Solving Systems of Equations by Graphing

I used the following foldable for solving systems of equations by graphing. Students really enjoyed it and seemed to understand the concept when I broke it down into the following three categories: systems with one solution; systems with no solution; and systems with infinite solutions.

After the foldable, we completed the following activity on Google Slides. Students had to solve each problem and place the picture on the coordinate. This activity was put in Schoology where I could see students progress as they were working. Some students decided to copy the slide 10 times so they could also graph the line on the slide. Overall, students really enjoyed it!

Overall, I feel that ALL of my students can easily solve systems of equations by graphing. We still do the "X-CITING MOVE" & "THE GREAT DIVIDE" so it helps students out a lot!

If you would like access to documents that I used, click here:

• Systems of Equations: Solving By Graphing Foldable
• Systems by Graphing Google Slides Activity

*NOTE: You will need to make your own copy of the Google Slides Activity since I turned it on "view only"

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Determining Slope INB

File for the Post: Determining Slope INB

I used these interactive notebook pages during my linear functions unit. Student's had a pretty good understanding of slope and did not need a lot of review.

First, we watched the "Adventures of Slope Dude" on YouTube to review the four different types of slope. We also went over this pinwheel that I created and taped it down in our notebooks. I did have students choose four different highlighters to highlight the graphs on the pinwheel. They used these colors throughout the lesson and highlighted them based on their chosen colors (this helped A LOT).

After we went over the different types of slopes, we went over the following foldable.  

Next, students worked on the following activity where they determined the slope from a table, two points, graph, and equation. After they determined the slope, students had to classify it as positive, negative, zero, or undefined. Students were engaged and on task during this entire activity!

Overall, I really enjoyed this lesson and will probably only make minor adjustments to it next year. So far, these are the interactive notebook pages that students have referenced back to the most this school year.

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Point-Slope Form INB

File for the Post: Point Slope Form INB

I wanted to share my interactive notebook pages for Point-Slope Formula! I like the pages that I used and plan to use them again next year. After this lesson, it was evident that students are not a big fan of using the point-slope formula and would prefer to use slope-intercept form.

First, we went over the following graphic organizer and highlighted x1, y1, and slope. As a class, we went over student's common misconceptions on using the formula.

After the graphic organizer, we went over the foldable pictured below.

We completed a matching activity where students had to identify the equation in slope-intercept form and in point-slope form when given the slope and a point. Students approached this activity in different ways. About half of the students solved for 'y' once they figured out the equation in point-slope form and the other half just ignored the point-slope form and plugged the point and slope into slope-intercept form to get their other equation. 

Below is a picture of a student who chose to solve for 'y'.

For students who still did not understand point-slope form, I gave them a basic template (y - __ = ___ (x - ___)) and had them plug in their missing values. For some reason, students understood how to use the formula when I gave them the template and only had to use it several times before they quit using the template altogether. 

Does your district require you to teach point-slope form? 

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Standard to Slope Intercept Form

Converting equations from standard form to slope-intercept form is challenging for students in the beginning. So, I tried one of my colleagues approach this year and I ended up absolutely LOVING it! Students ended up catching on extremely fast and I'm so thankful that she shared this approach with the rest of the team.

First, she tells students that there are two steps in converting equations from standard form to slope-intercept form. The first step is the "X-CITING MOVE" (insert VERY EXCITING tone). We call it the "X-CITING MOVE" because we move the "x" to the other side by adding or subtracting. After several class periods, I also noted that several students actually "circled" the x value and drew an arrow to the other side to represent the "X-CITING MOVE".

Second, is the "GREAT DIVIDE" (insert dramatic tone) because we divide everything by the coefficient of y.

After we went over this graphic organizer, students completed a matching puzzle. Side note: it is easier for students to cut the right side out of the puzzle and leave the left side "intact."

 Students put both pages in their interactive notebooks. 

Overall, this was an EXCELLENT lesson and every student was able to understand the concept and complete the puzzle independently. 

Anyone else use the "X-CITING MOVE" and the "GREAT DIVIDE"?

