Applying an Algebraic Rule

As part of CMP3, there was a unit project that suggested enlarging a picture using an algebraic rule applied to the coordinates. The standard it was addressing was recreating a drawing of a different scale. I thought that I would give it a try.  So the process began.  I decided to pick different pictures for the students to do, approximately 15 different ones.  1st period, I had them download the picture, put the grid on the picture and print it.  What a disaster.  2nd period, I had them start their grid while I printed pictures with grids on them already.  Much better!

Each student had to choose either to enlarge or shrink their picture.  Majority picked enlarging which was fine with me!  Next thing they had to do was start to create their grid.  We used big paper and marked off at each centimeter and connected the dots.  This also took way longer than expected.  Not for future self, buy large graph paper!  Once the grid was drawn, it was time to start identifying coordinates on their original image, apply the geometric rule and graph their new point.

For some this went well, others, needed some help.  I would say that by the end of it, 99% of students were able to this independently.  As you can see below, each student had their original picture and their coordinates on hand while creating their masterpiece.  It was a combination of both of these that allowed a student to be successful. 

Here is a picture of a completed shrinking.  I love it!

Overall I would say the was just ok.  To improve, I would have had graph paper already in the desired large size and had the pictures ready to go from the beginning.   With these changes, I think that it will go a lot smoother!

I finally put these up in the hallway.  I will snap a picture soon and post it here!

Bringing Integers to Life!

When I was in my first year of teaching, I had stumped upon this activity somewhere.  I wish I tracked everything during that time but lets be serious, I was barely keeping my head above water.

The concept behind this integer activity is to get kids out of their seat moving while seeing if they make any connections from adding integers to subtracting integers.  

Directions: 

1. Start on the first number in the problem

2. Face the negative numbers for subtraction and the positive numbers for addition. 

3. Walk forwards for positive number and backwards for negative numbers. 

Check out this short clip.   Kids love this activity!  It isn't perfect so I haven't posted it on TPT yet.  If you would like it, leave a comment and I will send it to you!

This year kids cheered when I rolled out the GIANT number lines.  It really has nothing to do with anything but it sure felt good that they were excited!

Katie 

We've hit Integer Season!

An important topic in 7th grade is integer operations.  This is the first time that adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing integers are formally introduced.  I went about it differently this year than 2 years ago.  CMP3 suggested using chips to introduce addition, so that's what I tried!

I really liked it.  I felt that students really grasped the idea of adding integers.  They could see when adding a positive and negative number which had more and that determined the sign of the sum.

I also found that this concept really helped those struggling students.  This is a picture I snapped while helping a student one on one build her confidence in solving. 

After the introduction, I set students on a journey with a partner to answer questions from our online book.  This is where I saw students helping students the most.  They were explaining it in terms that made sense to them.  

The journey through integers is not always easy but I highly suggest using chips.  After using chips, I also taught students how to use the number line to add integers.  I left it up to the students which way of reasoning worked for them and never actually taught a formal way to add integers.  I would say 93% of students are confident in their integer abilities.  The other 7% I am working with daily.  

What are some methods of teaching integers you have tried?  Even if they didn't work, we can always learn from mistakes!

Katie 

Sharing the Love, My Newest Goal!

So as I am still awake (way past my bedtime) I decided that I need to put more of the things I create out there for others.  Here are a few reasons why:

• I know that it will make someones day a whole lot easier
• I spend a lot of time on things and it should be shared, not hidden
• I think it would be really cool to have my things in other peoples classrooms
• How cool would it be to be TpT famous? 
• What teacher can't use the extra money...

With that being said, visit my store!  I will be posting more (I have SO many things I have created the past two years)

Here is a preview of the activity I made tonight...for tomorrow!  It is a constructing triangle stations set that has students draw conclusion and write about what they see.  

As you can see at the very bottom of the preview, I am still working on those mathematical practices.  It was one of my goals and truthfully, it really isn't that hard!

Hope to see you at my store soon!  If you have any requests for anything related to 7th or 8th grade math, feel free to post a comment here, I am CONFIDENT I have made it!

Balancing Frustration and Perseverance

So today was the first day that students came around to their different classes.  So, today was the first day I had to mold these find students into what I would like!

I have talked about 'Get it Together' activities in previous posts and today made me even more of a firm believer that these activities are AMAZING!  Students came into the classroom, sat anywhere they would like to and I started with 4 ground rules. 

• Work with your group
• If a group has a question, all group members hands must be raised
• Don't give up
• Respect the materials

They did awesome today.  1 group throughout the day had some issues but other than that, everyone worked together, was excited about solving each puzzle, couldn't wait to get to the next one, communicated well and DIDN'T GIVE UP!

I encourage you to try it out!  Order the book on amazon and prepare to be amazed!

Get it Together!

The lastest thing that I am raving about are these activites from the book "Get It Together"

My curriculum partner has been using 'Get it Together' activities for years and let me tell you, they are AMAZING!  They are a series of clues that students must work together to come up with a solution.  They range from building models with blocks/sticks, arranging the order of people to figuring out how many things each person has.  

Students may not always be excited about these activities at first but within seconds of diving into problems, they are 100% engaged and working their hardest.  The groups of students that are usually 'too cool' for group activities are usually the most enthralled by these.  The activities range in difficulty and could be used for high school students also.  Amazing resource that I think all should try.