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  • Introduction to Scatter Plots with Google Sheets

    Introduction to Scatter Plots with Google Sheets

    This post outlines an activity to introduce linear functions (or scatter plots). The students are tasked with shopping for a used car – a specific make and model. They go to Carmax.com to find mileage and price for 10 cars for sale. They have to find a make and model that has at least 10…

  • Rounding to Nearest 10 with Scaffolding Faded

    Rounding to Nearest 10 with Scaffolding Faded

    The first page has maximum scaffolding with the student focusing only on which tens to round to. In turn, an a different element is the focus (e.g., writing the 0s then rounding) and then the scaffolding is increasingly faded. Here is a link to a WORD document so you can change numbers AND add digits…

  • Rounding with Scaffolded Handout

    Rounding with Scaffolded Handout

    This post shows an approach to teach rounding to the nearest 10 and is presented on a handout. Multiple strategies are used. This includes scaffolding, chunking with supports incrementally faded, and a visual. Overview A visual of the hand releasing the balloon draws upon prior knowledge and provides a mnemonic for when to round up.…

  • Introduction to Key Characteristics of Graphs Using a Rollercoaster

    Introduction to Key Characteristics of Graphs Using a Rollercoaster

    I introduce key characteristics with parabolas and use the analogy of a rollercoaster. Riding once (and never a again) the Superman rollercoaster at Six Flags New England got me thinking about this. At one point the rollercaster hits ground level (a zero) and then goes underground (negative y values). Here is a handout I use…

  • Unpacking Graphs Using a Rollercoaster

    Unpacking Graphs Using a Rollercoaster

    I introduce key characteristics with parabolas and use the analogy of a rollercoaster. Riding once (and never a again) the Superman rollercoaster at Six Flags New England got me thinking about this. At one point the roller coaster hits ground level (a zero) and then goes underground (negative y values). Handout Here is a handout…

  • Intro to Linear Functions and Proportionality Equations Using Context, Tables, and Graphs.

    Intro to Linear Functions and Proportionality Equations Using Context, Tables, and Graphs.

    Here is a link to the handout. This approach uses the other representations to lead into the symbol representations – the equations. You can follow up by asking them the total for 0. This allows you to highlight the intercept.

  • Intro Linear & Proportional Relationship

    Intro Linear & Proportional Relationship

    This post provides a handout to introduce linear functions and proportional relationships. Multiple instructional strategies are implemented. There is context that draws upon prior knowledge, scaffolding, and visual representations. Graph and table representations of the functions are used as an entry point, without the use of equations. Overview There is a difference between proportional relationships…

  • Introduction to Intercepts – Mini-lesson with Scaffolded Section for Computing

    Introduction to Intercepts – Mini-lesson with Scaffolded Section for Computing

    Here is a link to the document, with images showing the notes. This is a mini-lesson with the following components. A fill in the blank for writing the lesson objective. A Do now which serves as an initiation to the lesson. The y-intercept can be discussed in the context of buying 0 slices of pizza…

  • Introduction to Volume – Manipulatives (starting with perimeter and area)

    Introduction to Volume – Manipulatives (starting with perimeter and area)

    Here is a Jamboard to introduce volume and units of volume. (See photo at very bottom for making a copy to edit.) The students start with building an animal pen and shading in the space inside. The hands on approach and connection to prior knowledge of a fenced in area for animals sets the stage…

  • Intro to Solving Equations – Seesaws and Oranges

    Intro to Solving Equations – Seesaws and Oranges

    Here is an introduction to solving equations using a Jamboard (see photo at very bottom for how to make a copy). A seesaw is used to unpack the concept of an equation as two sides that are equivalent. The box is used to unpack the concept of a variable representing an unknown number (or oranges…