MAC Math Applications Co
70 Followers
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
About the store
I have been teaching for several years in an urban high school in Indianapolis, IN. In recent years, I have been teaching Honors Pre-Calculus and 2nd year Algebra. Our school is an IB school in which inquiry-based lessons are encouraged.
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Exponential Functions Project - Life After College Budget
Exponential Functions and Their Applications to Financial Situations Life After College Budget Project This project is one of the best things that I do. I have used it for several years and it has undergone several revisions. I use it primarily with my Pre-Calculus students but have used it with Algebra 2 with very good results. A co-worker, Dave Roberston also a TPT contributor, created a spreadsheet for making the grading easy to do- I have this available for download as well but could not
10th - 12th
Algebra 2, Economics , PreCalculus
Vectors and parametric equations using stomp rockets
Using a toy called a stomp rocket which can be purchased fairly inexpensively online or at Toys R Us. I created this lab for my students in PreCalculus. My husband has also used it with Physics.
10th - 12th
Physical Science, Physics, PreCalculus
Polynomial Panic
This is a stations type activity that is self checking. It covers most all of the topics in a unit on solving polynomials such as synthetic division, rational root theorem, Descartes rule of signs, end behavior, complex solutions, writing a polynomial given the solutions. It was written for a PreCalculus class but could be used for Algebra 2.
10th - 12th
Algebra 2, PreCalculus
CCSS
HSA-APR.D.6
, HSA-CED.A.1
, HSF-BF.A.2
POLYNOMIAL ROW GAME
10 problems to be worked on with a partner. Partner A and B have different problems but their answers to each must be the same. This is a good review for the first half of a chapter on polynomials. It covers: end behavior, long division, synthetic division, solve with factoring techniques such as sum and difference of cubes and 4 term using grouping and the remainder theorem. Students will also need to review solving a quadratic by quad formula.
10th - 12th
Algebra 2, PreCalculus
Vectors - using simple marshmallow catapults
Using inexpensive materials that can be picked up at a hardware store, students build simple catapults for launching marshmallows. By timing and measuring distance, students can determine velocity and height.
10th - 12th
Physical Science, Physics, PreCalculus
Exponential Functions - Future and Present value annuities Tim and Tom
This is the opening activity to a project that I do. The project is called Life After College Budget Project. With the Tim and Tom story and activity, students see the benefits to saving for the future and the expense involved in taking out loans.
10th - 11th
Algebra 2, PreCalculus
Factoring Quadratics SPOON Game
This is a fun way for students to practice factoring or FOILING quadratics of the type x^2+bx+c . It is based on a card game called SPOONS. This activity contains 6 different card sets. Cards containing quadratics and possible factors are passed around until a student has a matched set. They grab a spoon and then everyone else quickly grabs one too. There is always one less spoon than number os student so one person is eliminated with each round until there is a clear winner!
7th - 11th
Algebra, Algebra 2
Solving Quadratics Chain Activity
Students will be very engaged as they solve 18 quadratic equations involving a mix of factoring, square roots, and completing the square. The answer to the first problem sends them to another and so on. Students get to cut out the problems and chain them together. If you are able to run them off on colored paper, the end result makes a wonderful addition to your room's decor.
9th - 11th
Algebra, Algebra 2
Using Vectors to navigate around Florida to find the lost PreCalculus class
Given a series of bearings and distances and a map of the state of Florida, students will navigate around the state using a protractor and ruler. At the end, they convert all of the (distance/magnitude, bearing/angle) to (x,y) components and add them together. With this they can verify that they wound up in the correct spot. It is a great activity to do just before or after spring break - especially if you live in the midwest.
10th - 12th
Other (Math), PreCalculus
Sine waves - Favorite Athlete's Biorhythms
This was written for determining the sine waves that describe Peyton Manning's biorhythms before a big game. I use it during our unit on graphing and modeling sine functions. It could be easily adapted to your favorite athlete, politician, musician etc. by just googling their birthdate. Students will determine their own biorhythms as part of this activity. Definitely bogus science but still kind of fun to do.
10th - 12th, Higher Education
Other (Math), PreCalculus
Sequence and Series Maze
Activity is a great review activity over an Algebra 2 unit on Arithmetic, Geometric Sequences and Series. It includes explicit and recursive formulas for Arithmetic and Geometric, Arithmetic Series, Finite and Infinite Geometric series and Sigma notation.
