorite toys – LEGO® bricks!
(If you’re looking for addition, check out our LEGO Addition Mats!)
For this game, you’ll need some basic LEGO® bricks (be sure to collect plenty of small ones) and a baseplate. Then just print the recording sheet from the bottom of this page. We prefer to laminate our math activities – then we can use a dry erase marker and do them over and over.
Here’s how the activity works:
Build a LEGO® rectangle! Roll the die once to determine the width of the rectangle. Then roll it a second time to determine the length.
In the example below, a 2 and a 6 were rolled. The student should then build a rectangle that is 2 studs by 6 studs.
The rectangle contains 2 rows of 6. How many studs is that? 12. 2 x 6 = 12.
Use one die for students who are just beginning to learn about multiplication. Then progress to two dice or a 12 sided math die.
Building the rectangle in one solid color might make it easier for kids to picture the concept of multiplication because it helps keep the focus on the number of studs rather than on the number of bricks. But do whatever works for you!
We used different colors to explore the fact that three fours are equal to four groups of three. Such a great way to visualize this concept!
Ready to print your mat? Click here: LEGO Multiplication Mat
More Printable Math Activities:
Rockets & Planets Multiplication Mats (multiplication by grouping – use any objects you want!)
LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize, or endorse this site.
3 Comments
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Anne - Just Only Home Sep 19, 2017
What a fantastic idea! My daughter is just starting with multiplication. With as much as she adores lego I am positive this will be a big hit. Thanks so much for the great idea and the printable! Definitely sharing <3
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