Alien Encounter

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Use multiplication to help the aliens find out how much fuel they need to get their spacecrafts home. Solving this problem using repeated addition or skip counting will help learners relate addition to multiplication. Making number sentences about what they did will help them relate their problem-solving strategy to symbols. This activity guide includes questions to ask, extensions, and resources.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 10 alien figures (or pictures of aliens)
  • 50 plastic “crystals” (any type of counter will do)
  • Paper
  • Pencils

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
      • Patterns
      • Variables and Expressions
    • Number and Operations
      • Multiples and Factors
      • Operations
    • Reasoning and Proof
    • Representation
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Children's Museum of Houston,