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CONNECTING KNOWLEDGE
with UNDERSTANDING 
{ONE LESSON AT A TIME}

TOP 10 BEST MATH REVIEW GAMES

8/1/2020

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The BEST math review games for middle school and high school math students. Great to use as review, extra practice, or just some math fun!!!Pin it
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Math games are an absolute must in my classroom! I use games as a fun way to review topics before an assessment. It’s a great way to break up the week or even end a week for a “light” Friday. However, if you only expose your students to one or two games, they will get bored with it fast week after week. Sooooo, I make sure I have a variety of games for every topic. Below are my top 10 favorite middle school and high school math games! Included are some links to blog posts describing the games, so check them out….

1 - BATTLE MY MATH SHIP

This is obviously my favorite! And if you're wondering why it’s my favorite, read my Battle My Math Ship blog post to learn all about this game! My students LOOOOOVE this game too! I think they like it so much because even if you aren’t the best math student, you have a great chance of winning because it involves luck and strategy.
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2 - TASK CARD GAMES

Task cards can be used for a variety of games. Here are a few different ways I use them:
  • Speed Dating:​ Students become experts of their task card and then speed date with classmates to solve other problems and check their partners work at the same time. You can read about it HERE.
  • Lottery:​ This is such a simple way to make task cards fun! I like that it involves teamwork and luck! You can read how to set this up HERE.
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  • Let the Cards Decide: Mrs. E Teaches Math wrote a blog post about this game and I love how she makes the game exciting with cards to help earn points or lose them. Check it out in this blog post.
  • Boom: Mrs E Teaches Math is on a roll with task card review games, as this is another one that is super fun! Check it out in this blog post.
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3 - MAZES

This is one of my go to games, as the students like having the correct answer as an option, so they can easily determine if they answered the question correctly. Idea Galaxy does a great job of explaining how to use this game in the classroom. You can read about it HERE.
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4 - KAHOOT AND QUIZZIZ

Both of these platforms are awesome internet based games that can be played live or at the student’s own pace. The best part is there are so many games already created, so you can just pick and choose the ones that work for you. Here is a guide on how to use Quizziz in the classroom  and here is Kahoot Blog where you can learn more about this interactive game.
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5 - BINGO

We all know how to play BINGO and there are some fun ways to do it in math class, especially for whole group review. All Things Algebra and Free to Discover have some great activities for BINGO.
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6 - WOULD YOU RATHER


I’ve created a vocabulary review game based on would you rather be an athlete or a mathlete and you can check it out HERE. Included is an editable version, so you can choose your own vocabulary and scenarios.

There is also a website with would you rather questions that really gets students thinking about would you rather questions related to different math scenarios. These are great as warm-ups!
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7 - MYSTERY GAMES

The two that come to mind that students love are Math Libs by All Things Algebra, which you can read about HERE and Whodunnit by Clark Creative Education. Students always love a little mystery!
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8 - OLD MATH GUY

Free to Discover created this fun game that is a spin on Old Maid. It’s a great game to print, laminate, and use year after year. You can read about 9 different ways to use this game in math class HERE.
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9 - PUZZLES

​I love to use puzzles to do group challenges! They are a fun way for students to make connections between the same concept, but in different ways. I really like how Scaffolded Math and Science creates her puzzles, which you can find HERE. And Lindsay Perro has some unique versions as well, which you can find HERE.

I’ve also used KenKen puzzles for after an assessment for some extra fun! You can read more about them HERE.
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10 - TIC-TAC-TOE

There are a few different ways to play this game! You can find several versions on Teachers Pay Teachers HERE. Students enjoy this classic game with a twist!
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MORE GAMES TO TRY...

