Foam Cubes for Combining Like Terms?

During one of my units, I noticed many of my students struggling with combining like terms, especially the ones that involved negatives.  That afternoon, I started thinking about what I could create that would help keep them engaged and focused.

Rummaging through my supply closet, I found some foam cubes I purchased earlier in the year.  This is what I came up with.

Algebra Dice: Combining Like Terms

It can be used as a whole class review displayed on a screen through projector or during small group instruction.

  Shake up cubes in a container and then dump them out onto the table.

 Line up the terms in any order and allow student partners to discuss what step is next.

 Call on a student to explain or show the class the next step.

 Have students combine like terms at their desk. I allow my students to write on their desk with a dry erase marker.  They become more involved and it makes math fun!

Here is another look at the cubes.  As you can see, I did included both negative and positive terms.





Foam cubes can be used for many different types of stations in many different ways.  Keep checking back for more ideas!

Here are the directions I have on my canister for this activity, as requested.  Of course, you can change the directions to suit your students' needs.

Here is an activity on combining like terms that you can find at my Teachers Pay Teachers Store. It includes a Matching Card Set, Student Work Page, "Ticket Out the Door" to check for understanding, a Quiz and Answer Keys for all listed above!

Combining Like Terms Matching Card Set - Simplify Expressions Using Like Terms

Hope this is helpful!!

Thanks for looking and have a great day!!!