REEL life math

For the past two years, I have assigned my advanced students the project of creating a real-life math video in which they teach a math problem.  It is part of a contest held by MathCounts.

I require the project for a grade, but the students have the option of submitting the video in the National contest.  For the first time, we have a team who has completed the submission process, and their video is in the contest.

The students did all the work on their own.  I was so impressed with the output.  Due to rights with music, they had to do a quick revision and create their own song.  They put a lot of time and effort into the project, and my other students enjoyed watching what they created.

I love it when students can go above and beyond the requirements.  I believe this is a great foundation tool for future endeavors.

Voting began February 4, 2014, and it runs through March 14, 2014.  Please take a minute and go vote for their video.  There is a quick login process, but it only takes a second.  You can vote every day!  The winning video wins scholarships for the team members.

Click here to vote:  http://videochallenge.mathcounts.org/videos/judes-cookie-challenge

http://videochallenge.mathcounts.org/videos/judes-cookie-challenge

Thank you for encouraging math to go beyond the boundaries of the school!

Happy Voting!

Desks instead of paper

We start every class period with a bell ringer.  The students will have 2-4 problems that they must begin working when they come in the room.  After the bell ringer, they will do a quick one question quiz which reviews some concept we have previously discussed.  The quiz must follow the four step plan of: Read, think, solve and justify.

Of course, we have papers that they can keep the work organized, but this year I like to throw in a little different bell ringer every now and then.

One morning, I handed each student a dry erase marker when they walked in the room.  On the bell ringer screen, I included a box that stated to answer the bell ringer by writing on the desk with the dry erase marker.  I heard several gasps and "REALLY?"  They got to work and enjoyed the activity.

I typically give 2-4 minutes to complete bell ringer.  We usually switch papers and grade it.  On this occasion, we weren't really able to switch papers, so I told them to go on a field trip to somewhere else in the room.  This not only allowed them to get up and move, but it kept their attention.

After checking the bell ringer, they wiped off the desk and got ready for the quiz.  Most of the desks wipe off very well.  A few of the desks have a little different laminate, but a disinfectant wipe got the marker right off. Once the quiz was completed, they went on another field trip to somewhere they had never been before.

The kids really took to this.  I have thrown this in about once a month.  A few weeks ago, we had group work for 3 days, so each day I allowed the bell ringer and quiz to be done this way.  It provides a change-up and it helps to keep the kids excited about what the class may hold.

This was an example of one desk after the quiz.  I had all the kids take a trip to this desk to see what I look for in a justification.

It is great to give the kids a little surprise, and this surprise was FREE!

Happy Desk Writing!

Dilations & Scale Factor Journal entry

This year, I started an interactive journal in my math class.  I have LOVED it.  I can see such a difference in how the kids are understanding.  It allows for them to have a hands-on approach while learning how to take short notes that are to the point.  It is still a learning process, but I am loving the process!

A few years ago, I implemented, "Say NO to Oreos".  WHAT?????  Who could say NO to oreos?  We do this when we learn about scale factor.  The NO stands for New divided by Original.  We start this saying at the beginning of the year, and we use it all year.  In the past, I have always brought in three types of oreos:

• regular
• double stuft
• mini

We go through a lesson in which we start with the regular oreo and dilate it through an enlargement (the two types of dilations were discussed the day before); therefore, the double stuft is created. The students measure the oreos, and we calculate the scale factor used.

We then have the regular oreo and dilate it through a reduction; therefore, the oreo mini is created.  We do more measurements and get that scale factor.

The students have always responded very well to this.   Since I started journaling this year, I created a journal entry, so the kids could put down what they took away from it.

After each situation, we put the oreos down in the journal.  The characteristic of each type of dilation was included.

I created a little pop out which included our saying that we taped to the middle of the page.

The pop out opens up to reveal what the NO stands for.

I love how we were able to keep something from this activity that the kids can go back and look at.  The kids loved to eat the oreos!!

