MathCoach

This activity is based on the children's book The King's Chessboard by David Birch. The story provides a rich problem for children to explore patterns that are not linear. While much of the pattern is within the reach of intermediate students, I have added an extension for middle school students who are studying exponential equations. The King's Chessboard is one activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. Included is the lesson, student explorations sheets, answers a

Solve It! is an activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. Students use simple equations to solve word problems to advance around the game board. The game provides much needed practice in applying algebraic equations to the solution of real life problems. Included are the lesson notes for the teacher, 36 game cards, a game board and blank game cards for students to write their own word problems for the game.

Students play a game of “Snakes and Ladders” to practice solving multiplication and division of decimals word problems. After choosing a problem card, students roll the die and solve the problem using base ten blocks, a calculator, a standard algorithm or a sketch, based of the roll. If they get the correct answer, they can advance on the game board. The game is played with a group and all partners solve all of the problems, so there is plenty of practice. If you have them, you can use the

One Duck Stuck is one activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. Using this engaging children's story, students explore the sum of consecutive integers in a developmentally appropriate way. Using tiles to model the story, they are introduced to a strategy for determining the sum of any number of consecutive integers. Included is the lesson, student response sheets and answers.