There are so many cool ways to use algebra tiles in math. Last week I wrote a post about using them to factor. In this post I wanted to show 3 examples for using algebra tiles to solve equations.
I'm using a set of paper algebra tiles in the photos, mainly so that I could cut one in half for example 2 that involves a fraction.
So let's get into it!
Algebra tiles are the coolest little things. They are a wonderful hands-on tool that can be used to visually represent so many topics in algebra, from solving equations to multiplying binomials to factoring quadratic trinomials.
This is a bit embarrassing, but because I try my best to swallow my pride and embrace growth mindset, I'm fessing up. It was during my first year teaching that I finally realized what a2 + b2 = c2 really meant.
Do you love interactive notebooks but struggle to grade them? In this post I want to share a super simple plan and Excel check sheet for grading INBs that worked really well in my math classroom.
My friend Alex from Middle School Math Man and I have been working together on a new collaborative math game series called Voyage to the Treasure! In this game, students work together to beat the board and get to the treasure first.
Slope is one of those super important Algebra topics that just keeps coming around. It even shows up years later in Calculus! I love teaching all topics with tons of activities that get students thinking independently and working with each other. This way everyone gets the practice they need to feel confident.
Every year, our slope and linear equation review in Algebra 2 is a little brutal. I'm convinced that when the word "slope" comes up, my students immediately shut off because they have heard it - a thousand times - before. Then I'll get x on top of y, errors with negative signs, graphed x and y intercepts instead of y intercepts and slope. You name it, I see it. Why? From seeing this same thing year after year, I really think it comes down to how well they pick it up the very first time they see it.
I came across Alice's book Everyone Can Learn Math on Instagram a few months ago and finally asked if she'd be willing to write a guest post here about her amazing math picture book.
I remember joking with my first principal about being at a party, someone proudly declaring that he can't do math and others joining in with high-fives. Suddenly everyone is bonding over pretzels and punch and their dislike of numbers.