Other games I haven’t tried yet, but look fun and interesting…
  • Voyage to the Treasure
  • Around the Clock
  • Connect Four: Middle School Math Man or Smith Curriculum & Consulting
  • Four in a Row 
  • Trashketball
  • Spin to Win
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MATH JUST GOT REAL: QUADRATIC REGRESSION

6/24/2020

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Quadratic Regression Real World Project Blog PostPin it
Using data to find a quadratic graph of best fit is an awesome way to connect math with the real world. However, it’s not always easy to find authentic data to use for a quadratic regression equation. I REALLY wanted to use the flight of a soccer ball or golf ball and find a video on YouTube that had all the stats using a trace finder that states the distance and height. I searched and searched, but could not find a video that was clear and had the information needed to collect data for a scatter plot. So, I began looking at weather patterns, but that wasn’t quite right either. However, it helped me stumble across the timeanddate.com site. This is when I realized I can use the time of day and the altitude of the sun for a quadratic regression real world project! Of course, you can only use it for ONE day otherwise, it’s a periodic function. Here are the details of the project...

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​THE PATH OF THE SUN
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OBJECTIVE
In this project, students are to find the curve of best fit for a quadratic function in the real world by performing the following:
  • Choose a city, country and date for your research.
  • Collect data on the relationship between time of day and the altitude of the sun.
  • Record your information in a table.
  • Find the curve of best-fit model using the quadratic regression feature on a graphing calculator.
  • Graph the scatter plot of the data set and the curve of best fit in Desmos.
  • Analyze the results.
  • Record all of the information in a Google Slide Presentation.​

​REASEARCH

Students choose a location (city, state/country) and a specific date to use to collect their data. They use the timeanddate.com site to find the altitude of the sun at specific times of the day.
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Quadratic scatter plot and equation on Desmos
RESULTS
Students use the TI-84 graphing calculator to find the quadratic regression equation. Then they use Desmos to create a scatter plot and graph the quadratic regression equation. Students answer questions to help them understand and analyze their results.

​VISUALS

The Google Slides template is provided, so students can type in their information in the specific location. They then can easily turn their project into you via Google Classroom or email.

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​GRADING

A rubric is 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.
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Quadratic Regression TI-84 Calculator Guide
​Included:
  • Note to Teacher
  • Project Directions
  • Student Template (Google Slides)
  • Example Project (Google Slides)
  • Rubric
  • Spreadsheet for students to choose a location
  • BONUS: Quadratic Regression Calculator Sheet - shows students step by step on how to find the quadratic regression equation
The project directions and rubric are 100% editable! This is very easy to integrate into any Algebra course either in-person or online, gives students some freedom of what place to research, and is mathtastically fun! And since it’s editable, you can even change it to record data over several days and find the sinusoidal regression equation for a higher-level math course.
 
Click on the cover below to go directly to this project:
Quadratic Regression Real World Project
Other projects you may like:
Math Review Project
Linear Equations Real World Project
Quadratics Real World Project
Linear and Exponential Regression Real World Project
Absolute Value Inequalities Real World Project
Linear Systems of Equations Project
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MATH JUST GOT REAL: ABSOLUTE VALUE INEQUALITIES

1/2/2020

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REAL WORLD PROJECT: Absolute Value Inequalities. This project reinforces students understanding of absolute value inequalities in a fun way! Integrates technology, shopping, and math for a perfect PBL activity. Pin it
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​Absolute value inequalities was not a topic my Algebra 2 students remembered from Algebra 1 AT ALL! I know that they hadn’t seen it in two years, but still, I felt like it was a completely brand new topic for them. This got me thinking that I need to have an absolute value inequalities project in Algebra 1 to help solidify this concept long term. So, I did some research on the Internet to find some ideas on a fun way to tackle this concept. I created the following project and my students had a lot of fun with it because it combines technology, shopping (who doesn’t love to shop?!), and of course math. Below is an overview of this project…

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SHOPPING ON A BUDGET
 
OBJECTIVE
Every project needs to have a focus and goal. In this project, students are to…
  • Define absolute deviation
  • Research a type of product and record the various prices
  • Find the mean of the prices
  • Create and solve an absolute value inequality based on the mean price and the absolute deviation
  • Graph the results on a number line
  • Analyze the results
  • Record all of the above information in a Google Slide Presentation
RESEARCH
Students choose a product line to research, such as different types of cars, phones, computers, clothes, etc. They also are to find the definition of math terms to help with their understanding. They record the prices and copy and paste pictures of each type.
 
