Math Goodies

This is a beginning 2-column proofs activity. I would first introduce the algebraic properties and have the students do some sort of work with matching up steps from an equation with the properties. This activity can be done individually or with a partner. I do partners and it works out great. There are three algebraic two-column proofs where I have mixed up the statements and reasons. The students cut them apart and then glue them back together on notebook paper in the correct order in the 2-

In this activity students will cut out 24 right triangle problems and sort them into four categories according to which method would be best for solving the problem: SOHCAHTOA, Pythagorean Theorem, 45-45-90, and 30-60-90. I did this activity with my students on the 2nd day of unit review for special right triangles. With the test the next day, I felt it was important for them to understand how to distinguish which method of solving to use for each right triangle problem, since the test would in

Students use measured pieces of spaghetti to investigate the triangle inequality theorem and make a conjecture about what must be true about the side lengths of a triangle.