tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84804892764724981172024-03-05T02:43:17.137-05:00I Teach Math....I teach math....and some of my blog posts will be about that. And some may just be my meanderings on my life. :) Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-18143452416638118972017-03-20T12:19:00.000-04:002017-03-20T12:19:02.694-04:00Positive comment from a student....This story happened awhile ago, but I am just remembering to write about it now....<br />
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It is not often that I have a student admit to me that they like my interactive notebooks. Or rather a male student admit to me that they like it. :) A lot of the girls like the organization of my notebooks and several have come back to me to buy a graphing notebook for geometry or precalculus because they want to do it in their next class. They even ask for copies of my table of contents and other papers we use to set up our interactive notebooks. I know I can't convert everyone but it warms my heart when a student says they like the way my notebook keeps them organized and show me how they are still using it!<br />
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This year I had a senior student tell me how much he hated keeping the notebook last year in Algebra 2. However, he went on to say that he really appreciated it though this year, when he was studying for his SAT's and was able to easily find some topics he had to review in his Algebra 2 notebook thanks to the Table of Contents I have them keep. I may have done a little dance in front of the class!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_sXmW127SbWd1gQJNY-PDb9iP6U-wrxogw_LpDntTHow-C0RJOVztSeipOmIDcCT4XReuEj95DSMV2t4IJndzvj7ex4F6BdgK0lZaYW3pEipy70-9xQG-RKwQz-bbeuW9DtzXEPFrPU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-20+at+12.13.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_sXmW127SbWd1gQJNY-PDb9iP6U-wrxogw_LpDntTHow-C0RJOVztSeipOmIDcCT4XReuEj95DSMV2t4IJndzvj7ex4F6BdgK0lZaYW3pEipy70-9xQG-RKwQz-bbeuW9DtzXEPFrPU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-03-20+at+12.13.35+PM.png" /></a></div>
This year I have that same student in my Business Math class. Instead of a graphing notebook though, I have this class just use a composition book. But because he learned to love my Algebra 2 notebook, he chose to use a graphing notebook instead. :) Again....brought a smile to my face. It's the little things they say and do that make you realize you make a difference.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-49687581811629876112017-01-08T12:30:00.003-05:002017-01-08T12:30:49.314-05:003 Dimensional Graph Projects = awesome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I was a mean teacher! I gave my Algebra 2 students a project over Christmas break. I assigned them the task of creating a 3-dimensional graphing system, using a box and the materials of their choice. I blogged about assigning it before Christmas and now I am posting some pics of some of the final projects as promised!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z4vU3P1kxf8XO-jrVVOwyEGZt8IiauE30eWy7829yAhGGmBH1rG3XYP7li2CdwfD8dIYT6i42thhGrOZEb4z8cJuli7QVQPeZ8WDwitICqYv0STU8gcr96CMeY6OHAjwuogb0zRFpuk/s1600/IMG_8464.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z4vU3P1kxf8XO-jrVVOwyEGZt8IiauE30eWy7829yAhGGmBH1rG3XYP7li2CdwfD8dIYT6i42thhGrOZEb4z8cJuli7QVQPeZ8WDwitICqYv0STU8gcr96CMeY6OHAjwuogb0zRFpuk/s400/IMG_8464.PNG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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I have never assigned this before but my students this year were having ALOT of trouble seeing three dimensions. I fully understand how hard it is to see 3-D on a 2-D piece of paper. This was my greatest struggle in Calc 3 in college! Took me all semester to be able to draw washers and cylindrical shells. My goal was that if they drew the system and graphed a line in 3-dimensions, then they would be able to understand it a little more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcOMyZaJGSjxTmHAEcDPrXrFZvCVnm5uIDq7ufbeqauaWzE0LYGkr19KkDHbC8hR7vLyLJuHBrRIZMk4U42BktGP9K1kP0AM6JlW5-w4o0b5K-W0XBkLFQY-Q-HZH_7jXGy-HTpLswgU/s1600/IMG_8460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcOMyZaJGSjxTmHAEcDPrXrFZvCVnm5uIDq7ufbeqauaWzE0LYGkr19KkDHbC8hR7vLyLJuHBrRIZMk4U42BktGP9K1kP0AM6JlW5-w4o0b5K-W0XBkLFQY-Q-HZH_7jXGy-HTpLswgU/s200/IMG_8460.JPG" width="200" /></a> <<<< A few students took some shortcuts and only did one octant. Although I did not feel this satisfied, the "system" requirement, I will adapt my rubric next year to ensure there are no more misunderstandings. </div>
