Contextualization

Multiplication and division are basic mathematical operations that are used in countless situations in everyday life. Multiplication is the process of adding equal numbers several times. For example, if you have five boxes and each of them contains three apples, then you have five times three, which is 15 apples. Division, on the other hand, is the process of dividing one number (dividend) by another number (divisor) to find a third number (quotient). For example, if you have 15 apples to divide among three friends, each will receive five apples.

In our daily lives, these operations are useful for, for example, calculating how much each person should pay in a shared bill, determining the quantity of items bought in multiple packages, among many other situations. Furthermore, multiplication and division are fundamental for a series of other more advanced mathematical concepts, such as fractions, ratios, percentages, and geometry.

Understanding multiplication and division and how to work with them is an essential skill that will contribute to students' success in mathematics throughout their academic life and beyond.

However, learning mathematics is not only about the practical application of these skills, but also about developing logical and analytical thinking. Mathematics helps us identify patterns, develop problem-solving strategies, and think creatively and systematically.

To start the study on the subject, I suggest the following resources:

• Khan Academy. (n.d.). 3rd-grade math course. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/pt-3-ano
• Nova Escola. (n.d.). Multiplication and division. Retrieved from https://novaescola.org.br/conteudo/286/multiplicacao-e-divisao
• Só Matemática. (n.d.). Fundamental operations. Retrieved from https://www.somatematica.com.br/fundam/

Let's start this project on multiplication and division, not only to learn about these operations, but also to have fun and develop very important skills such as working in a group, managing time, solving problems, communicating effectively, and thinking creatively and proactively.

Practical Activity: "The Multiplication Store and the Division Factory"

Project Objective

The main objective of this project is to teach and reinforce the concepts of multiplication and division through a dynamic and engaging simulation. Students will also learn the importance of teamwork, time management, and communication and problem-solving skills.

Detailed Project Description

In this project, students will create and manage a "multiplication store" and a "division factory." In groups of 3 to 5, students will create "products" to sell in their store and organize production in the factory.

As "products," students can use simple objects such as pencils, erasers, building blocks, etc. They will set the price of each item (multiplying the quantity by the unit price) and carry out simulated transactions.

In the division factory, they will have to divide a group of items equally among different numbers of "employees" or boxes, simulating the division process.

Each group of students will be responsible for managing both the store and the factory, alternating roles so that everyone has the chance to experience all parts of the process.

Necessary Materials

1. Simple objects to use as "products" (pencils, erasers, building blocks, etc.).
2. Paper and pencils to record transactions and division operations.
3. Several containers to simulate the division of items in the factory.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Form groups of 3 to 5 students.
2. Explain the rules and objectives of the multiplication store and the division factory.
3. Each group chooses the items they will "sell" in their store and organizes "production" in the factory.
4. Groups alternate roles, going through all functions in the store and the factory.
5. Throughout the activity, the teacher guides and helps students record their transactions and division operations.
6. At the end of the project, each group prepares a report on the activity.

Project Deliverables

After completing the project, groups should present two final products:

1. Presentation: Each group must prepare a presentation summarizing their experiences, lessons learned, and skills acquired during the project. They should address all functions and stages of the "multiplication store" and "division factory" and discuss how they applied the concepts of multiplication and division to manage these operations.

2. Written Report: In addition to the presentation, each group must submit a written report detailing their activities in the store and the factory. This report should include:

   • Introduction: describing the project's objective, the importance of the concepts of multiplication and division, and how these operations are applied in real life.

   • Development: describing the theory of multiplication and division, the activity in detail, the methodology used, and the results obtained. They should also discuss any challenges they faced and how they overcame them.

   • Conclusions: students should discuss what they learned from the project, the skills they acquired (both technical and socioemotional), and how these skills will be useful to them in the future.

   • Bibliography: references to all resources (books, websites, videos, etc.) used to learn and develop the project.

Students should work together in creating the written report, ensuring that all group members contribute to the document. The report should be presented in a clear and well-organized manner, demonstrating the knowledge acquired about multiplication and division, as well as the experience of managing a "store" and a "factory".