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MathyCathy

Rated 4.98 out of 5, based on 5002 reviews
1,532 Followers
Austin, Texas, United States
About the store
I've never been able to stick with the textbook...! I have over 20 years of experience teaching mathematics to middle and high school students, as well as serving as a Math Coach. In these roles, I impacted thousands of students and their teachers in one of Pennsylvania's largest districts. In 2012, I relocated to Austin, Texas, where I've taught Math 8, Math 8 Accelerated, RTI Math, and Algebra I in a 1:1 iPad classroom. Check out my blog for classroom happenings! http://www.mathycathy.com
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All resources

Preview of Pythagorean Theorem - Squares and Triangles Hands-On Lab and Discovery

Pythagorean Theorem - Squares and Triangles Hands-On Lab and Discovery

Created by
MathyCathy
We want our students to understand where the Pythagorean Theorem comes from, rather than seeing it as a rule only. For years, I’ve pieced together resources to provide this sort of hands-on experience for my students. Consider this hands-on lab a fine-tuned version based on my students’ needs that I hope streamlines the exploration for your own students. Teacher notes, a sample key, and necessary resources are included. Enjoy!
Preview of Congruent Figures Naming Corresponding Parts Geometry

Congruent Figures Naming Corresponding Parts Geometry

Created by
MathyCathy
Brief notes and definitions introduce the concept of congruent figures and their corresponding parts. Then, students can apply the definitions individually or in groups using the shapes sheet that follows. Teacher notes provided for classroom implementation and "tips"!
Preview of Pi Day - A Greeting Card to Celebrate Pi Day With Your Students!

Pi Day - A Greeting Card to Celebrate Pi Day With Your Students!

Created by
MathyCathy
I give each and every one of my students this Pi Day greeting card upon entering my class every Pi Day! After handing each student a card and wishing each of them a Happy Pi Day, we review some facts about pi, and a brief history of pi (both included in the card). Since the first 2000 digits of pi are written on the back of the greeting card, the challenge to try to memorize as many digits as possible inevitably occurs! Help celebrate this popular irrational number with a card for your stud
Preview of Geometry Foldables 2 Interactive Note-Taking Guides! Visual Vocabulary

Geometry Foldables 2 Interactive Note-Taking Guides! Visual Vocabulary

Created by
MathyCathy
Talk the talk! Geometry is full of vocabulary terms, many of which students typically mix up! Try these foldable note-taking guides - students co-create their own colorful diagrams, labeling points with their own names, etc. Included are two jam-packed foldable note-taking guides. Concepts/terms addressed include: Angle Acute Angle Obtuse Angle Right Angle Straight Angle Complementary Angles Supplementary Angles Congruent Angles Vertical Angles Parallel Lines Perpendicular lines Transversal
Preview of Math & Literacy Project - Create a Comic Strip

Math & Literacy Project - Create a Comic Strip

Created by
MathyCathy
Ever find students doodling in their notebook during a math lesson? Put those scribbling skills to work in a fun project! Rubric and story board templates included. Students can create their own hand-drawn comic strips or utilize one of many free online comic creators. Enjoy! You might also like: Ratios and Rates Graphic Organizer This Solving Equations "Write-Around" Linear Systems Problem Solving with Unique Graphic Organizer! Fractions Paper Foldable Interactive Study Guide You're i
Preview of Mystery Scale Factor Challenges: Area & Perimeter of Similar Figures TEKS 8.10D

Mystery Scale Factor Challenges: Area & Perimeter of Similar Figures TEKS 8.10D

Created by
MathyCathy
Aligned to Math 8 TEKS 8.10D Help your students truly understand how a scale factor affects the area and perimeter of similar figures — not just memorize formulas! This hands-on, discovery-based resource guides students to uncover the relationships for themselves, then apply their understanding through practice and collaboration. What’s Included:Area Discovery Worksheet — Students investigate how changing side lengths by a scale factor k impacts area ( A → A × k² ).Perimeter Discovery Workshe
Preview of Geometry Web Scavenger Hunt

Geometry Web Scavenger Hunt

Created by
MathyCathy
Spark curiosity with a Geometry-based web online scavenger hunt. Who can answer the most questions correctly in the least amount of time? Individuals or teams could complete this as enrichment. Answers included!
Preview of Polygons: Discovering Interior Angle Sum Formula (iPad version included)

