Exploring Mathematics

This 14 question scavenger hunt is a great way to have students practice solving multi-step inequalities (two-step, distributive property, variables on one side, and variables on both sides). Because students have to find their answer around the room before they can move on to the next problem, they are forced to check their work to find mistakes--like forgetting to flip the inequality symbol. The teacher functions as the facilitator helping students find and correct mistakes in their work.

To encourage higher-order thinking, I created eight integer rules stations where I give students pre-solved integer computation problems and ask them to notice patterns to create a rule that would work for any integer problem of that type. Each station includes guiding questions for students to answer prior to attempting to write their rules. Partners then create a brochure that could be used to teach younger students how to solve integer problems. A rubric for the brochure is included in the

This fun solving equations review activity requires students to use higher-level thinking skills to order and then justify each step of an already-solved equation. Included in the file are 8 pre-solved equations (two-step, distributive property, variables on same side, and variables on both side), a form for students to identify the type of equation and justify steps, and a teacher key. Types of equations are color-coded, so teachers can be sure that students are getting at least one of each

*Designed for use with a TI-83 or TI-83+ calculator My algebra I students are allowed to use a graphing calculator for their end-of-the-year state exam, but many of them have had very little practice with them throughout the year. I designed this activity to introduce them to the variety of Algebra I problems (cube roots, decimal to fraction conversion, graphing linear equations, x- and y-intercepts, systems of equations solutions, and quadratic solutions) their graphing calculator is capable

This file includes 36 cards with terms (constant and variables) written on them. Hand students a term as they walk in the door and begin class by having them sort themselves into groups by finding people 'like' them. Once students are sorted, have a class discussion about like terms and introduce vocabulary such as 'constant' and 'coefficient'. Also in this file is a 3-slide powerpoint presentation. Slide 2 includes all of the definitions that have just been discussed (variable, coefficient,

This puzzle consists of 12 squares that form a 3 by 4 rectangle. On each square is integer computation and absolute value problems as well as their answers. Students must match the problems with their correct answers to solve the puzzle. I have used this for groups of 4 or partners. Each square has a letter in the middle of it so the teacher can quickly assess whether or not the students have correctly solved the puzzle. The file included is already solved, and multiple copies can be printe

This fun, fast-paced game is perfect as an end to a lesson introducing polynomials. Topics covered in the game include vocabulary (monomial, binomial, trinomial), calculating polynomial degrees, and ascending/descending order. To play, students are each given a card with a polynomial. (Thirty-six polynomials are included in the file.) Every student is also given a worksheet with a list of types of polynomials that they have to find from other students in the classroom without repeating a p

The zip file includes an interactive three-tab excel spreadsheet that investigates compound interest. The spreadsheet completes the calculations so the students can focus on understanding how compound interest works and how it relates to real-life scenarios. The first tab explores the difference between simple and compound interest, the second investigates the impact of compound interest when using credit cards, and the third demonstrates the incredible power of compound interest over time by

Students learn to name 3-Dimensional shapes and their parts with these notes. As a class, discuss the included definitions (edge, vertex, face, prism, and pyramid). Then, students use their new knowledge of 3D naming to match shapes and their names. Once approved by the teacher, students glue the shapes into their notes for later reference. If you download and like this product, please take a few moments to rate it.

A tree map organizer of properties (commutative, associative, identity, zero property of multiplication, and multiplication property of -1). The file includes a definition, an algebraic example, and one numerical example for each property. Since it is a word document parts of each of these can be easily omitted and students asked to look them up and complete on their own. Students are then asked to sort several examples (numerical and algebraic) into the correct 'branch' of the tree diagram to d

This 7-slide powerpoint presentation is designed as for use in an Algebra I classroom as an introduction to solving literal equations (solving for a specific variable when multiple variables appear). Slides 2 and 4 are used as whole-class examples where the new equations are solved side-by-side with more familiar equations that involve only one variable. The teacher can work back-and-forth between the two problems using the familiar to inform what should be done next in the new. This also g

This solving equations flow map turns the steps of solving an equation into a visual process. This can be used as a teacher guide while the whole-class works to create the flow map together, as a review prior to an assessment, or as a reference in higher-level courses where students are expected to already know how to solve multi-step equations. If you download and like this product, please take a few moments to rate it.

Nine complex area shapes for teachers to create stations using masking tape and floor tiles. Shapes include combinations of rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, and semi-circles. Directions include instructions about which steps to show and ask each student in the group to write one step of the work so all are participating at each station. Also in the file is a worksheet for groups to use for their work and a key for easy teacher grading. If you download and like this product, please take a

During this three-day stations activity, students work cooperatively in groups of four to learn how to add, subtract, and multiply monomials and polynomials, how to solve polynomial equations, and review how to determine the degree of a polynomial (taught the previous day). Ten stations have been created so that there is always an open station for groups to move to. This activity works best if 18 wooden die are purchase, and the monomials and polynomials given for each station are written on

To help students organize information and begin to study for the test at the end of our expressions and equations unit, I created this list of 'info to know'. The list consists of 19 pieces of information that students need to know to be able to solve the types of problems on the test (identifying coefficients and constants, simplifying numerical and algebraic expressions, solving one-step through multi-step equations, and writing equations from story problems). However, the 19 items have seve

This decimal computation flow map turns the 'rules' for correctly computing with decimals into a visual process. This can be used as a teacher guide while the whole-class works to create the flow map together, as a review prior to an assessment, or as a reference in higher-level courses where students are expected to already know decimal computation. Example problems can be added by hand to the appropriate spots on the flow map to further enhance student understanding and use. If you download

This fraction computation flow map turns the 'rules' for correctly computing with fractions into a visual process. This can be used as a teacher guide while the whole-class works to create the flow map together, as a review prior to an assessment, or as a reference in higher-level courses where students are expected to already know fraction computation. Example problems can be added by hand to the appropriate spots on the flow map to further enhance student understanding and use. If you do

When solving equations, students often struggle with how to get started. This activity starts as a whole-class review of the different types of equations they have learned how to solve (one-step, two-step, distributive property, two variables on same side, two variables on different sides), the first step to take when solving each type, and an example from the students. Students are then asked to sort several examples into the correct 'branch' of the tree diagram to demonstrate that they can i

This file creates a format for students to take notes about integer computation. A blank student copy is included as well as a completed teacher copy. I typically split this into two days with one day focusing on rules for integer addition and one day focusing on rules for integer multiplication and division. On day 1, I have students visualize a balance with a positive and negative side. We draw the balance, write the numbers from our problem on it, and use it to understand our answer. Af

This fun memory (or matching) game is a great review activity for students over linear equations. Topics covered include forms of linear equations, calculating intercepts, vertical and horizontal lines, parallel and perpendicular lines, and graphing linear inequalities. To speed play, it is helpful to print the first page on one color of paper and the second page (of matches) on another. Multiple copies of this editable Excel file can be downloaded to create a classroom set. If you downloa