RESULTS
Students use the absolute deviation and mean price to create an absolute value inequality. Then, they solve and graph their solution on a number line. Finally, they determine which product(s) meet the requirements.
 
VISUALS
The Google Slides template is provided, so students can type in their information in the specific location. They then can easily turn their project into you via Google Classroom or email.
REAL WORLD PROJECT on Absolute Value Inequalities for Algebra students! Integrates technology, shopping, math, and fun!
GRADING
As with any project, I do use a rubric, which is 100% editable for teachers. I also include a Google Sheet where you can type in each student’s product price and it will calculate the mean and deviation range, so you can easily check each project. I dread grading projects, as they can take a long time, but this rubric and spreadsheet make it so simple and fast!
 
This project is very easy to integrate into any Algebra course, gives students some freedom of what product to research, and is mathtastically fun!  Here is a video that shows the example project I show my students before they begin: 
Click on the cover below to go directly to this project:
PictureREAL WORLD PROJECT on Absolute Value Inequalities for Algebra students! Integrates technology, shopping, math, and fun!
More mathtastic real world projects for you and your students:
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MY FAVORITE CLASSROOM THINGS

11/25/2019

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These are any items that any teacher needs for their classroom! Quality items that teacher tested and approved. Great for gifts for teachers for Christmas, beginning of the year, or teacher appreciation!Pin it
I have always wanted to have a “My Favorite Things” list like Oprah does each year. I remember watching the Oprah Show back in 2004 when she gave out cars to everyone. It was AMAZING to watch! The crazy thing was, I didn’t want to be a person in the audience that received a car (okay, maybe a little bit), but I really wanted to be Oprah….the one that got to surprise everyone and absolutely make their day!

Giving is one of the kindest things we can do for one another. This is probably why most of us became teachers. We have a desire to help others!
 
I have created a list of “My Favorite Things” for teachers. I’d loooooove to be able to give out each item to 275 people, but of course, I’m not Oprah. 

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I hope you discover some things that maybe you haven’t used before, or maybe a parent has been asking how they can help supply resources for your room and you can direct them here.
 
I have listed some resources that a teacher could have used 10 years ago (if they existed) and hopefully 10+ years from now. These are, in my mind, the most valuable resources in my classroom.

