Area Model Multiplication Escape Room 4th Grade Double-Digit Multiplication

Can your fourth graders use their knowledge of 2-digit by 2-digit multiplication with an area model to help the alien family escape Area 51? Multiplying two-digit numbers by two-digit numbers and single digits by up to four-digit numbers using the area model is the focus of this engaging digital escape room. Students will race to analyze errors and solve multiplication problems in this exciting, standards-based online breakout. Best of all, there is virtually no prep and the activity is completely self-checking. An optional recording page allows you to document students' understanding of standard 4.NBT.B.5. The entire breakout process is automated by a Google Form™, however Google accounts are not required. This 4th grade multiplication activity can be completed by anyone with an internet connection and a modern browser.

This digital escape room is a great way to practice or review 4th grade multiplication standards. It can be used by students individually, or in small groups to reinforce learning or provide enrichment. Escape Area 51 is quicker to complete than some of our other fourth great breakouts. Most students will take 30-45 minutes to complete this challenge, while others may finish faster (or slower). This activity is completed online, and can be used for in-person, virtual, or hybrid learning. Recommended times to use this online breakout include at the completion of a multiplication unit, prior to end-of-year testing, for summer review, or for beginning-of-the-year review for 5th graders.

Included in the PDF

• Quickstart guide
• Link to Google Forms™ escape room
• Optional link to save a a copy of the form to your own Google Drive™
• Optional recording page to help students work through puzzles
• Detailed Answer Key
• Teacher Tips
• Optional Success Signs

Math Skills Addressed

• Solving two-digit by two-digit multiplication problems with an area model
• Solving multiplication problems with up to a four-digit number multiplied by a single-digit
• Identifying multiplication problems represented by an area model
• Error analysis of area model multiplication (not writing numbers in expanded form properly, multiplication or addition errors, etc)
• Solving challenging puzzles involving ciphers and area models

FAQ

• Do students need to have Gmail™ accounts? NO! Anyone with internet access and a tablet, computer, or even phone can complete the breakout. The escape room is automated by a Google Form™, but does not require the teacher or students to have Google™ accounts.
• How long will this take? That is the hardest question as the answer varies depending on each classroom, student, or group. Some students with a firm grasp on the concepts covered in this escape room will be able to complete the challenge very quickly (20 minutes), others will take longer. The majority of students will take between 30-45 minutes. Requiring students to use the recording form will increase the amount of time required to complete the puzzles. The form will not save student data, so if you are worried about your students not finishing on time, simply have them write their answers on scratch paper. They can then come back and quickly re-enter their answers and pick up where they left off.
• Will students have to search the web to figure out the puzzles? NO! All of the information needed will be provided in the Google Form™. The math in this activity is all standards-based.

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