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 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

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.

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 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

These interactive notes teach students the vocabulary of quadratic functions and their graphs as well as insight into how the a and c values of basic quadratics of the form y=x^2+c impact how a parabola looks. Notes begin by having students sort a list of quadratic functions into linear, quadratic, and other. Then, vocabulary such as parabola, vertex, maximum, minimum, and axis-of symmetry is introduced. Next, students to look at equations and their graphs to deduce how changes in a and c c

*Designed to be used with TI-83 or TI-83+ calculators The activity guides students through using graphing calculators to graph and solve four quadratic functions. Questions are designed to teach students how to relate the information in a table for a quadratic function to its graph with a focus on using the graph to solve the quadratic equation. Examples address four types of possible solutions (two integer solutions, two non-integer solutions, one integer solution, and no solution). If you

These scaffolded, self-guided notes teach students to solve both linear and quadratic algebraic proportions. I typically have students work with a partner to complete these, and students are only allowed to begin their homework after answers have been verified as correct by the teacher. Prior to completing these notes, students must know how to solve linear equations, solve quadratic equations, and calculate excluded values in a rational expression. (Developed for use in an algebra course.)

These Equations as Relations Notes help students to truly understand what it means to be a solution of a linear equation by having them explore them both algebraically and graphically. Special emphasis is placed on the idea that 'infinitely many solutions' does not mean the same thing as 'all solutions' that was used when solving equations with one variable. The back of the page teaches students how to calculate solutions when given the domain. I typically have students work in partners to co

Students learn to classify real numbers by completing this handout. Students are required to look up definitions and write examples of terms such as real numbers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, integers, whole numbers, and natural numbers. Then, using those definitions, students label a graphic organizer and sort given numbers into the correct locations on the graphic organizer. I use this with my Algebra I Students, and their Prentice Hall textbook gives them enough information for

I have found that students struggle with writing equations from story problems. To help scaffold this skill, I first have them reverse it by writing story problems to correspond with variables and equations that I give them. Included in the zip file is a 5-slide powerpoint that I use to introduce and practice the topic. It starts with a systems of equations story problem, and we work together as a class to write the corresponding equations. I use this slide to introduce the concept of defi