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Here are some more examples of my students work. I think they turned out fantastic! Especially as they had no model or even internet examples to look at for help. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8Gxm5U0LuTGOYN5m-T1XDsCd_bDwajyb3FhukbzeeD4Vcj7r8ZMbRYQrm7_AdfaLXhrj-2nh06TnlQKh7Zuj8W-KnKkhUu8PUwUDhLFJPT-zcaL1r-gwucuxJMRNjp8gNmpDsDo_p4w/s1600/IMG_8465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8Gxm5U0LuTGOYN5m-T1XDsCd_bDwajyb3FhukbzeeD4Vcj7r8ZMbRYQrm7_AdfaLXhrj-2nh06TnlQKh7Zuj8W-KnKkhUu8PUwUDhLFJPT-zcaL1r-gwucuxJMRNjp8gNmpDsDo_p4w/s200/IMG_8465.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
I'm sure I'm not supposed to have a favorite, but if I can....this one would be it. Maybe because he was the first one to send me a picture over Christmas break. Or maybe because the line actually looks like a plane, with the axis going through the plane, instead of just a triangle. >>><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTdEtbzFNff7kbgUz7OsbZMbbkZwXdBATjzfhisu88lffXcgMXbo6mMEjfQZgmqkWupE_tBA70Orah_ZxLLH4heP7z_P-uUKGAxHrCbMR29KYiV7QE-mCCeRizfVv91d_Zlz4tIi-iYE/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCQ3DgdHjpYL9y-1jyn8Y-TZCWGlNYsZzWrGyTKONN53XalvGwcVkM5zyk19arxA7iaMrWVYqs7hyphenhyphenLvkXwlranE-EeTJtu1rIghb-7e52M3f4kqpykoOLhueKPmTlIiSwi_svMT5L88Y/s1600/IMG_8462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCQ3DgdHjpYL9y-1jyn8Y-TZCWGlNYsZzWrGyTKONN53XalvGwcVkM5zyk19arxA7iaMrWVYqs7hyphenhyphenLvkXwlranE-EeTJtu1rIghb-7e52M3f4kqpykoOLhueKPmTlIiSwi_svMT5L88Y/s200/IMG_8462.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTdEtbzFNff7kbgUz7OsbZMbbkZwXdBATjzfhisu88lffXcgMXbo6mMEjfQZgmqkWupE_tBA70Orah_ZxLLH4heP7z_P-uUKGAxHrCbMR29KYiV7QE-mCCeRizfVv91d_Zlz4tIi-iYE/s1600/IMG_8458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTdEtbzFNff7kbgUz7OsbZMbbkZwXdBATjzfhisu88lffXcgMXbo6mMEjfQZgmqkWupE_tBA70Orah_ZxLLH4heP7z_P-uUKGAxHrCbMR29KYiV7QE-mCCeRizfVv91d_Zlz4tIi-iYE/s200/IMG_8458.JPG" width="150" /></a><<<< This one wins best design! Myself and several of the teachers in my department thought that this one had the nicest look to it. Especially since he took into account the Christmas break theme! It would be considered perfect if the axis were perpendicular versus on an angle. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpVuFKIvKZrj69LVsKEOoDRO9FVeQc9v_lx-lBaK1XIJGdkXnK_muXYeFF-5GFggP7YuW1UeZll5cm_GuvCahHPksMeM-eAWTQGB6OFL-QJyW91Ixvqm6fLgwvCS1Rz1dAMfn2hqVoX4/s1600/IMG_8463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpVuFKIvKZrj69LVsKEOoDRO9FVeQc9v_lx-lBaK1XIJGdkXnK_muXYeFF-5GFggP7YuW1UeZll5cm_GuvCahHPksMeM-eAWTQGB6OFL-QJyW91Ixvqm6fLgwvCS1Rz1dAMfn2hqVoX4/s200/IMG_8463.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
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<<<I love that this student offset the axis to make it easier to build. Showed some smart thinking!<br />
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This one is cool because the student has the x/y plane there to help with understanding. >>>><br />
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If you are interested in completing the project you can find it <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3-Dimensional-Graph-Diorama-2928534" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-10836524615964518592017-01-05T14:34:00.001-05:002017-01-05T14:53:11.977-05:00My favorite thing is....whiteboards!
