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CONNECTING KNOWLEDGE
with UNDERSTANDING 
{ONE LESSON AT A TIME}

PROJECT BASED LEARNING: MATH PROJECT MUST HAVES - 5 KEY ELEMENTS

10/5/2023

4 Comments

 
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If you’ve visited my website before, you know I’m all about real-world math projects that come straight from my classroom. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to reveal my process of creating these projects from the beginning to the end. That’s right, I’ll explain my FIVE “must haves” for designing math projects. This blog post is your access to fresh ideas and handy tools, so you can create your own math projects for your classroom! Let the creativity begin…

If you want ALL the Math Project Must Have details via video and download the FREE notes and example project, CLICK HERE.

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Real World Connection
Why does this matter? By exploring the common question of “how does math apply to real life?”, we are naturally unlocking student interest. Connecting the math they are learning to everyday situations makes it easier for them to understand and keeps students engaged because it’s relatable.
 
Plus, real-world projects are training for the future. When students create projects that mirror actual situations they might encounter later in life, they are getting a sneak peek into the challenges and problem-solving they’ll face.

Student Handout
Why do students need this? Knowing the objectives and directions for a math project is like having a roadmap for a journey. It gives students a clear sense of what needs to be done and the knowledge and skills they will demonstrate along the way.
 
Objectives – helps students grasp the purpose of the project
Directions – act as a guide, explaining the steps to take to complete the project
Alignment – ensures that the project accurately matches your standards
 
A handout not only helps students stay organized, but also keeps them focused on the key aspects and assists them to work more efficiently.

Rubric
What’s the purpose of this? A rubric breaks the project down into bight-sized pieces, making it easier to understand the expectations and levels of proficiency. It also allows you to weight different aspects of the project by importance.

Example
You may be wondering if having an example project is really necessary? The answer is a resounding YES! Let me explain why. I was filling in for another teacher and the students were starting a new project. Quite a few of them wished they had an example to look at, so they knew what a finished project would look like. That got me thinking–this visual aid is gold for students, perhaps even more important than the rubric.
 
I’ve always made it a point to include an example project for my students because, let’s face it, student directions and a rubric don’t always paint a full picture. A visual example though? Now that’s the game-changer students need to create an amazing project.
 
Answer Key
Let’s face it, answer keys are the holy grail for math teachers for efficiency and making grading student work a breeze. It’s also crucial to be able to check students’ answers as they work through a project.
 
Designing projects that facilitate unique answers for every student is my goal, however, this makes it tricky to create an answer key. I have a few tips on how to easily create answer keys that can be used to quickly type in each student’s unique answer to see if they are correct.
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I’ve revealed my FIVE key elements for creating a quality math project and why they’re game changers. Are you excited to learn HOW you can add all of these elements into your own projects? Mathtastic! I’ve got a FREE video session and downloadable handouts waiting for you, so you can take your projects to the next level! Let’s make learning math a whole lot more exciting!
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​Don’t have time to make your own math projects? I totally understand, that's why I've got you covered! Check out my favorite real world math projects by clicking on this image:
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4 Comments

10 FUN & CREATIVE ACTIVITIES TO REVIEW QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

4/12/2023

2 Comments

 
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​Are you searching for some fun and creative ways to practice quadratic equations? Then, you’re in the right spot!
 
Quadratic equations can be such a cool topic to teach and practice if you have the right tools. I’ve rounded up some of the best activities to help your students review quadratics. We've got activities that include real world connections, graphing, factoring, and solving quadratics. 

You can check them all out below...

Looking to Solve Quadratics?

Battle My Math Ship from Algebra and Beyond
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A game for two players who try to guess the location of each others ships that are hidden on a grid that can't be seen by their opponent. Choose whether students practice solving quadratics by factoring or square root method and sink ships to win the game! 
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Quadratic Equations Sum Em Activity by Mrs E Teaches Math
This engaging group activity makes practicing quadratic equations exciting and rewarding for students. Working collaboratively in teams of four, students are challenged to solve unique quadratic equations through various solution methods. With each student contributing an answer to form a group sum, students gain valuable team-building and problem-solving skills while reviewing key algebra concepts in a fun, interactive way.
Learn to Factor Quadratic Expressions: Free Online Lessons from Kate's Math Lessons
Check out these free online lessons to help your students learn how to factor quadratic expressions! There's an intro lesson that starts with leading coefficients of 1, and then a second lesson when students are ready to start factoring expressions with a > 1. Students will love the videos and practice quizzes with instant feedback!
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​iStep Activity from Algebra and Beyond

Students communicate the steps to solve a quadratic equation as if they are texting it to a friend. Choose between factoring or using the quadratic formula. I LOVE how these activities have transformed how students think and discuss math in class!!!

