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  • 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…

  • Graphing a Quadratic Function in Vertex Form – Scaffolded Handout

    Graphing a Quadratic Function in Vertex Form – Scaffolded Handout

    Here is a scaffolded handout. The first problem has additional scaffolding to convert from addition to subtraction and vise versa. The first problem does not require the transformation of the operations but the second one does.

  • Completing the Square – Scaffolded Handout

    Completing the Square – Scaffolded Handout

    Here is a link to a scaffolded handout with all the steps, including the step to convert the lead coefficient to 1. The scaffolding is complex because the math topic is complex. There is an example showing how to use the document.

  • Graphing System of Inequalities – Scaffolded Handout

    Graphing System of Inequalities – Scaffolded Handout

    Here is a document that guides students through graphing one, then the other inequality. On the second page both are graphed on the same coordinate plane.

  • 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…

  • Proportional Relationship (with k) vs Linear Function (with m)

    There have been interesting discussions on various Facebook Teacher pages about proportional relationships vs linear functions. This mirrors discussion about the constant of proportionality vs slope vs unit rates. The difference between the proportional relationships and slope is context and the ratios. The ratio for the former addresses the variables themselves. The ratio for the…

  • Algebra 1: Concepts and Skills

    Algebra 1: Concepts and Skills

    I had an interesting discussion through a Facebook post recently regarding concepts vs skills. I want to share some information I have gathered regarding this topic. I do so, because there were a substantial number of teachers advocating for skill based learning. I hope to initiate some meaningful discussion. Below left is a photo of…

  • Dividing a Binomial

    Dividing a Binomial

    If you have taught algebra, you have likely experienced this error. We know many students will make this type of error and we can help many students avoid it by being proactive. Below are excerpts from a Google Jamboard that can be used to unpack the underlying concept of the division or simplifying shown above.…

  • Dividing a Binomial

    Dividing a Binomial

    If you have taught algebra, you have likely experienced this error. We know many students will make this type of error and we can help many students avoid it by being proactive. Below are excerpts from a Google Jamboard that can be used to unpack the underlying concept of the division or simplifying shown above.…

  • Intro to Constant of Proportionality Using Hourly Pay

    Intro to Constant of Proportionality Using Hourly Pay

    An effective instructional strategy is to make the new math topic meaningful. A fellow Facebook group member asked about teaching the topic constant of proportionality. My suggestion is to use hourly wages as an introduction. I created a handout that starts with students finding a job with an hourly pay stated and then completing a…