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  • Sequence of Algebra 1 Videos

    Sequence of Algebra 1 Videos

    I have produced a Beta version of a sequence of algebra 1 videos (up to 1 step equations as of Aug 15, 2021 with more on the way). My approach is to unpack the concepts before showing the steps so the student understand how the math works. The videos are kept shorter, when possible, and…

  • Counting Money – Jamboard

    Counting Money – Jamboard

    If you have a student who is learning to count money, here is a virtual set up to do so. I suggest having the student do a test run by moving coins into a box and bills into a box. It is easy to duplicate each item by clicking on the item to duplicate it.…

  • CCSS MATH Coherence Map – 3rd Grade Groups of Objects to HS Slope

    CCSS MATH Coherence Map – 3rd Grade Groups of Objects to HS Slope

    A hidden treasure is the Common Core of State Standards Math Coherence Map. It is an interactive flow chart that shows connections between the various standards. If you are teaching math, you can see the connections between what you are teaching, what was taught previously, and how you are preparing students for their future math…

  • Multiplication Problems as Intro to Unit Rates and Slope (follow up)

    Multiplication Problems as Intro to Unit Rates and Slope (follow up)

    I previously related elementary school word problems with math topics in secondary schools. The photo below shows a method to help elementary school students unpack the multiplication problem, to help middle school students identify the unit rate, and to help algebra students identify slope (you can focus on simple problems like this as an entry…

  • Counting Money at the Store

    Counting Money at the Store

    The way a student counts money in school on a school desk or table (top photo) is the way he or she will attempt count at the register as seen in the 2nd photo in which the student pulled all bills from his wallet then counted, with some bills folded. (Bonus if you can identify…

  • Intro to Reading Scatterplots – Used Mustangs

    Intro to Reading Scatterplots – Used Mustangs

    One step in reading and analyzing scatterplots is simply identifying what the dots on the graph represent. If students do not understand the dots (including the position) how can they analyze. An approach I have used is start by having students create their own scatterplot for mileage and price of used cars they shop for…

  • Reading Scatterplots with Ford Mustangs

    Reading Scatterplots with Ford Mustangs

    One step in reading and analyzing scatterplots is simply identifying what the dots on the graph represent. Students who do not understand the meaning of the points, including the position, will struggle to interpret the graph. This post outlines a Jamboard activity to support interpretation of the points. Overview I present the scatterplot of used…

  • Introduction to Linear Functions – Buying a Used Car

    Introduction to Linear Functions – Buying a Used Car

    When our 3rd child was born, we decided to buy a used Honda Odyssey as 3 young kids were not fitting into a sedan. Being the stats geek I am (master’s in statistics at the University of South Carolina – total geek) I collected mileage and price data for all the used Odysseys for sale…

  • Monthly Budget Project

    Monthly Budget Project

    The images shown are excerpts from the latest iteration of a budget project I have used for years. The content addressed in this project can be used as stand alone activities and are relevant real life examples for our students. Even the younger students could benefit, e.g., learning addition by shopping for items online and…

  • Absolute Value is Absolutely not the Opposite

    Absolute Value is Absolutely not the Opposite

    I have frequently encountered the presentation of absolute value as a positive value or opposite. This is part of the repertoire of memory devices we (certainly I have in the past) use as a short cut to learning how to do the steps for a problem. The meaning of the absolute value of a number…