Figure Me out!

Not only is this great to use as a "getting to know you" activity, but it also allows students to review what they learned the previous year about computation and order of operations!

To be fair to my students, I created a Figure Me Out sheet of my own so they could have an example of what was expected.

I allowed my students to work with a partner so that they could discuss, share and remind each other about skills they learned last year. They were also able to use journal notes and resources that were glued into their math journal.

I did find out a whole lot about my students. They are very creative and their drawing skills are very impressive. 

I challenged my students to create a 2-step problem and use the order of operations.

It makes a great display for Meet the Teacher Night or Open House.

This activity also gave me a chance to show my students what I expect when they are working in pairs, with their shoulder partner. As I monitored the classroom, I praised students that were using the correct "volume" when discussing.  Since students learn by example, others took note of this and followed suit.

If you are interested in purchasing this activity, you can find it HERE.

Thanks so much for looking and have a great day!!!

"EGG"-CELLENT IDEA THAT IS NO "YOLK"!

I know Easter has come and gone, but when I came across these cute plastic mini Easter eggs on clearance for $0.25 a pack, how could I resist!  I immediately thought "MATH STATION"!

First, a few tips.

     

Use scissors to snip off the little plastic piece that keeps the top and bottom portion of the egg together.  Then use a nail file to file down any plastic that juts out.  

For the next step, I decided to mix it up.  I closed up the eggs using different tops and bottoms.  They look so pretty and colorful!

I decided to make my stations on equations and inequalities because that's what my students need "EGG"-stra practice on.  I wrote the problems on the top portion and answers on the bottom portion using a permanent marker.  I suggest you keep eggs closed when you are writing problems and answers on them so that it is easier to keep track.

I used Crystal Light containers for storage. "EGG"-sactly twelve mini plastic eggs fit in the container if they are taken apart.

I made two sets with equations and two sets with Inequalities, typed up and printed out directions, then used packing tape to adhere directions onto the containers.

Twelve problems in each station for a total of four math stations.   An "EGG"-ceptional deal for $0.50!

 These stations provide great opportunities for discussions when students work in pairs or groups.  Students will be "egg"splaining, tutoring, teaching, and learning!
(Ha Ha!  Sorry, I just "crack" myself up!)

This is a self checking activity! Hold students accountable by having them show all of their work on paper.  Then have them check their answer by substituting their determined values for the variable.

Sometimes worksheets can be boring.  This simple hands-on activity will keep students engaged, hands moving, eyes looking and brains thinking! They won't even realize they did twelve problems.

I hope this was helpful!

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!!!