In this lesson, we will explore the relationship between large rectangles and smaller rectangles that make up larger rectangles by making a “Combo-Garden” using different colors to demonstrate the Distributive Property (a x (b + c)).
Students will watch this short instructional video that demonstrates how a larger rectangle can be divided into two smaller rectangles in order to determine the total area. The video shows how to calculate each smaller area separately and then add them to find the total area of the larger rectangle. During the "Combo-Garden" lesson, the large rectangle represents a garden plot. The garden is divided into two planting sections (vegetables and flowers). Students will observe how the larger garden space can be broken into two smaller rectangles and how each section contributes to the total area of the garden. After watching the video, students will analyze garden diagrams and partition the rectangles into two smaller sections. Students will calculate each area and add them together to determine the total area of the garden.