Article
Illustrated by Courtney Huddleston
Math,

The Amazing Journey of a Wonder Dog

A lost pet walked more than 2,500 miles to return to his family. Multiply with arrays to learn more about his adventure.

By Jessica McKenna-Ratjen
From the December 2021 / January 2022 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will solve multiplication problems using arrays depicted in a retelling of a dog’s amazing journey home to his family.

Lexile: 520L
Focus Area: Numbers and Operations,
Standards
  • CCSS: 3.OA.A.3 TEKS: 3.5B

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Lexile® measure

  • 520L

Starring: Bobbie

August 1923: Frank and Elizabeth Brazier were taking their dog on a road trip from Oregon to Indiana.

It’s a very long drive from Silverton, Oregon, to Wolcott, Indiana. Bobbie and his family crossed mountains, plains, and rivers.

1. The Braziers drove through 9 states. Draw an array that represents this number as a product.

When they arrived . . .

2. How many groups of pumps are at the gas station?

3. Write and solve an equation for the total number of pumps.

. . . the local dogs weren’t very friendly.

Bobbie’s family searched for him everywhere.

4. Write and solve an equation for the number of posters shown on the wall.

After three days, Bobbie was nowhere to be found. With great sadness, Frank and Elizabeth headed home to Oregon.

Eventually, Bobbie came back to the gas station. But his family had already left!

Bobbie found places to eat and rest along the way.
But he never stayed in one place for long.

5. Write and solve a multiplication equation to match the array of eggs in the basket.

Bobbie crossed rivers, plains, and mountains.

6. Write and solve an equation for the array of rocks in the river.

7. Write and solve a multiplication equation for the number of flowers Bobbie passed.

Then 6 months later . . .

8. Write and solve an equation to match the array of mountains.


Bobbie made it home! He traveled more than 2,550 miles on his own to return to his family.

9. Write and solve an equation for the number of stacked mugs on the table.

News of Bobbie’s incredible journey spread throughout the country. The people of Silverton threw Bobbie a parade to celebrate his homecoming. He became known as “The Wonder Dog.”

10. Write and solve an equation to represent the array of marchers with wagons in the parade.

DID YOU KNOW?

Silverton still holds a Pet Parade in honor of Bobbie every year!

Bobbie’s Tale on the Big Screen

Bobbie the Wonder Dogʼs remarkable journey made national news. People celebrated Bobbie with parades, ceremonies, and medals. He even had a starring role in a film about himself! Bobbie’s journey inspired several popular movies and TV shows, including:

Courtesy Everett Collection (The Incredible Journey, Lassie Come Home); © Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection (Milo and Otis)


Multiplication with Arrays

Multiplication allows you to add the same number to itself multiple times. An array is one way to model multiplication.   

Example

There are 2 groups of students. Each group has 3 students. How many total students are there?

You can use this array to write an equation and solve: 2 × 3 = 6 students.

GoodStudio/Shutterstock.com

Continue Your Learning

  • Rewatch the video “The History of Pets” (above). Then imagine if Bobbie hadn’t been a dog, but one of the other animals mentioned in the video! Write a short story about what would have happened if Bobbie had been a different animal. How might a cat, fish, or python have found its way home? Include at least 3 number details in your story.
  • Play a multiplication array game! Find a standard deck of playing cards or label a set of note cards with the numbers 1 through 13. (Note: If you are using a standard deck, aces = 1, jacks = 11, queens = 12, and kings = 13.)  Select 2 cards from the deck. Multiply your numbers to find the product. Then draw an array to represent the product. Take turns playing with a friend or family member!
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