Idea Galaxy

Adventures in Junior High and Mathematics

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13 Pythagorean Theorem Activities for Your Classroom

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Looking for ideas for teaching the Pythagorean Theorem? I’m so excited to share with you some of my favorite activities for this topic. This is one of my favorite things to teach all year, and it’s probably my favorite geometry topic of all time.

The Pythagorean Theorem is a very visual concept and students can be very successful with it. This list of 13 Pythagorean Theorem activities includes bell ringers, independent practice, partner activities, centers, or whole class fun. It also includes both printable and digital activities for the Pythagorean Theorem- so no matter how you’re having students practice, we’ve got you covered. [Read more…] about 13 Pythagorean Theorem Activities for Your Classroom

Teaching the Pythagorean Theorem Proof through Discovery

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Using a discovery lab to introduce students to the Pythagorean Theorem was an amazing way to kick off my Pythagorean Theorem unit. I’m excited to share with you exactly how we got hands-on with the Pythagorean Theorem proof and how it helped my students really understand this geometry concept. I’ll also share with you how I used foldable notes to introduce this unit to my students. [Read more…] about Teaching the Pythagorean Theorem Proof through Discovery

Teaching Pythagorean Theorem with I Can Statements

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Using I Can Statements when teaching about the Pythagorean Theorem has helped me really plan out my teaching while giving students a clear map of their learning. The Pythagorean Theorem is one of the culminating standards in my 8th grade class. It takes some of the other topics and concepts that we’ve learned and brings it all together. It involves concepts like square numbers, formulas, triangles, and coordinate graphs, among others. There are 3 Common Core standards dedicated to this theorem. Plus, it’s something that 8th graders can really get!

When I am planning my teaching for this topic, I like to chunk it out step by step with “I Can” statements. Then, I use those with students to help them keep track of their progress. Below I’ll share with you the “I can” statements I used to prepare & teach this unit, and how my students used them in their math interactive notebooks to reflect on their learning. [Read more…] about Teaching Pythagorean Theorem with I Can Statements

10+ Ways to Add Valentine’s Day to a Middle School Math Classroom

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Valentine’s Day and middle school and math- what an interesting combination!

Before middle school, Valentine’s Day is all about candy, cards, and pink frosting. But when you get to middle school, Valentine’s Day takes on a different meaning and can leave some kids in heartbreak.

What does all this mean for math class? I try to keep out the drama and add a little fun around Valentine’s Day. Here are a few simple ideas and activities that you can use to add a little holiday fun to the math classroom without getting into all the craziness of the week of Valentine’s Day.

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8 Tax, Tip, and Discount Activities for Math Class

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I’m excited to share with you some ideas for tax, tips, and discount activities for your math classroom. If you’re looking for ideas on how to plan for teaching this topic, you can read more here. Teaching tax, tips, and discounts is a great topic for activities because it’s a real world topic from top to bottom. And 7th grade students get great review with proportions in real world applications. The activities in this post are excellent for independent practice, bell ringers, anticipatory sets, homework, math centers, etc.

[Read more…] about 8 Tax, Tip, and Discount Activities for Math Class