10th - 12th
Algebra 2
Systems of equations Olympic style
Start your year right with Algebra 2! This activity has been created to do the following: Engage students with timely activities themed to the Olympics Pre-Assess: Determine how much of systems of equations your students already know how to do. Differentiate: Allow you to determine an appropriate level of achievement for each student and then remediate or enrich as needed. Practice: Leveled practice problems are given so that students can jump in where further practice is needed Post-Assess
10th - 12th
Algebra 2
Day 1 pre-requisites activity
I usually do this the first or 2nd day in Algebra II and Pre-Calculus. I give every student 2 cards Fact is printed on Yellow card stock Fiction is printed on Red card stock Feel free to add additional slides as a way of introducing yourself. I ask them to guess whether I graduated from this school I ask them whether I attended college at (name a local college) I ask them how many children they think I have
10th - 12th
Algebra 2, PreCalculus
Systems of equations Chain Activity
This activity is one activity students can use to review systems of equations. Students cut out each problem (or just tear sheets in half). The solution to one problem can be found at the top of the next. Once completed students can create a chain by gluing the problems together. I try to run each page off on a different color so that they when we hang them from the ceiling it makes the room look very festive.
9th - 11th
Algebra, Algebra 2
Rational Functions Bundle
This bundle contains everything you need to teach an Algebra II unit on Rational functions. I currently teach from Big Ideas Math but I have used most of these materials with other textbooks over the years. All documents, power points and activities are editable so that you can tweak them as needed. I have included a maze review activity that I sell separately for $1.50.
10th - 11th
Algebra 2
Polynomial Function Lab
Polynomial Function lab. Students will each build small boxes of various size (from same size raw material), calculate volume, fill with M & M's and compare both types of Volume calculations with students whose boxes have varying shapes.
10th - 12th
Algebra 2, Applied Math, PreCalculus
linear modeling with balloons
This is a fun and easy way to collect data that is somewhat linear. Students can then determine the line of best fit and use their equation to make predictions.
7th - 9th
Algebra, Graphing
Rational Function Maze
Great way to review the unit on rational functions. Power point slides should be printed and posted around the room. Students may work alone or in partners. I usually set it up as a "shot gun" start where I assign different students different starting problems. One answer leads them to the next and if they come back to a problem (dead end) before completing all of them, they will need to retrace their steps to fix their mistake.
10th - 12th
Algebra 2, PreCalculus
Dimensional Analysis - How fast does it go?
Using a remote control car, students learn how to convert from ft/sec to mph.
7th - 9th
Algebra
2 x 2 systems of equations maze
Post these 8 questions around the room and give students a starting number. Each answer leads student to the next question. If they are kicked back to a problem that they have already done before they do all 8 problems, then they know that they made an error and need to retrace their steps.
9th - 11th
Algebra, Algebra 2
Showing 1-20 of 20 results
About the store
Experience
I have been teaching for several years in an urban high school in Indianapolis, IN. In recent years, I have been teaching Honors Pre-Calculus and 2nd year Algebra. Our school is an IB school in which inquiry-based lessons are encouraged.
Teaching style
I like activities for my students that help them to "feel" the mathematics - hands on, project based, inquiry, group work, modeling, graphing calculator.
Awards & shining teacher moments
Selected by peers as school Impact teacher.
Recently, my colleague and I received a grant to buy a quadcoptor drone. We have been working on ways to incorporate drone technology and applications into our PreCalculus curriculum.
My own education history
BS and MS degrees in Mathematics Education from Indiana University.
Additional biographical information
I have presented at NCTM regional conferences and ICTM conferences "Mom, We Got to Play in Math Today" "Function, What Are They Good For?". I have been a PLC leader and MYP leader within our school. I represent the Math department at out district wide MYP council. My husband is a teacher of Physics. I have raised an amazing set of twins who are just launching their careers and am the proud step mother of another set of twins. Seven years ago, I faced the challenge of my life when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. With 6 rounds of chemo and 6 years of remission behind me, I can really focus on finishing my career in the classroom with care, diligence, devotion. I am excited about this opportunity to share a few of the things that I have learned and created along this 30+ year journey in the classroom.
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