Multi-Digit Multiplication

Inside the case file

These multi-digit multiplication task cards give your 4th grade class 24 problems to solve around the room, with a space mystery to solve at the end. Half are multiplication word problems with a space theme and half are equations, including 2 digit by 2 digit multiplication, all for 4.NBT.B.5. Use the cards as a math scavenger hunt, in your math centers or as review before a test. It's low prep, and the answer keys are included.

The cards are set at a space center, with rover drives, tram trips, planetarium seats and gallons of water in the launch pad tanks. Students move from card to card, then sit down with the suspect lineup and cross off a suspect for each answer. If an answer isn't on the lineup, they know to go back to that card. Students check their own multiplication this way, and there's less grading for you.

What's Inside

• 24 task cards in a case file design, four to a page with cut lines
• 12 word problems and 12 equations: 2-digit by 1-digit, 3-digit by 1-digit, 4-digit by 1-digit and 2-digit by 2-digit
• Three answer sheets to choose from: Folders, Crime Scene tape or Case Notes
• A suspect lineup with 25 drawn suspects on a mugshot wall
• A case briefing to read aloud, and a Case Closed ending for when the villain is found
• The Detective's Toolkit, a page showing partial products, the area model and the standard algorithm, with a quick estimate check. Two work space pages with grid squares go with it.
• Step-by-step teacher instructions and a page on setting up the case
• Two exit tickets (A and B), a Wanted poster to write and a certificate
• Answer keys for the task cards, the exit tickets and the suspect lineup
• 32 pages in black and white, split into The Cards, Student Sheets, Solve the Mystery and After the Case

The Missing Moon Rock

The night before the big space show, the only moon rock in the state disappears from its glass case at Starport Space Center. Twenty-five people had a pass to the gallery that night. Your detectives work through 24 evidence cards and clear the suspects one at a time until only one is left. The briefing and the ending are both written for you to read to the class.

When to Use This Resource

The 24 cards mix all four kinds of 4.NBT.B.5 problems, which makes the pack a good fit once your class has learned partial products or the area model and needs practice with a mix. The setting up page suggests about 40 minutes for the cards and 15 minutes for the lineup. When time is short you can stop after the answer sheet and use it as a plain set of task cards. The two exit tickets give you a quick check afterward. It also works on a sub day, with a small group, as multiplication review at the start of 5th grade, or for homeschool.

Grade Levels

Written for 4th grade (4.NBT.B.5). In 5th grade it works as review before multi-digit multiplication with the standard algorithm (5.NBT.B.5).

Why Teachers Love Mystery Task Cards

Task cards get students up and moving, and Mystery Task Cards give the class a villain to find once the cards are done. Every pack works the same way, so after your class has solved one case they'll know what to do with the next. The suspect lineup lets students see whether their answers fit, and on a busy day the cards still work on their own. If you print the cards on card stock, you can use them again next year.

Want more cases like these?

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