Exploring Mathematics

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 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.

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

These scaffolded notes teach students about how multiple dimensions impact conversions. The front has students calculate and compare the perimeter, surface area, and volume of a rectangular prism and its doubled counterpart. The back has students calculate and compare the circumference, surface area, and volume of a cylinder and its tripled counterpart. Through these calculations, students recognize patterns that teach them that conversions are impacted once for each dimension of the measurem

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.)

A tree map organizer of properties (commutative, associative, identity, zero property of multiplication, and zero property of division). The file includes a definitions, 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 into the correct 'branch' of the tree diagram to demonstrate that they can i

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