​Solving Quadratic Equations CARD SORT from Hoff Math

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Keep your students engaged with this fun Card Sort activity! Students solve quadratic equations (by factoring, completing the square, or using the Quadratic Formula) and match the equation with its solutions.
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Looking to Analyze Quadratic Graphs?

Name That Function by Algebra and Beyond
Name That Function is an activity where students analyze graphs of quadratic functions and make connections to their characteristics. Students are given a fill-in-the blank table where some information is already given. Then they match the graphs to the characteristics and fill in the missing information.
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​Always, Sometimes, Never by Math Giraffe

Students determine whether each statement is "always true," "sometimes true," or "never true." They color each one accordingly and end up with a design that can be checked quickly for accuracy (but cannot be easily predicted by students).

​Doodlr Activity by Algebra and Beyond

Sometimes students can best understand concepts when they connect visual graphs, symbols, etc. with words. This activity gives students the opportunity to do just that in a creative and fun way. Students are able to let their creative side shine in this activity.
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Quadratics Digital Escape Room using Google Forms by Absolute Algebra
This is a NO PREP Escape Room! Just hand your Algebra I students the worksheet, give them the URL for the google form and they're ready to go! Your students will be practicing with quadratics while trying to find codes to "break out" of each section.

​Graphing Calculator Reference Sheet by Algebra and Beyond
Students practice finding the parts of a parabola by using these steps on either their TI-84 or TI-Nspire graphing calculator. Also, a great way for students to check their solutions when solving quadratic equations.
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Looking for Real World Applications?

Real World Projects and Applications by Algebra and Beyond
Connecting quadratic concepts to real life really helps students understand how and why we learn about quadratics. You can do this in the form of a project or a handout with real world scenarios. 
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Blasting off with Rockets + Real World Quadratics by Moore than Just X
By the time many students get to Algebra 2, they feel burnt out in math. Quadratics give you a chance to ignite and excite them with math class once again! Projectile motion is the ultimate real world example of quadratics and rockets are just too fun to make (and launch!) It’s an amazing time for students to explore how quadratic equations are used in the real world. A fun way for them to answer the age old question “When am I ever going to need this?”
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I hope these activities help your students practice and review quadratics!!!

2 Comments

MATH PROJECTS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

2/15/2023

5 Comments

 
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Let’s talk math projects….
 
As a teacher, I love to implement projects into as many units of study as possible. Projects can push students to use a higher level of thinking, because often, projects include more creativity, application, evaluation and analyzation than the average assignment or activity. This is a great way for us, as teachers, to see that students’ have the capability to expand upon their skill set.
 
Students also enjoy doing something outside the normal lesson. Projects can give students’ choice, which can boost their engagement and motivation, allow them to capitalize on their interests and strengths, and enable them to meet their individual learning needs.
 
Projects are a teacher and student win-win! Therefore, my math friends and I want to share with you some of our FAVORITE math projects that you can use in your classroom!

Let’s start with the projects I use in my classroom…
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Students ALWAYS ask how will we use this math in the real-world?! Therefore, I create projects that have students use their math skills in real-world scenarios. They're also perfect for a summative assessment at the end of a unit OR integrated within a unit. Either way, you are answering that forever dreaded question of how math is used in real life! Read about some of the projects I’ve created for my students:

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MORE PROJECTS
FROM MY MATHTASTIC FRIENDS

*Click on each image to learn more about the project.
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Tactile Formula Project
- Math Giraffe


​This project is a quick and easy add-on to any lesson or unit that includes formulas to remember.

Students have to choose a tangible material that they will shape into each component of the formula. But the key is that they have to select something that is meaningful and will help them remember what each number, letter, or symbol represents. They will mentally connect the material to the concept and increase their retention. The post contains a free rubric download and details about the idea (with photo samples).

Volume and Surface Area Real World Project
​– Amanda Nix, Free to Discover


Engage students in geometric measurement through design, persuasive writing, and hands-on learning!

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​Geometric Transformations Logo Project
– Mrs E Teaches Math

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This project is a great way for students to demonstrate their learning about transformations in Geometry! Students will look for real-world examples of logos and relate them to translations, rotations, reflections, and dilations.


