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

When students are first learning algebra concepts, one of the most difficult skills is changing a problem situation to an algebraic equation. Algebraic Equations Bingo gives them practice in a game format. Algebraic Equations Bingo is one activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. This activity includes 30 Bingo calling cards, 4 pre-made Bingo cards, a Student Practice Sheet to work out all the problems first and a blank Bingo card to fill out themselves.

Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems is a collection of 11 activities that introduce, reinforce and provide practice for students in using algebraic equations to solve problems and define patterns. Each activity is hands-on, engaging and easily adapted to provide for differentiation at many levels. Four of the activities combine algebra with engaging children's books. Included are all 11 activities, teacher notes for the lessons, directions for each, game cards, game boards and anything else

The traditional Christmas song The Twelve Days of Christmas is a rich problem solving opportunity for students at many grade levels. This activity is directed at intermediate level students, but can be extended to middle and high school students with the addition of finding the formulas for gifts each day and total gifts. However, even without the formulas for triangular and tetrahedral numbers, it is a wonderful pattern activity.

This activity uses "function machines" to demonstrate evaluating algebraic expressions by substituting numbers for variables. Function Machines is one activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. Included in this activity are 4 Student Practice Sheet, 1 demonstration Function Machine, directions for teaching the lesson and 2 blank Student Practice Sheets students can use for making their own functions.

Shape Patterns is an activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. Students work with tile patterns to find a rule or formula for determining the total number of tiles in any term of the pattern. The terms variable and constant make sense when related to the concrete experience with the tiles. Included is the lesson notes for the teacher, three student explorations sheets, answers and a blank pattern sheet for more teacher created patterns or student created patterns.

What's in the Bag? is an activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. This lesson provides an introduction to equations, equality, variables and constants. It is an engaging whole group activity that helps students develop a sense about algebra before they engage in more abstract concepts. Included are the Teacher's notes for the lesson and 24 equations with integer cards for the balance scale. All you need are small paper sacks and treats to put in them

These cards contain one and two step equations and their solutions. They can be used with individual students, partners or in a whole group activity. They make a more engaging way for students to get practice solving equations. Students match an equation, a table and a graph in a whole class activity called Mingle. The cards can then be used as a concentration game or in a math center for individuals or pairs of students. This set contains 42 cards for students to match and blank cards for

Two of Everything is an activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. It is based on the children's story Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong. The story provides the situation for students to explore a doubling pattern. Included are the lesson notes for the teacher, student exploration questions and answers.

These cards contain one-step equations and their solutions. They can be used with individual students, partners or in a whole group activity. They make a more engaging way for students to get practice solving equations. This set contains 35 equation cards, 35 solution cards and blank cards for you to make different equations, or have students make and solve their own.

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.

Each student starts by solving a word problem involving a piecewise function. They have a chance to check their solutions to make sure they are correct. Then students are arranged with a partner across from them and they exchange problems. If one of them needs help, they ask their partner rather than the teacher. After a set amount of time, the teacher rings a bell, buzzer or calls "time", they retrieve their original problems and one partner moves to the next person. They exchange problems

What is a more engaging way to introduce variables and equations to students than using a magic trick? Equation Magic is one activity out of a unit called Solving Algebra and Pattern Problems. Student use manipulatives to represent a series of algebraic manipulations and learn to record their steps using variables and equations. At the same time, the idea of equality is reinforced at each step of the magic trick. Because of the concrete use of manipulatives, this activity can span several gr

Math Poker: Evaluate Expressions Students start with $100 in their total earnings column. Students bet on their ability to solve the problem correctly before the problem is shown on the board. Students cannot bet more money than they have in their “total earnings” column. Students show the work for the problem in the middle column of their response sheets. If they get the correct answer, they win double whatever their bets were. If they have an incorrect answer, they subtract their bet am

Each student starts by solving a word problem involving a sequence. They have a chance to check their solutions to make sure they are correct. Then students are arranged with a partner across from them and they exchange problems. If one of them needs help, they ask their partner rather than the teacher. After a set amount of time, the teacher rings a bell, buzzer or calls "time", they retrieve their original problems and one partner moves to the next person. They exchange problems and repea

Practice solving quadratic equations while getting an opportunity to be up and moving! Students solve their quadratic then wad it up and have a 10-15 second snowball fight. Each student retrieves a “snowball” and solves the new quadratic equation. Another 10 second snowball fight and they solve again. If students have a separate response sheet, this could go on for as many problems as there are students in your classroom. This activity contains: Directions 30 problems to solve If you

Kids need to practice to become proficient. Scoot gets them moving, paces their work and gets them excited about doing this practice. The kids seem to love it! These cards give much needed practice in representing, naming and evaluating functions. The cards are distributed among the tables/desks in the room. Students work the problems on the cards at their table. After a designated amount of time, the teacher says, "Scoot!" and everyone moves to the next table/desk. One advantage to usin

Students, working in a group, are given a sheet of arithmetic and geometric sequences and asked to find a formula for the sequences and the value of the 55th term of the sequences. An answer is already given; they are to determine whether or not the given answer is correct. Then, starting with $1000, students bid on problems they agree had the correct answer. The object of the auction is to win the most correct answers. At the end of the game, students share their solutions to the problems t

Snakes and Ladders is played with a group but all partners solve all of the problems, so there is plenty of practice. If you have them, you can use the game boards from Chutes and Ladders games, or just use the game board provided. Students practice solving quadratic equations by factoring, graphing, completing the square and using the quadratic equation, depending of the roll of the die. This activity includes: Directions for the game 24 problem cards with quadratic equations Snakes and

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.