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">So I'm going to try and jump on the <i>Explore
the MTBoS 2017 Blogging Initiative! </i>bandwagon<i>. </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">I'm not
very good at remembering to blog every week, but it is a new year and my goal
is to try some new things. So here we go....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Although I
don't blog much, I usually only blog about my favorite things. In the
past, I have I blogged about my favorite website game, Kahoot. If you
haven't tried it yet, you really need to! It's so much fun for the
students! You can read more about it <a href="http://iteachmath123.blogspot.com/2016/04/kahoot-have-you-tried-it.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
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I have also blogged about my favorite in class game, <a href="http://iteachmath123.blogspot.com/2016/02/exponent-rules-grudge-game.html" target="_blank">the Grudge Game</a>. This was a lot
of fun to play in class but does take some prep work. Not something that
can be easily played on a whim, but definitely worth the time to set it
up! The kids LOVE IT! It gets exciting and the students are very
engaged.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEslOdamKdGOKpH_pOSHBVxFvsbs7_5H9csD_nc2dakgrt-MRVIIIhsuTYlEAYz8v83BAKh_c8LOjDA4fQFUq7OpfoIrkLGbjvOdXexQgYGcVnKbsFUxBXrPzrpr3SQ8kknY4tXcvoEA/s1600/whiteboards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEslOdamKdGOKpH_pOSHBVxFvsbs7_5H9csD_nc2dakgrt-MRVIIIhsuTYlEAYz8v83BAKh_c8LOjDA4fQFUq7OpfoIrkLGbjvOdXexQgYGcVnKbsFUxBXrPzrpr3SQ8kknY4tXcvoEA/s200/whiteboards.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">But for today, I think I will pick my favorite classroom activity...which is using my whiteboards. A few years ago, I purchased a set of whiteboards for my classroom and they have become my favorite form of formative assessment. I love to use them in place of worksheets or homework. And they also make great review activities as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEslOdamKdGOKpH_pOSHBVxFvsbs7_5H9csD_nc2dakgrt-MRVIIIhsuTYlEAYz8v83BAKh_c8LOjDA4fQFUq7OpfoIrkLGbjvOdXexQgYGcVnKbsFUxBXrPzrpr3SQ8kknY4tXcvoEA/s1600/whiteboards.jpg" style="float: right;"><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><br /></span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4oeDq-u3wXGRgsgt5wB_qP-Ht8E0GPQaHVyN67cDH2XRJYen3b5NI_lRnarpNf-rvAn-txh10e5lD9m29Vxsn3PdtgqC1cey4Pr7dMpQcGfxXdRy3BK9E7tywZbdnBWiAHTPwgxGldw/s1600/find+the+slope+game.jpeg" style="float: left;"><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><br /></span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCLwza1mYczWHviotKYmvSP9Lljuw8NGWW9j68BF9ezeYZUqURAo8nJBoqxFv_jxCY5H7dTHlVv-VgMzM4mxVEYsiO_8-SmnNLR0ektfg1oT0Ti1lZ1G-uL8H_8U41-x3UQq1TSS0neY/s1600/find+the+slope+game.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCLwza1mYczWHviotKYmvSP9Lljuw8NGWW9j68BF9ezeYZUqURAo8nJBoqxFv_jxCY5H7dTHlVv-VgMzM4mxVEYsiO_8-SmnNLR0ektfg1oT0Ti1lZ1G-uL8H_8U41-x3UQq1TSS0neY/s200/find+the+slope+game.jpeg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">When I use
them, I make a set of problems, anywhere from 12 - 16, and hang them around the
room. Sometimes I will have the answer on another card, forcing the
students to answer the problems in an order I created, but usually I just put
the answer on the back of the card so the students can flip it up to check
themselves. There are lots of ways to use these but I have found the
latter way the easiest for me. It allows those who understand to keep
moving and time for me to work with those who struggle. A third way is to
keep the answers to yourself and the students have to show you their work and
answers. This helps you see who is understanding which problems and what
problems they are struggling on. The only downside to this way is that
your attention is on everyone and so it is hard to help the students who need a