​Selfieometry

– Kacie Travis, The Efficient Classroom​

​Looking for a way to assess or reinforce what your Geometry students have learned? This project combines Geometry with the craze of “The Selfie!” It assesses the student's ability to apply Geometry concepts to the real world with a fun, highly relevant spin!
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​Slope Mini Project
– Jamie Miller Math


Looking for a fun way to practice slope? Students pick a word and illustrate the different kinds of slope!
Graphing Grass Linear Equations Project
– Scaffolded Math and Science


The project is so simple - students plant seeds, grow grass, measure, plot growth, find lines of fit - but the learning opportunities stretch the project so much farther.
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Design a Game Show Using Probability
- Rise Over Run


​Students use what they know about probability to create their own game show. They can get creative and even test out their games! Instructions are included to guide students in designing a game based on a simple event, designing a game based on a compound event, explaining the probabilities of winning, and choosing prizes based on a budget and probabilities of winning.

​Math is Everywhere Project
– Middle School Math Man


Get students thinking about how they see math in the real world with this Math is Everywhere Project. Students combine art and math to create a tile that shows how they see math outside of the classroom. These make an amazing bulletin board display!
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​Castle Creation: A Surface Area and Volume Project
– Taylor J's Math Materials


​Castle Creation is a great surface area and volume project that challenges students to CREATE, MEASURE, and CALCULATE the surface area and volume of several 3-D figures while building a one-of-a-kind castle!
5 Comments

REAL WORLD LINEAR EQUATIONS PROJECT

1/31/2023

4 Comments

 
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If you’ve been following me for a bit, you know that I LOVE real world projects! And it all began with this one….
 
Linear Equations are All Around Us!

This was the FIRST project I ever made for my students. 

It made me fall in love with integrating projects into my classroom.

I created it in a way that gives students' options of topics and various levels of difficulty.

And most importantly, my students had FUN doing math!!!

What real world topics does the project include?
There are soooo many real-world scenarios that involve linear equations, but I tried to use a variety of ones that were most relevant for teenagers. Each of the following topics are included in this project:
  1. Cell Phone Plans
  2. Hourly Wages
  3. Frequent Flyer Miles
  4. Temperature Conversion
  5. Taxi Fares
  6. Car Depreciation
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LINEAR EQUATIONS ARE ALL AROUND US!!!
OBJECTIVE
Analyze a linear equation in a real-world setting. You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the following skills:
  • Write a linear equation that represents a real-world scenario.
  • Create a table to represent data for the linear equation.
  • Graph the linear equation.
  • Create a visual demonstrating this real-world scenario.
  • Answer questions about the real-world scenario by analyzing the equation, table, and graph.
 
RESEARCH & COLLECTING DATA
Students determine the rate and write an equation for the real-world scenario. Some projects require a little research, but a link is included to help them find the data. Then, they use the linear equation to fill in a table.

GRAPHING & RESULTS
Students graph the linear equation and plot the ordered pairs. I suggest they use graph paper or Desmos. Students label important information on the graph: x-axis, y-axis, ordered pairs, and use an appropriate scale. Students then analyze their equation, table, and graph by answering questions.
 
VISUALS
Students create a visual demonstration of the real-world scenario by drawing or using an image from the internet.

GRADING
A Google Sheets answer key for each scenario is included, so you can insert any rate of used in each project and it automatically calculates the information needed for grading. A rubric is also provided, so you can easily evaluate each aspect of the project. It is great for students to use, so they know exactly what is expected of them for each part of the project.
 
What’s included in the project?
  • 6 student projects (print & digital) – various levels of difficulty and perfect for differentiation
  • Note to Teacher – an overview of the project
  • Answer Keys
  • Rubric
  • Example Project
 
EVERYTHING in this project is 100% editable!

 Click on the video below to see an overview of the elements in the project: 
​One of my favorite concepts to teach is linear equations. I love giving students a variety of ways to show what they know. If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to assess students on linear equations, then this project is perfect!
 
Click on the image below to view this project:
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4 Comments

7+ ACTIVITIES FOR EARLY FINISHERS IN MATH CLASS

11/10/2022

1 Comment

 
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I remember when I was in school and my teacher would say, “you have 15 minutes to complete your quiz and then we are moving onto the next activity”. It would make me panic and then I wasn’t able to focus to do my best work.
 
Therefore, one of the things I never want to do to my students is put pressure on them to finish an assessment in a certain amount of time, so the class could move onto the next task. It’s WAY too much pressure!
 
Of course, I can’t give them all day to complete it, BUT I can give them an ample amount of time to finish and check their work. But, by doing so, I may run into a few problems:

1 – Students that finish early will have nothing to do.
2 – We'd lose learning time, by allowing so much time for an assessment.
 
I didn’t want these things to happen either, so I created some quick, review activities for students to complete when they finished their assessments or work early. I call these iMath activities, which are based on everyone’s favorite apps. Below is a summary of each activity. Click on the image to link to the blog post with more detail about each activity. I specifically created them for an Algebra 1 course, but several of them can be used in 7th and 8th grade math as well.


