Exploring Mathematics

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 cooperative-learning game is a modification of Kagan's game 'snowball'. Pairs of equivalent fractions, decimals, and percents are printed on alternating colors of paper (I usually use yellow and orange so the wadded up papers look more like popcorn). The teacher brings in a large box or bucket as the 'popcorn' tub. All students with the same color of paper line up and face the others who have a different color. When the teacher says “POP!”, students wad up their papers and toss them into