little one-on-one. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXECAPLPMu8qrVcJyizylFywwNz2WdzGZ2vlW8yd0uX3c4zCBIAbWWQdaJGOxbgmvSbQlXVavDT-_Pd_up8fIQ7MDsyyUx3vbu9U2iY8c51WgbWHlGmcCtObQKJZXbzngeXFyW87j3syg/s1600/markers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXECAPLPMu8qrVcJyizylFywwNz2WdzGZ2vlW8yd0uX3c4zCBIAbWWQdaJGOxbgmvSbQlXVavDT-_Pd_up8fIQ7MDsyyUx3vbu9U2iY8c51WgbWHlGmcCtObQKJZXbzngeXFyW87j3syg/s200/markers.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIMs9ujk4vAbkb6YfFokHUHuMDAqWKnQfpg6yY-6Jll4trLmd-caBXyoho-zZCrqfhgI9bH5jmoQNAX3QZu60aQG2X3hZZv5eLOCVJDCHOoYcERHL_Qd-RNLrKysmQYUvrZAOmfTsQWI/s1600/markers.jpg" style="float: right;"><span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><br /></span></a><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">One
catchfall to this activity is that my students are terrible at putting the caps
back on the markers tightly when they are done. I go through a lot of
expo markers and they are not cheap! At NCTM this year, I splurged
and bought my self a new set of markers from the Markerboard People. They
are supposed to be longer lasting and not dry out as easily as the expo markers
do. So far we are doing great with them, but I am also trying to be more
diligent about checking the caps too! My next splurge is to get myself a
new set of dry erase boards from them. I love their boards!! Check them
out at http://www.dryerase.com/. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "sans-serif","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">#MTBoS
#MtbosBlogsplosion</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span><br />
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-44304134972161067102016-12-22T09:41:00.002-05:002016-12-22T09:52:27.702-05:003 Dimensional Graphing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl7yicHzxlA_9Wbxa5PbI3oBjKUBJ-lsz6XRKDfCCmQ4CytjrCsqJfTn3d-JuMyLpb6MA7QBYLCvjjN-N_9SvCNFSzaMum9KtBpCnbco7cDIbL83EijI_TQL5-C1PbP9I26uylwQv18g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-16+at+9.13.48+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDl7yicHzxlA_9Wbxa5PbI3oBjKUBJ-lsz6XRKDfCCmQ4CytjrCsqJfTn3d-JuMyLpb6MA7QBYLCvjjN-N_9SvCNFSzaMum9KtBpCnbco7cDIbL83EijI_TQL5-C1PbP9I26uylwQv18g/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-12-16+at+9.13.48+AM.png" width="320" /></a>I teach Algebra 2 and one of the topics I find hard to teach is 3 dimensional graphs. Partly because I am not artistic and so I can't really draw them myself. And partly because I haven't found a way to help students "see" the third dimension on a two dimension surface. <br />
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My classes have no problems with the Algebra...solving the equations with substitution and elimination is a piece of cake for them. But ask them to plot the point (2, 3, -4) and they can't do it. I've tried putting pencils together to show the octants, I've tried putting pencils through paper for dimension. Not go. Some students can see it right away, but others never see it. I found a
great website: http://technology.cpm.org/general/3dgraph/ that does
3-dimensional graphing (see image). Fortunately, we are a 1-1 school
with airMacs and the students also have access to a program called Grapher. This has
helped a few of them get a much better visualization of the equations.<br />
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So this year I am trying something new. I am having my classes create a diorama of a 3-dimensional coordinate system. I've never done this before and I wasn't able to find anything like it on the internet. Which makes me even more excited to see what my students create as they will be the first I see ever!<br />
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I was mean though....I gave the project over Christmas break. I figured they would have some down time to put it together. And maybe some extra boxes and paper left over from the holiday. :) I can't wait to see that they do! I'll post pictures in the new year!<br />
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Here is the link to TPT if you are interested in trying it out yourself: <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/3-Dimensional-Graph-Diorama-2928534" target="_blank">3-dimensional diorama project.</a> <br />