*Some products have Amazon affiliate links.
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MARKERS 
​A necessity for every teacher! The two that I use the most are EXPO Dry Erase Markers and Papermate Flair Pens. Teacher’s need color and these two products do not disappoint! ​
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A colleague, me, and our Paper Mate Flair Pens!
​MINI-WHITEBOARDS
You know those students that shake their head up and down, reassuring you that they understand the lesson and are ready to begin the homework…well, sometimes it’s true. BUT I like to use mini-whiteboards for quick, formative assessments to be completely sure each student is ready to begin the practice activity or homework. 
​What does this look like?....I post a few problems on the overhead screen and have students hold up their answers whenever they are ready. I respond with a yes or no, so they know if they can go to the next problem. Once the complete the practice problems, they then can begin their other math work.
GECKOPADZ
These static cling dry-erase sheets have been a fun addition to my class! They are great for when students are practicing math problems in pairs or groups. Each group hangs their sheet anywhere in the room. I can easily see them working together and when they call me over for help, it’s easy to see the steps they’ve already completed. Then, when we are done, we roll them up and put them away for next time.
POCKET SLEEVES
These are not just for primary students!!! I am in love with these dry-erase pocket sleeves because it allows me to save handouts from year to year…without laminating! Plus, this set includes 30 dry-erase markers. I use these sleeves all the time for my Battle My Math Ship games.
Battle My Math Ship Games are a fun way for students to practice their math skills!
TI-SMARTVIEW SOFTWARE
Of course, I use all of my graphing calculator reference sheets to teach students how to use the TI-84 calculator, but it is also helpful to do the sheets with them. This tool is a great way for students to visually follow along with you.
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GRAPHING CALCULATORS
I know some schools provide class sets of Texas Instrument calculators, but mine does not. So, I always like to have about five extra TI-84 calculators on hand for when a student forgets their calculator or their batteries run out…or heaven forbid they lost it! Eeek!
Learn the keys for the TI-84 Graphing Calculator with this reference sheet.
WACOM TABLET
I use my Wacom Tablet almost every day! It is an amazing way to digitally write notes with students. I know there are other types of tablets that come with Smartboards, but I have been using my Wacom for years and I love it…so easy and durable. I even have the wireless kit so I can walk around the room or have my students use it from their desk. Below is a glimpse of how I use it in my class....
PENCIL SHARPENER
​These suckers are always a hit or miss on how well they work. I got this one a few years ago and haven’t had any issues. And in a math class, pencils are important tools to keep in prime condition!
CLIPBOARDS
These are great for activities that require moving around the room. Students can clip their handout and easily write their steps and answer without having to sit on the ground for a hard surface. I don't do the fancy, colorful ones...these basic clipboards work just fine.
EXPANDABLE PORTFOLIOS
There are many different ways to store activities. I prefer using these to store handouts and activities by unit. It’s simple, I print the activity, put in the pocket sleeve (mentioned above), students practice, they return the sheet when finished, and then I store the handouts in the portfolio for next year. This method has saved me a ton of time and paper!
WHITE CARD STOCK SHEETS
Students love to be identified with a talent! I like to give out math awards and these sheets are perfect for awards.
Math awards for middle school and high school students. Great for any time of the year!
3-HOLE PUNCH
We don’t use textbooks in my classes, which means we have A LOT of pages to hole punch and put in our folders. This one does 40 pages at a time, which helps save on time and paper jams! I requested this one this year, but I didn’t receive it. Hopefully, next year!
JUMBO DICE
This past summer, I was visiting my parents and they had these jumbo dice. My kids and their cousins had SO much fun playing with them. I thought they would be awesome for my classroom too! So many uses and they are so large, everyone in the class can see the results from their desk.
DECORATIVE MASKING TAPE
I have a whole whiteboard in my room designated for a classroom calendar and I use masking tape to make the divisions. You can use ones with designs or plain colors. Plus, you can use this on bulletin boards too if you are looking for a fun way to make student and/or class sections.
SELF-ADHESIVE LETTERS
These are for the “I don’t have good handwriting, or a Cricut, or the time ~ teacher”. I like these because they are easy to re-use and move around the room throughout the school year. 
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TPT CLASSFUND
This is a great way for any teacher to request TpT funds to purchase resources for their classroom. You create an account and share it with friends, parents, or anyone you think would want to help support your classroom.

All of the funds you raise are immediately available to you for TpT purchases in your TpT account balance. 
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Let’s face it, we know that we are better teachers if we are HAPPY! So, I have also listed the things that have been huge aspects for me to keep up with my self-care.

BIKE MOUNT
I’m not big on headphones while working out. Therefore, I purchased a bike mount for my iPhone. I don’t even need the volume up that high to hear it and I can ride and see the screen at the same time. It’s also nice and handy for taking pictures of cool things I see on my route.
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AIR FRYER & INSTANT POT
Okay, I have to admit…I am completely obsessed with both of these small kitchen appliances. In fact, I am now the proud owner of one Instant Pot and two air fryers. These appliances have made making dinner soooo much faster AND easier, but still keeping it healthy! Here are some of my favorite foods to cook in each…
 
Instant Pot: chili, chicken noodle soup, shredded pork, ribs, shredded chicken (usually for enchiladas), and hardboiled eggs. This is basically a super fast crockpot!
 

