Factoring Quadratic Expressions, πrate, 30-Sheet Collaborative Math Mosaic

Highly Engaging!! Students practice common factoring, simple and complex trinomial factoring, perfect squares and difference of squares factoring to decode the colour key needed to colour their section of the large 30-section πrate (Pi-rate) mosaic.

Every student has a different worksheet, ensuring individual accountability while allowing students to help each other and engage in great math dialog. The end result will look spectacular hanging up in your classroom :) This makes a great unit summary, test-prep review, or prerequisite review for higher grades.

INCLUDED: (in both .docx and .pdf format)

◾ Class set of 30 worksheets (all different!) that combine like magic on your wall

◾ Complete answer key, giving factored answers for all worksheets (easy assessment!)

◾ Teaching Tips page for smooth implementation in your class. READ THESE!

◾ Coloured mosaic guide for easy assembly

◾ Scrambled answers list at the bottom of each student's worksheet, allowing for self assessment.

◾List of the order of problem type used; Each worksheet follows the same pattern of problem type, but the problems are all different.

CHECK OUT THE PRODUCT PREVIEW to see the range of problem types and know exactly what these worksheets involve!

INVOLVED: Students factor 12 expressions including:

◾common factoring

◾difference of squares binomial factoring

◾simple and complex (decomposition required) trinomial quadratic factoring

◾simple and complex quadratic trinomials with a numeric common factor to take out first

Factoring is an important skill for solving quadratic equations and simplifying rational expressions in later grades and topics. This task focusses solely on factoring expressions (not solving for roots).

It's simple!

1. Compute the answers.

2. Colour the squares.

3. Cut out your section.

4. Combine with the class!

If you like this product, be sure the check out the growing Collaborative Math Mosaic collection, sorted by topic!

Looking for a digital option? Check out this Google Sheets factoring mosaic!

The student buy-in factor is HUGE with these worksheets; they all want to see the finished picture come together! High school students love colouring too!

Leave the picture a secret or show it for motivation… it’s your call.

Encourage students to check their answers by finding them in the randomized list on their worksheet before they colour each square. This will increase the accuracy of the final picture!

All my collaborative math mosaics use standard pencil-crayon colours found in the Crayola 24 pack. For best results, use the exact colour name match, colour darkly, and stick to one colouring medium (i.e. don't mix crayons with markers with pencil crayons...). Perhaps a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun math department investment!

If your class size doesn’t line up with 30, no worries! If you have a small class, in my experience, students are eager to do additional sheets to complete the picture! (Or you could use the answer key to have students colour the missing pieces quickly.) If your class is large, you could hand out duplicate sheets to those less likely to appreciate the colouring component of the task ;)

If you enjoyed this activity with your students, please consider giving it a top-star review on TpT and sharing feedback about your experience. It will help other teachers find a winning activity too!

~CalfordMath (@live.ca)