Ways To Multiply

This post was inspired by Natural Math's "Multiplication Models" Poster.  The idea is to have kids create/record there ideas and observations.  They can build, record and publish their models in Etoys.
They can also observe and create models in the physical world and record them with a camera for import into Etoys.

One idea is that you start simply with ways to name a number 1 to 10.  Then move them on to creating and recording models of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, etc.

They can post their Portfolio on the Web with Flikr, Picasa, Blog posts etc.

I have created a number of tools in Etoys to help facilitate the process.

• Visualize Multiplication - the project used to create these slide (its just a layout in a book)

• Flap Image Export 1  - a tool to export images from Etoys (blog entry)

• OOO Tools  - a tool to create arithmetic operations  (blog entry

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• MM Artifacts - a tool to create fraction with M&Ms (you could edit to use other images)
• Multiply Combo - a fun tool to create Combinations of images
• Fraction Bars & Num line - a set of Cuisenaire Rods and a number line you can unitize
• Balance Scale - a balance scale where kids can create their own problems and experiment.
• Guess My Rule - a Rube Goldberg function machine, kids can use this as a base to build their own Rube Goldberg function machines.
• Name That Number - a Bingo Game where kids and teachers can use their "Multiple Ways to Visually name a number" to create Bingo Cards and a set of Bingo Balls.

And I have a bunch more, but that is enough for one post. Send me ideas on tools you would like to see and how I can help you.