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Merry Christmas.<br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-31902541064057636302016-10-31T22:26:00.002-04:002016-10-31T22:26:22.478-04:00NCTM - Philadelphia 2016I cannot believe it is finally here! It seemed to take forever to get here! So what am I so excited about....I am speaking at NCTM in Philadelphia on Wednesday! My coworkers and I are lucky enough to be here and Nora Oswald and I were even more lucky to be picked to speak. We are beyond excited, can you tell? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVQGzve5dtLyT9myKtt4djpFI85DNdpxnspzUP4PVciFZOuIHDB2U3PsOfkxPWPXMfsy91ZAyFBpT9n2GSwfTDiZQGD5DHMdaQuSab6i8ektxIkiCAmcHoPdBwwRB3R9v8pGEcn7bOcs/s1600/program+title.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVQGzve5dtLyT9myKtt4djpFI85DNdpxnspzUP4PVciFZOuIHDB2U3PsOfkxPWPXMfsy91ZAyFBpT9n2GSwfTDiZQGD5DHMdaQuSab6i8ektxIkiCAmcHoPdBwwRB3R9v8pGEcn7bOcs/s320/program+title.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br />
Tomorrow will be all about me learning new things and supporting Nora. She presents tomorrow on Gaming in an Algebra 1 classroom. Check her out at 3:15 tomorrow if you are at NCTM!<br />
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I go on Wednesday. Check out the write up from the program book. I feel so professional now! The room I am in is set up with tables for 120 people....and I only made 75 packets. Hopefully I will need that many! <br />
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<a href="https://mrsmilkowichs.wikispaces.com/Foldables" target="_blank">Here</a> are my packets for tomorrow....just in case you want to look them over! :) <br />
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Don't forget to wish me luck!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-20063776484927147032016-09-12T18:26:00.004-04:002016-09-12T18:26:56.885-04:00Business Math - Comfort Card INB PageNot only do I teach Algebra 2, I also teach Business math. In my business math class, one of my class philosophies is that I allow my students to use comfort cards on their tests. Other teachers would call them cheat sheets but I call them comfort cards, because the students make them for their comfort during a test. They are allowed to put anything they want on the card: definitions, examples, formulas, etc. The only restriction is that the card is 3.5 x 5in. So it's not a large amount of space but you would be surprised at how tiny some of my students can write! :) My reasoning is that in the business world, we have the time and access to look up formulas and other needed information if we forget something. Some students love them, but other students chose not to use them. I also prefer them to open notebook tests as the creating of the card itself forces the students to study by looking over the material for the important items. (And they just think I'm being nice!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzlizNJMtO8lXhljsRlH71lIp8z6A591oK00HLOhECKixW7J7d-txaBz2Y7coP2Xqz16oz3RkLfOcJi3Y9oSjVOA9DOAI99MYvUABY4TtbMroXD_OcQm4FW5NYlsSWsFfWiooKtGb0nE/s1600/comfort+cards.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzlizNJMtO8lXhljsRlH71lIp8z6A591oK00HLOhECKixW7J7d-txaBz2Y7coP2Xqz16oz3RkLfOcJi3Y9oSjVOA9DOAI99MYvUABY4TtbMroXD_OcQm4FW5NYlsSWsFfWiooKtGb0nE/s320/comfort+cards.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
And in the spirit of INB pages...I had students create a pocket page for the back of our notebook for students to keep their comfort cards in. This way they always have them to use on every test, especially the midterm and final exam. I am going to have them write the most commonly used formulas on the pockets themselves for extra space and decorative purposes. <br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-72373625930502080612016-09-01T15:25:00.003-04:002016-09-01T15:25:30.732-04:00Algebra 1 Word Problems Graphic OrganizerDo they every get word problems?? Today I was teaching word problems to my Honors Algebra 2 class. They always hate word problems, even if they are only Algebra 1 word problems. ;)<br />