Polygons: Discovering Interior Angle Sum Formula (iPad version included)

Created by
MathyCathy
This quick discovery resource helps students understand why the interior angle sum of a polygon is the product (n - 2)180 where n represents the number of sides. A greyscale copy is included for hard copies, and a colorful PDF can be used to annotate on an iPad. Sample answer key also included. Enjoy!
Preview of "Write-Around": Finding Surface Area ENGAGE STUDENTS

"Write-Around": Finding Surface Area ENGAGE STUDENTS

Created by
MathyCathy
"Write-Around" is a strategy I enjoy using when mathematics becomes "multi-step"! Groups of no more than 4 students are given these sheets such that every student starts with a different problem. Each student only solves the NEXT step of the problem, passing the paper on to the next person to complete the NEXT step. Detailed instructions are on the top of each of these "Write-Around" sheets. Very often, I will choose one problem from each group to actually grade, warning the students ahead
Preview of "Write-Around": Finding Volume ENGAGE ALL STUDENTS!

"Write-Around": Finding Volume ENGAGE ALL STUDENTS!

Created by
MathyCathy
"Write-Around" is a strategy I enjoy using when mathematics becomes "multi-step"! Groups of no more than 6 students are given these sheets such that every student starts with a different problem. Each student only solves the NEXT step of the problem, passing the paper on to the next person to complete the NEXT step. Detailed instructions are on the top of each of these "Write-Around" sheets. Very often, I will choose one problem from each group to actually grade, warning the students ahead
Preview of 4-Corners Activity: Pythagorean Theorem and its Converse SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

4-Corners Activity: Pythagorean Theorem and its Converse SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

Created by
MathyCathy
Spice up your warm-up time and add a low-stakes formative assessment strategy to your repertoire! Get students moving and talking about math (and possibly arguing about math) by using this "4-Corners" strategy! Using 4 different sets of similar problems included here, students FIRST work individually on a brief set of problems. Students may not realize that there are 4 different versions of the problems floating around the classroom just yet! Then, after a few minutes of independent work, se
Preview of ULTIMATE Pi Day Greeting Card with QR-CODE - Celebrate with updated TWO-PACK

ULTIMATE Pi Day Greeting Card with QR-CODE - Celebrate with updated TWO-PACK

Created by
MathyCathy
I give each and every one of my students a Pi Day greeting card upon entering my class every Pi Day! After handing each student a card and wishing each of them a Happy Pi Day, we review some facts about pi, and a brief history of pi (both included in the card). This TWO PACK includes my original Happy Pi Day greeting card, as well as a new, updated ULTIMATE PI DAY greeting card to celebrate the epic 2015 pi day. The new card includes a QR-Code which links to a variety of pi day resources to
Preview of Calculating AREA - A Lesson "Secret" Strategy for Student Success!

Calculating AREA - A Lesson "Secret" Strategy for Student Success!

Created by
MathyCathy
Are you teaching your students about finding AREA? This lesson is very near and dear to me, and has been helping students, year after year, with the concept of area. I could never teach a unit that includes area without this lesson! Included in this file are 7 jam-packed pages of teacher notes, detailed diagrams and drawings, sample area problems, and scripted questions and tips to guide you through a journey with your students that they'll never forget.
Preview of Breaking Down Surface Area Formulas Visually

Breaking Down Surface Area Formulas Visually

Created by
MathyCathy
Surface Area formulas are hefty! Help students not only identify the variables, but *see* why the formulas work with these graphics. Included are two graphics - one that clarifies the formulas for the surface area of a prism (both lateral and total), and one that shows the formulas for the surface area of a cylinder (both lateral and total). Great for printing hard copies, or using on an iPad with an annotating app. Consider using this Interactive Thinglink to enhance your 3-D studies! 3-
Preview of 4-Corners Activity: Transformations Using Coordinates SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

4-Corners Activity: Transformations Using Coordinates SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

Created by
MathyCathy
Spice up your warm-up time and add a low-stakes formative assessment strategy to your repertoire! Get students moving and talking about math (and possibly arguing about math) by using this "4-Corners" strategy! Using 4 different sets of similar problems included here, students FIRST work individually on a brief set of problems. Students may not realize that there are 4 different versions of the problems floating around the classroom just yet! Then, after a few minutes of independent work, se
Preview of 4-Corners Activity: Angle Sum & Exterior Angles of Triangles SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

