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  • Introduction to Adding Integers

    Introduction to Adding Integers

    Operations on integers and integers in general is challenging for many students. Negative numbers are abstract. Whole numbers and fractions can be represented with images. The activity presented draws upon student prior knowledge of thumbs up and down in a vote to make negative more accessible. The following images are from a Jamboard. Here are…

  • Equal Parts of Fractions – Intro

    Equal Parts of Fractions – Intro

    The concept of fractions as some number of equal parts begins in 1st grade per the Common Core (image below). There are students who struggle with the idea of equal parts and this could undermine student work in subsequent topics. The activity cited in this post is designed to develop the concept of equal parts.…

  • Intro to Slope of a Line

    Intro to Slope of a Line

    Slope is one of the most important topics in algebra but perhaps one of the most challenging topics. One issue is that students often think of the formula as opposed to the idea of slope. The images shown below are for a handout that unpacks the idea or concept of slope. Handout The images show…

  • Speeding Up and Slowing Down on a Graph looking at Velocity and Acceleration

    Speeding Up and Slowing Down on a Graph looking at Velocity and Acceleration

    We all understand speed intuitively. Velocity and acceleration are more mathy and harder for many students to comprehend, especially on a graph. Even harder is the idea of when an object is slowing down or speeding up. In this post I attempt to unpack both. Velocity is speed with a direction. Negative in this case…

  • Intro to Multiplication – A Sequence of Lessons

    Intro to Multiplication – A Sequence of Lessons

    Below are photos from multiple lessons to introduce multiplication. They are combined into a single document. I use a task analysis approach to first develop conceptual understanding of multiplication as repeated addition. This is followed by skip counting and then using skip counting to multiply. The lessons are not necessary completed in a single day.…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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.