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For most students the worst part about word problems is breaking them down. They don't know where to start. I've tried several different organizers and methods for helping with and have yet to find a way that I really like....until today! Today, I went to my go to teaching aid - the Frayer Model. I use it a lot in my classes. From defining words to organizing examples, I use it a lot. (I sometimes think my student's interactive notebooks will only be filled with them someday. )<br />
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In the past, I had used an extensive organizer for word problems, but frankly, it was just too many steps. So I looked at it and narrowed it down to 5 parts, which would then fit on my Frayer model design. Here is the end result:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-LiUm_k-aL3ZkcKie6CYdwT3mAPqfEi9ehfmpeDP2bQ96MC4371gKTFSe8zTE8-pDIdQ49_oj9XV7pAMOSPZwvshUOYyvFIfluepxE8yOvrRuZqn_LwOTMRw8DVT8yLqyxsJGLXMpQA/s1600/evas+weight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-LiUm_k-aL3ZkcKie6CYdwT3mAPqfEi9ehfmpeDP2bQ96MC4371gKTFSe8zTE8-pDIdQ49_oj9XV7pAMOSPZwvshUOYyvFIfluepxE8yOvrRuZqn_LwOTMRw8DVT8yLqyxsJGLXMpQA/s640/evas+weight.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />If you like, feel free to use it. Here is a PDF file for you to have:<br />
<a href="https://mrsmilkowichs.wikispaces.com/Foldables" target="_blank">Suzanne's Foldables</a><br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-20022732317183719872016-08-18T08:44:00.003-04:002016-08-18T08:44:35.094-04:00Did you ever lose your wallet?<a href="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13939406_10208610979925028_6356534937677805943_n.jpg?oh=f843cfb2a763d18b75888e3a15a3d208&oe=58473FCC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="spotlight" height="200" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13939406_10208610979925028_6356534937677805943_n.jpg?oh=f843cfb2a763d18b75888e3a15a3d208&oe=58473FCC" title="" width="150" /></a>On Saturday, I had my car broken into and my purse, with my wallet in it, stolen. If this has ever happened to you, you know the frustration and heartbreak this is causing. If it hasn't, please let me just say this....don't leave your wallet or purse in your car where anyone can see it. Trust me on this. <br />
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Whoever did this broke into three cars, breaking four windows in the
process. It was at 10:30 in the morning and we were all about 100 feet
from our cars. They were fast and quiet. I still can't believe no one
heard or saw anything. It was broad daylight and people were milling
about at a softball game. I was only there 10 minutes probably when they did it.<br />
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I am very fortunate that I lost nothing of personal value that can't be replaced. I lost my favorite purse and my favorite wallet but I can replace them. It may be awhile until I find another "favorite" but ultimately, they are just things. I don't carry pictures with me and I did not have any jewelry or personal items in my purse. Frankly, stealing my stuff is more of a hassle to me than a benefit to the thief. They got very little cash and I was able to cancel everything before they even had time to look through my wallet. <br />
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<a href="http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/WP/wp-content/themes/smartbitches/images/posts/hide-your-wallet-thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/WP/wp-content/themes/smartbitches/images/posts/hide-your-wallet-thumb.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a>I was hoping that someone would find the purses and wallets laying somewhere, minus the cash, but that we would get our id's, etc back. But almost a week has gone past and I no longer have hope for this. And so my nightmare of changing accounts, replacing id's, and dealing with all the little details has begun in earnest. Every day a new little annoyance occurs that I have to deal with. And from what I hear, my journey is just beginning. I remember reading once, that you should take a picture of the cards,
front and back that are in your wallet. I really wish I had done this.