​MATHBOOK ACTIVITIES
Mathbook’s design is similar to a Facebook post. Even if a student doesn’t use Facebook, this activity is engaging and fun for everyone! My students really like picking out their icons because it gives the activity a personal touch that most math activities do not offer. Also, receiving feedback from a peer helps create a positive classroom environment.
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​iSTEP ACTIVITIES

Often students can solve a math equation, but have a difficult time verbally explaining what they are doing. This activity addresses this problem. Each student is to “text” with a friend who needs help with a math concept. Their classmate asks how to solve an equation and the student has to explain each step needed in order to get a solution. I LOVE how these activities have transformed how students think and discuss math in class!!!

​ERRORGRAM ACTIVITIES

Error analysis is a method used to identify common mistakes made in mathematics and the cause of the incorrect answer. According to Robert Marzano, error analysis is at the top of the higher level thinking skills and an aid in conceptual understanding. This ability to check for correctness is a big key to achieving math proficiency. It’s awesome to see the critical thinking that happens during these activities!
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​DOODLR ACTIVITIES

Making connections! Sometimes students can best understand concepts when they connect visual graphs, symbols, etc. with words. This activity gives students the opportunity to do just that in a creative and fun way. If your students already love doodle notes, then they for sure will love this activity! Students are able to let their creative side shine in this activity.

MORE ACTIVITIES FOR EARLY FINISHERS
​FROM MY MATHTASTIC FRIENDS


​*Click on each image to go to the activity.

​5 Pillars of Math Intervention That Works
– Amanda Nix, Free to Discover


​Not only are Math Skill Drills awesome for math intervention, they are the perfect way to meaningfully fill time - especially for early finishers. When students finish an assessment or assignment, prompt them to pull out their Skill Drill and squeeze in some practice!
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Skill-Building Equation Puzzles
– Math Giraffe


This set of challenge equation puzzles offers a fun approach to building problem-solving and algebra skills. You can also use these when teaching substitution or the transitive property. They are designed to help students build skills needed for solving systems of equations, even if they have never heard of systems before! They will be using substitution and the transitive property mentally, whether they know it or not.
Geometry Vocabulary Word Search Activities
– Kacie Travis, The Efficient Classroom


​Learning vocabulary is such an important part of learning geometry. These word search activities increase students' familiarity with the vocabulary words in a fun way! They are the perfect activity to distribute after a unit test, to early finishers, or for sub lesson plans.
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​Boom Cards
​– Jamie Miller Math


Are you looking for interactive, self-checking practice? If so, Boom Cards (online flash cards) are the perfect solution for early finishers. Students will be engaged as they can continue to practice math skills independently!
Mystery Graphs with Multiple Math Skills
– Rise Over Run


​Students always love coordinate graph pictures! Instead of just practicing plot ordered pairs, why not incorporate other math skills as well? With these mystery graphs, students must first work out math problems to get their points. Then they graph them to reveal a picture.
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​Challenge of the Week Activity
– Middle School Math Man


This Challenge of the Week idea and free problems are perfect for early finishers!
It is okay to provide a brain break for early finishers
– Damman's Algebra room


​Planning for instruction that’s fun for your students (and you) doesn’t HAVE to be hard. In fact, it SHOULDN’T be.
Collect and finds are a a double win! They are done for you and keep the early finishers occupied so you can focus on those who need more help. 🎉 Here is a free Collect and Find so you can see what they are all about. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
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    Hello there,
    ​I'm TYRA!

    I'm an educational blogger and curriculum designer. I am enthusiastic about providing creative, comprehensive, and clear resources for middle and high school math teachers. My goal is to create content that is easy to implement for the teacher, and helps students Connect Knowledge with Understanding - One Lesson at a Time.


    Looking for something specific?


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    Students battle using their math skills to attack their opponents ships. Correct space and solution = a sunken ship. Algebra fun at it's best!

    TEACHER: And that is how you find the MIN/MAX on your calculator. *BOOM* Drop the mic! STUDENT: What do I put in Y1? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ No more of this! Give your students a great reference sheet to put in their notebook and NEVER ask you the keystrokes again!
    Parent Function Graphic Organizers - domain, range, continuity, intervals of increase/decrease, min/max, end behavior, intercepts, and the graph
    Graphic Organizer: domain, range, intercepts, asymptotes, intervals of inc/decrease, max/min, and end behavior.
    Students will create a roller coaster that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of the following skills: • Graph a continuous function that represents a roller coaster using parent functions. • Write a piecewise-defined function to represent the entire roller coaster. • Attributes of functions: Domain/Range, Min/Max, and Intervals of Inc/Dec
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