I am excited to see the finished journal!

Happy Dilating!!

Punch board

It has been a while since my last post!  The whirlwind of school came in FAST!!  It has been non-stop since the first day of school.  I have been finding new things to do this year, and it has kept me busy.

My biggest thing is starting the interactive math journal.  I LOVE this!  I wish I would have started this years ago.  As soon as I take some good pictures, I will put it in a post.

I just created this punch board tonight.  I plan on using it for a review game.

Items used:

• tri-fold display board
• plastic bowls (purchased at Dollar Tree....they even came with lids)
• stick-on velcro
• tissue paper
• rubber bands

Here is what I did to set up my board:

• I used velcro to adhere each cup to the board.  
• I got a big thing of tissue paper (50% off right now at Hobby Lobby).  I cut a few pieces in fourths. 
• I used a rubber band to put the tissue paper on.  
• Once the cup has been punched, I can restock and use the same rubber band to put a new piece of tissue paper on.  This would be a great job for a student.  I see some math bucks being earned with this.  
• If I don't need all the cups for the task at hand, I can put the lid on the ones not needed.
• For easy storage, I can pull the bowls off and store the board.

My son has tested the board, and it worked just fine.  He had fun hitting it!

Here are some ways I plan to incorporate this:

• word problem questions
• skill (create the item listed on the SMART board..for example, right now we are reviewing graphs and plots.  If they punch a bar graph, they would need to draw a bar graph on the board)
• # to a question on a test/paper already assigned  (periodically I do group tests, so this would be a good way to assess)
• incentive rewards (different prizes, etc)

I am sure I will come up with more uses as I incorporate this.

Happy Punching!!

Teachers pay Teachers SALE

Many sellers are having a 20% off sale plus an additional 8% at checkout.  Make sure you use the BTS13 code.

If you have never looked around TPT, you should try it.  Many people have a lot of free stuff, as well.  I always find great things.

This year, I will be trying an interactive math journal.  I already bought every student a spiral.  Last year, I did more with foldables, and the kids really liked it. I thought I would take it even deeper this year.  I am looking forward to this product I purchased at TPT:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Interactive-Math-Journal-315177

What item(s) have you found or would like to purchase?

Happy Shopping!!

VistaPrint Goodies

I came across a pin on Pinterest on an order from VistaPrint.  She had some really good ideas, so I stole borrowed them.  You can find the original pin here.

With free shipping, I spent less than $50, and I have a TON of labels and cards.

I got some labels to put on papers when it is obvious the student did not take his/her time, and I know he/she can do better.

Even in 8th grade, I still have a problem with no name on papers!  I get pretty good at deciphering handwriting, but this year, I am just going to put this label on it, and then hang it on the door.

At times, I have things that I need parents to sign and send back.  This is usually a low test grade or something similar.  I got these labels, and I can just write in the date it is due back.

When the labels run out, I also got a self-inking stamp!!!!

I have always wanted one of these!

I call my class rules, "Standards for Success."  I have a TON of them!  I also incorporated bucket fillers last year, but the standards for success are the things that have consequences if not followed.  I created these business cards, so when a standard is broken, the kids can fill out the card.  I can then file it in my little card box, and pull it out if necessary for parent/teacher conferences.

I am very happy with how my order turned out.  Now I just need to remember to use them!!!

Happy printing!

Open and Closed

I just made a new name plate for my desk (or in front of my elmo).

Cook is not a very long name, so I had to add a little filler.

I added some inspirational words to the back, so I will constantly be reminded all day.

The extra block is double sided.  One side says "open", and the other side says "closed".
Most of the time, I will be Open, but it is nice to provide that visual to the kids so they know if they can come ask me for help.
When it is test time, Mrs. Cook is closed for questions and help. When I do cooperative learning groups, I want the kids to ask each other questions, so this would be a good time to be closed, as well.  :)

I am happy with how it turned out!

In two more weeks, we will be open for business!!!

Happy opening!!