I’m glad that we teach a standard that shows kids the difference between a linear and a nonlinear function. We really only work with linear functions in 8th grade, but it’s cool for them to understand that there are other types of functions. Also, I love this topic because everyone can get it. This means that you get the opportunity to build confidence in kids while you’re using mathematical words, so they feel like they are doing something advanced. I love introducing this topic through a discovery lab (which you can read about here). [Read more…] about 7 Activities to Make Linear versus Nonlinear a Breeze
Math Teaching Tips
13 Halloween Math Activities
Why I add Halloween fun to my middle school math classroom
My birthday is in late October, so it should be no surprise that I’ve always been a big fan of Halloween. Of course, my version of Halloween is fun and whimsical. You know, it’s like an explosion of orange and purple and pumpkins and candy corn. I’m not exactly into the horror version of Halloween. So, as a math teacher I like to bring in cute and fun Halloween by incorporating things like pumpkins, bats, not too gross zombies, spiders, cute witches, etc.
Through my many moons as a middle school teacher, teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade, I find that students really appreciate this nod to their childhood. It can be super simple to incorporate Halloween through clipart, little trinkets, and themes to activities, but it can definitely pay off with students who are having fun while doing math. [Read more…] about 13 Halloween Math Activities
Quick Guide: Combining Like Terms Foldable
Using a Combining Like Terms Foldable
Combining like terms is a skill that students start using in middle school and that keeps on coming back year after year. I use this foldable with my 7th and 8th graders. It works as an introduction to the topic, as well as a review. It gives students a way to see 3 different types of terms in an equation: x, y, and integers. Also, they see positive and negative numbers as part of the terms. More often than not, the biggest problem students have with combining like terms is dealing with negative numbers. So, to set the stage, I make sure that we practice adding positive and negative integers before we use this foldable and tackle combining like terms. [Read more…] about Quick Guide: Combining Like Terms Foldable
13 Activities for Making Parallel Lines Cut by a Transversal Memorable
The patterns that are made when a parallel lines are cut by a transversal are really cool to recognize. I feel like once you see the pattern then you can understand why the angles are either congruent or supplementary. Unfortunately, it’s not always so easy for students to see the pattern. So, teaching students about transversals offers a great opportunity to reinforce with students the good mathematical practice of always looking for patterns in mathematics. Many of the practice activities listed below for this topic bring a chance to look at things visually. [Read more…] about 13 Activities for Making Parallel Lines Cut by a Transversal Memorable
How to Get the Most Out of Your Slope Intercept Form Foldable
Slope Intercept Form Foldable
Sometimes the most simple foldables are the best ones. That’s how I feel about the slope intercept form foldable. Students struggle to understand slope and y-intercept because there are so many parts to it. This foldable is an excellent reference that simply shows what the different parts of slope intercept form formula stand for. This gives students a basic understanding that each part of the formula can be replace by something. (Click here to get this foldable. All you have to do is print and go.) [Read more…] about How to Get the Most Out of Your Slope Intercept Form Foldable
