Quadratic Formula Activity

Here goes another cut and paste activity :)

I was worried about introducing the Quadratic Formula because of the numerous steps that students have to follow. Some of my lower level students often get stuck trying to complete three step problems (hence my nervousness). I printed off a class set of Math Equals Loves Quadratic Formula templates and stuck them in a dry erase sleeve (https://mathequalslove.blogspot.com/2016/02/quadratic-formula-templates.html) and had students practice on them throughout the notes. 

After the notes, we completed the following cut-and-paste activity over the Quadratic Formula. Students had to identify the answer and the box that correctly plugged the numbers into the formula.

One word.... SUCCESS!

Today, students took their test over polynomials and solving quadratics and I am SO proud of all their hard work! It definitely showed on their tests today. Below is the file to the activity if you would like to use in your classroom. As always, I appreciate ANY feedback or suggestions. :)

• Quadratic Formula Activity

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Systems of Equations

I am in LOVE with this flip book that I made for systems of equations in Algebra 1. It is basically a review of all topics that are covered in systems and is organized so that students have a quick go-to reference. We did not complete the flip-book (evens only) and I am planning to finish the odds when we do our STAAR review in May.

Students were struggling with the concept of creating a system with a given amount of coins. So, another teacher had a great idea of creating a Google Slides document where students can practice solving systems with a partner. The following Google Slides document was uploaded into Schoology so that students could work together to solve the problem and create the "best slide". I made 5 copies of the Google Slides for each class period. 

Below are pictures of some of the original slides that students were given:

We were reviewing around December so many slides had a "Christmas theme" slide. Here are some of the end results that students wanted to share: 

I feel that this helped students SO much because they were able to easily count the money on the slide to see if they had the correct amount. I also feel that I have seen this idea floating around somewhere on the internet. If this is your original idea, please let me know so I can give you credit!

Also, I am not sure if I uploaded the correct version of the Systems of Equations flip-book. One is good to go and the other has quite a lot of typos! :)

Here are some of the files that I used for this lesson: 

• Systems of Equations Google Collab Doc
• Systems of Equations Flip-Book
• Flip-Book Instructions

Make a Copy of the Google Collab Doc to use in your classroom. 

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Multiplying Polynomials Activity

Card sorts are my favorite go-to activity in Algebra this year! So for multiplying polynomials, I decided to create a card sort where students were able easily check their answers. For our notes, we used Sarah Carter's (Math = Love) interactive notebook pages (CLICK HERE). I absolutely LOVE the box method and using different colored highlighters to help simplify expressions.

By providing an answer bank, students were able to quickly identify any errors that they have made. There was 100% engagement during the notes and activity because the topic just "clicked" with students. Students also used the graphing calculator/Desmos to check their answers.

Overall, I really enjoyed this lesson and can't wait to share more polynomials ideas. 

Here is the Multiplying Polynomials file that I used for this lesson: CLICK HERE

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