Here is the file if you would like to use: 

• Standard to Slope

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Small Group Interventions (Pull Outs)

Part of my new job description includes pulling out students for small group interventions. At the beginning of the year, I was given a list of students who received interventions in middle school and needed extra assistance. I created the Progress Monitoring Form below in order to manage student data and used these forms to identify their testing scores for the previous two years.

I made it a point to get to know these kids during the fall semester so that I will be more successful reaching them during the pull out sessions in the spring semester. I am also analyzing each student's learning standard breakdown on each test to figure out how I am going to group students based on their challenges/strengths.

During the small group pull-outs, I am planning to create a cummulative folder of review material that they can access and practice. Of course, we are going to do more application based problems during these sessions but many of these students are lacking the skills needed to reach that higher level. The following pages are from my Algebra 1 Intervention Bundle.

I'm just not sure if I like it... I guess we will see once spring semester rolls around and I am pulling out these students! How does your school complete pull-out sessions with struggling students?

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Multi Step Equations INB

File for the Post: Multi Step Equations INB

While looking for a document, I found that I have created MULTIPLE foldables over the same concept. My first foldable that I created over solving equations is pictured below...

You can find the original post here: Solving Equations Flip-Book

I decided to create the following foldable last spring to use this school year. However, I did not use these foldables this year. The resource Algebra 1 teacher did use them this school year though! So, at least it was used somewhere. :) 

Sooooo.... below are the pages that were actually used this school year. The only downfall was how long it took students to cut the pages out. Next year, I will trim the paper down with a paper-cutter to save time. I really liked how fast the foldable was since it was a review topic from middle school. 

After the foldable, we completed my Solving Equations Stations Maze. It was a success!

I have realized that I will never be satisfied with using the same foldable from the year before. I always try to improve each school year and build upon students strengths and weaknesses. Yes, it's a lot of work.... but, it's totally worth it!

I am also wearing this shirt any time we review solving equations... From my experience, students are visual learners and they remember any of my shirts! lol  Click here if you want one too!

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Relations and Functions Card Sort

File for the Post: Relations and Functions Card Sort

This lesson was created for a mandatory tutorial session for Algebra 1 students. I was in charge of creating a 30 minute review lesson over "Relations and Functions." This lesson had to include a 5-10 minute review lesson and an activity.

First, students went over this graphic organizer with four practice problems to review relations and functions. 

After students reviewed relations and functions, they independently completed the following cut and paste activity. If you read my blog, then you know all about my love for card sorts! 

Students had to match up the correct table, graph, map, and ordered pairs together and determine if the relation was a function. If you download the activity, then you will notice that there is a separate document that does not require cutting (if you do not have the time). 

Sorry for the short and sweet post, I just had several teachers ask for the cut and pasted document. 

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Simplifying Expressions w/ Two Step Equations INB

Yesterday, I realized that I haven't blogged in over TWO MONTHS! This is just unacceptable :)

Here are some ideas for simplifying expressions and two step equations in Algebra 1. The first page was reviewing how to simplify expressions by combining like terms and using the distributive property. I borrowed the steps from another blogger but I cannot remember who. If it was you, please let me know and I will give you credit!

It always seems to click with students when food is involved. Who am I kidding? Food always works with me too! Students really enjoyed seeing pizza, fries, hamburgers, and ice cream on the front of their foldable.

After completing the foldable, students completed the following activity where they had to simplify all of the cards to see which two cards simplified to the same expression.

In regular Algebra 1 classes, students did not go over the next couple of foldables. However, these foldable went over great with my special education students. My lower level students really needed to review one step, two step equations, and translating word problems. 

Below are pictures of a foldable that I made but did not use. An Algebra 1 Resource teacher used this foldable though and loved it!

 Below are pictures of solving two step equations and translating key words.

Overall, I am LOVING Algebra 1 and I have way too many new ideas/activities/foldables that I need to share. I will try to start blogging again and post new ideas at least twice a week. 

Here are the files that I used in this post: 

• Simplifying Expressions Activity
• One Step and Two Step Foldable
• Two Step Equations Foldable
• Translating Key Words

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