4-Corners Activity: Angle Sum & Exterior Angles of Triangles SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

Created by
MathyCathy
Spice up your warm-up time and add a low-stakes formative assessment strategy to your repertoire! Get students moving and talking about math (and possibly arguing about math) by using this "4-Corners" strategy! Using 4 different sets of similar problems included here, students FIRST work individually on a brief set of problems. Students may not realize that there are 4 different versions of the problems floating around the classroom just yet! Then, after a few minutes of independent work, se
Preview of 4-Corners Activity: Volume of a Cylinder V = Bh Geometry SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

4-Corners Activity: Volume of a Cylinder V = Bh Geometry SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

Created by
MathyCathy
Spice up your warm-up time and add a low-stakes formative assessment strategy to your repertoire! Get students moving and talking about math (and possibly arguing about math) by using this "4-Corners" strategy! Using 4 different sets of similar problems included here, students FIRST work individually on a brief set of problems. Students may not realize that there are 4 different versions of the problems floating around the classroom just yet! Then, after a few minutes of independent work, se
Preview of 4-Corners Activity: Surface Areas of Similar Solids Geometry SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

4-Corners Activity: Surface Areas of Similar Solids Geometry SPICE UP WARM-UPS!

Created by
MathyCathy
Spice up your warm-up time and add a low-stakes formative assessment strategy to your repertoire! Get students moving and talking about math (and possibly arguing about math) by using this "4-Corners" strategy! Using 4 different sets of similar problems included here (no pun intended as the problem sets here involve similar figures, ha!) students FIRST work individually on a brief set of problems. Students may not realize that there are 4 different versions of the problems floating around t
Preview of Geometry Introductory Vocabulary with Real-World Connections

Geometry Introductory Vocabulary with Real-World Connections

Created by
MathyCathy
Basic geometry vocabulary sheet that encourages students to make real-life connections to more abstract terms. Great way to reinforce notation too!
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About the store

Experience

I've never been able to stick with the textbook...! I have over 20 years of experience teaching mathematics to middle and high school students, as well as serving as a Math Coach. In these roles, I impacted thousands of students and their teachers in one of Pennsylvania's largest districts. In 2012, I relocated to Austin, Texas, where I've taught Math 8, Math 8 Accelerated, RTI Math, and Algebra I in a 1:1 iPad classroom. Check out my blog for classroom happenings! http://www.mathycathy.com

Teaching style

My high-energy teaching style and commitment to engaging all learners ensure a variety of instructional techniques and materials. The resources I create evolve based on my students' specific needs and my goal of keeping them engaged and excited about mathematics. Rather than keeping all the classroom fun to myself, I take pride in sharing these classroom-tested resources here on TPT so that students around the world can benefit. I hope you can sense my dedication as you explore the diverse materials I've posted here with your own aspiring mathematicians!

Awards & shining teacher moments

I'm so proud to be a math educator! To explore some of my accolades, visit this Media & Mentions list, which features published articles and video media of news stories and keynote addresses at a variety of professional conferences. I'm especially proud of my ShadowCon talk at NCTM - it's a great place to start on this list! https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/137ay9dShzcYDn8bB3wCIjjZ2sYucGwR0PG_4nZeKg04/edit?usp=sharing

My own education history

I received my Bachelor of Science in Education at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Secondary Education/Mathematics. I received my Master of Science in Education from Wilkes University in Classroom Technology.

Additional biographical information

Middle school mathematics is my greatest passion! I began my teaching career in Pennsylvania, working exclusively with 7th graders for six years. I also taught SAT Preparation courses through Penn State Lehigh Valley and worked with potential first-generation college students in a Saturday and summer program, also through Penn State. Over the years, I have engaged in extensive private math tutoring with students ranging from grades 6 through 12. After a three-year period as a stay-at-home mom, I returned to full-time teaching as a math coach/specialist, collaborating with teachers and students across three middle schools in one of Pennsylvania's largest school districts. In 2012, I moved to Austin, Texas, where I currently teach 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (and occasionally a few accelerated 5th or 4th graders) in my own 1:1 iPad classroom. I admit it — I can’t *just* stick with a textbook! Since the beginning of my career, I have consistently developed my own educational materials tailored to meet student needs, enhance engagement, foster dialogue, and promote conceptual understanding. Many of these effective resources are available here on TPT. Thank you for stopping by!