Air Fryer: ANY vegetable is amazing when cooked in the air fryer, as well as chicken wings, bacon, pork chops, cheeseburgers, homemade french fries or hash browns, salmon (simply the best), fish, and chicken breasts. Any food you want to be crispy on the outside, but still juicy/tender in the middle…this is your go to appliance.
INSPIRATIONAL MOUSE PAD
Sometimes all we need is a quote that keeps us motivated! To see it every day can keep a smile on our face. This is the one I’ve chosen this year, but I’ve also done photo collages of my family before. It's good to mix it up each year!
NETFLIX
After a looooong week of teaching, sometimes we just want to curl up and watch a good movie or binge on a tv series. And that’s okay!!! Netflix is an easy way to do this via computer, tv, or even your iPad. Some people watch on their phone, but my eyes are too old for that!
BOOKS
I used to be an avid reader and then kids and life took over for a few years. However, I have made a commitment to read at least one book every month…or at least try. I definitely do it in spurts. I’m the type that will read a book in 2-3 days because once I start, I can’t put the book down. I find that reading really helps me “escape” my worries and stress in a good way. So if you are like me and reading has been on the back burner, get back into it! You can find some good ones on the New York Time’s Bestseller List or free ones on Wattpad.

I hope you found some useful things in this post! Feel free to email me with things you use in your classroom that are must-haves!!!

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MATH JUST GOT REAL: SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS

8/26/2019

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A real world project comparing different growth rates of trees. Students analyze linear systems of equations and graph.Pin it
​I am always trying to create or find projects where each student’s project will be different than every other student’s in the class because it is more authentic this way. And of course, I want it to be applicable in the real world! This is not always easy to make because if every student’s project is different, or even has an unlimited number of solutions, checking each one is extremely difficult and time-consuming for the teacher. Well, guess what?!...the project I’m about to tell you about is authentic AND I was able figure out how each student could have a different solution. And at the same time, have an answer key for the teacher with all the possible solutions….I know, fabulous, right!! And it covers one of the most popular math topics…Linear Systems of Equations!

Oh wait, one more cool thing about it….it’s not quite STEM because there isn’t any engineering, but I’d say it’s STAM (Science, Technology, Art, and Math)…fun little twist…so check it out:

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OBJECTIVE

Every project needs to have a focus and goal. In this project, students are to…
  • Research the growth of a tree and write an equation to represent the growth
  • Determine when two trees will be the same height (algebraically & graphically)
  • Analyze the results
  • Create visuals to represent information about their tree and data results

RESEARCH & SOLUTIONS

​Students select a tree from the Arbor Day site and find the growth rate range and mature size. Students write two equations – 1 to represent their tree’s growth over time and 2 - their teacher’s tree growth over time. Students use the substitution or elimination method to solve the system and explain the solution. Included is a spreadsheet where the teacher can record the student name, tree, and growth rate to ensure each student has a different growth rate.

VISUALS

Student’s us graph paper or Desmos to re-create their system of linear equations by graphing both lines. Students also draw, paint, or find a picture of their tree online and label it by finding specific characteristics of their tree. I learn a lot of neat things about different trees from each project. And students love the artsy aspect!

RESULTS

Students find at what year the trees are the same height and determine if it’s realistic based on the year each tree will reach their mature size. This helps students understand that not every solution in the real world will make sense, so it’s important to critically think about the results.

GRADING

​As with any project, I do use a rubric, which is 100% editable for teachers. This project is evaluated on the following criteria: neatness/organization, accurate research, writing a systems of equations and finding the correct solution, the graph, analyzing the results, and the visuals. I also include an answer key for the questions and all of the possible scenarios/solutions depending on the growth rate of each tree in comparison with the growth rate of the teacher’s tree. This is a HUGE time saver for teachers!

This project is very dynamic, creative, and fun! Here are some of my student’s Life of Trees Projects: 

Students analyze systems of linear equations in the real world by comparing growth rates of trees.
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Students analyze systems of linear equations in the real world by comparing growth rates of trees.

Click on the Life of Trees Project cover below to go directly to the resource. Look at the preview to learn even more about this activity!

Students analyze systems of linear equations in the real world by comparing growth rates of trees.

​Here are more resources for systems of equations:

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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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