Teacher Tools Page
Look through the posts below to find ways to bring some excitement into your classroom. Everything you find here is free for your use. It’s our way of thanking you for what you do on a daily basis in the classroom.
Why Quadratics Make Parabolas
In this article we apply two teacher tips. First, using a kid’s question to unfold an entire lesson. For example, “Why do quadratics make parabolas?” Second, creating tension that is relieved during the course of the lesson. In this case, let’s take on Chat GPT and see who comes out on top.
How to Introduce Quadratics to Algebra 1?
A patient start to beginning the unit on quadratic equations for Algebra 1 pays off later. By taking your time and allowing students multiple ways of accessing the concepts at play with quadratic equations, including graphs, function notation, and parabolas, students develop a rich and robust conceptual foundation upon which to build.
When Math Pays Forward – Challenge Problem #27
A few weeks ago, we worked on a problem with two inscribed semicircles whose diameters coincided with a larger semicircle and a chord of the large semicircle that was tangent to the smaller two. From that problem, we showed a general case …
How to Teach Quadratics by Doing
Want to learn how to teach quadratic equations to Algebra 1 students in a way that will help them develop and retain the foundation skills and concepts required for future math classes? In this article we break down how to do just that, and it starts with students experiencing the math first hand!
I s-PI Something Red
This week’s problem was fantastic, it brought me a lot of joy. I hope you find something similar in it.
As always, I’ll share the details of the problem with you, then offer three clues to get you kick-started should you get stuck. Then, I’ll dive into my solution.
Are Guided Notes Hurting Students?
Guided notes keep kids engaged and on-task. But are students just coloring by number? Can guided notes ever help them to develop into a version of Bob Ross?
I’d like to share with you a novel way to create and use guided notes in math class. There were very good reasons I started using them as a brand-new teacher and very good reasons why I moved away as I outgrew them. Recently, I’ve decided to give them another chance.