I'm still not sure if I missed one. <br />
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So why am I blogging this? Mostly as a PSA. I want everyone to take their purses and wallets with them when they leave their vehicle. Or at least lock them in your trunk where no one can see them. If they can't see anything they will move on. There were over 50 cars in the parking lot and only 3 of us were broken into because we were the only ones with visible items. And know what you have in your purse and wallet. <br />
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Protect yourself.<br />
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.dailyworth.com/posts/3015-7-steps-to-take-when-you-lose-your-wallet/1" target="_blank">Act Fast: 7 Things to Do When Your Wallet Is Missing </a></h1>
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Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-36655232774275050222016-08-16T13:35:00.002-04:002016-08-16T13:35:50.801-04:00Starting the year healthyRecently, my 12 year old son Matty was diagnosed with high cholesterol. I know it may seem strange and unusual for a doctor to even check a person of that age but it is now recommended to check children who have parents or family history of high cholesterol. And unfortunately, my children qualify. Although it is not so high as to require medication, it is high enough to warrant a change of diet for him. So far, Matty is doing amazing with the changes! He reads every label, eats Cheerios for breakfast almost every day, and has decreased the number of eggs he eats in a week. But let us not forget....this is hereditary.<br />
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My husband has high cholesterol and my results are usually borderline. As I have three children, I was happy only one result came back high,
but because it is genetic, we are trying to change our FAMILY diet. Shouldn't we all be eating healthier anyway? Our family is great with staying active. All three kids do more than one sport, and Mike and I are fairly active, given our age and time constraints. :) But food? We are not as diligent. Although we like to eat healthy, we are not great meal planners. We don't always leave ourselves time to cook a full meal every night. So we eat alot of quick, boxed meals or take-out. All of which are now no-nos. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21kQL7Sv2kldoDmvcXo5nGuECWcCZVUnjIwcRbRa03Er9SCbXG-gw38EBehea_-_ZgAJYZWWNvyTATn1ugncWtBMd2TxRI_223fOFL3P-1p1aoS8GzyM0uua2YQ3g0G5G_WVDKX86je0/s1600/example.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21kQL7Sv2kldoDmvcXo5nGuECWcCZVUnjIwcRbRa03Er9SCbXG-gw38EBehea_-_ZgAJYZWWNvyTATn1ugncWtBMd2TxRI_223fOFL3P-1p1aoS8GzyM0uua2YQ3g0G5G_WVDKX86je0/s320/example.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Now I don't know about you but the fall is the busiest time of year for my family. School starts for 4 of us and we have to get used to a whole new routine! Between work, school and sports our time at home is REALLY limited. Healthy meals just don't happen that often. We tend to eat out or on the go, which means ALOT of hotdogs and mac n cheese (BIG NO-NOs!) So this year, instead of just preparing my lesson plans for the new school year, I also decided to plan my meals! <br />
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Somewhere I had seen an ad for a website that had recipes for 31 healthy crockpot meals for the freezer. (Click <a href="http://newleafwellness.biz/2015/05/27/31-healthy-crockpot-freezer-meals/" target="_blank">HERE</a>). I printed the recipes and grocery list last fall and have been wanting to make them but felt overwhelmed at the idea. It seemed like a lot of prep work and planning and one really long day. A whole year went by and I did not do it. When I saw the idea again last week, I couldn't resist sharing the idea on Facebook and asking if anyone wanted to do it with me. I figured prepping and cooking with a friend would be much more enjoyable. I was filled with dread and elation when my friend Erica said she wanted to do it too! Without giving either of us time to change our mind, we chose Monday, August 15th to do it. This gave us about 5 days to plan and shop. Someone had shared with us a link for a website with only 20 meals but we decided "Go Big or Go Home." So we stuck with the 31 meals and I cannot say it was a bad choice. I REALLY like looking in my freezer and seeing 31 meals...done! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGDik9HnsF6StW33zusJt1SIprm7Mji_LTs2Haq7qEhMs2frIquzp6JezRfeq5cqCpnc9Regst9ry1o0tJEN53H3rw_h0H2jrJwB9aTTLsUNALKkMv9TrPrZLEskTVm5KZSeR-5KYHL8/s1600/spices.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigGDik9HnsF6StW33zusJt1SIprm7Mji_LTs2Haq7qEhMs2frIquzp6JezRfeq5cqCpnc9Regst9ry1o0tJEN53H3rw_h0H2jrJwB9aTTLsUNALKkMv9TrPrZLEskTVm5KZSeR-5KYHL8/s320/spices.jpeg" width="240" /></a>It got real on Saturday, when I started to pull together the spices on the grocery list. I was up and bored so I did it just to get started and the next thing I knew Erica and I were going through the grocery list via text together. We figured out what we needed to buy and what we could share. Note....two people will go through one bottle of cumin and curry seasoning and ALOT of honey. The grocery list does not really prepare you for this. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P7DYXD-P-7H_6YlU8kSqnXxtdxQMYxOmAPaEEVN7mkZoqqh-MgX79UX3N3xe7q6V4gVyRSLMaQvXNrgedM-1Je-geHffXzUfjt8fJ0GDbzmqDIBb9DRkhQfR_LkmVjmEnNvxZqERVsk/s1600/1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2P7DYXD-P-7H_6YlU8kSqnXxtdxQMYxOmAPaEEVN7mkZoqqh-MgX79UX3N3xe7q6V4gVyRSLMaQvXNrgedM-1Je-geHffXzUfjt8fJ0GDbzmqDIBb9DRkhQfR_LkmVjmEnNvxZqERVsk/s320/1.jpeg" width="240" /></a>Now I think we could have done our pre-planning a little better but we did GREAT for throwing it together so quickly. One thing I would do differently is preparing my bags ahead of time. Erica had hers all numbered and ready to go, but I didn't. So I had to take some time at her house to label my bags. Labeling your bags is SOOO important! So make sure to do it ahead of time! Also, make sure you have all of the equipment you need to do the prep work. And try to have two of everything so you can both work at the same time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtibpBVQSnM9eGi7Ak2CIaFkw5yfkOBH915_5zbpZURgCTaPMLjOv9KXSHAblqF1Si9zNuEZaDChnhaupR1My8yYJ00SBDJ7OLxUtGOKH_AI6dQNvCbYC7CDesbTmtYa69MBOSpJCDt4/s1600/2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtibpBVQSnM9eGi7Ak2CIaFkw5yfkOBH915_5zbpZURgCTaPMLjOv9KXSHAblqF1Si9zNuEZaDChnhaupR1My8yYJ00SBDJ7OLxUtGOKH_AI6dQNvCbYC7CDesbTmtYa69MBOSpJCDt4/s320/2.jpeg" width="320" /></a>I don't know what the easiest way to split the work would be, but we decided to work on one recipe at a time, each taking different ingredients and filling each others bags from the supplies. This way only one person was cutting meat or onions at a time, and we hoped it would help prevent contamination of foods by doing that. This is what worked for us. You will figure out your own method by recipe #5. LOL! We prepped for over 8 hours together. We finished 27 bags of meals and had to stop at 11pm. (Note to self: start earlier in the day next time. ) I ran out of meats because I ended up doubling a few recipes as we were going as I have a larger family. So at recipe 27, I called it quits for the day and I finished on Tuesday. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhPRurvPPpVeF08Owes_llOUXcNe8vYtoeUsPMkAJUEgdcIp_vYo-oqUlplZTrdT9PAiIybsSTIrVmoS-LVA8n4sLKQYcRE9XhnaRPjtEiQjuV_4ZytQbxwgV77mGkEqxV_0wGw6la2c/s1600/3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhPRurvPPpVeF08Owes_llOUXcNe8vYtoeUsPMkAJUEgdcIp_vYo-oqUlplZTrdT9PAiIybsSTIrVmoS-LVA8n4sLKQYcRE9XhnaRPjtEiQjuV_4ZytQbxwgV77mGkEqxV_0wGw6la2c/s320/3.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Having finally completed this task, I still think this is a lot of prep work and planning. And one VERY long day of putting together the meals. But would I do it again? Absolutely! Not only did I have fun with a great friend but I walked away with 31 HEALTHY meals, all ready for the new school year. I already know the recipes that I would use again and there are a few that I will probably tweek next time. Some recipes will need to be doubled to feed my family of 5. But I can positively say this.....Once they are gone, I will do it again. Of that I have no doubt!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVnDIQIUH4PEbmr1KT1lb5yknlS9MQfqlENqIApfai8dcwTz02Y7hamwcxUmNmnLdLdkBxYycRJO4GIATQjrm95pgWvNwMYXturDquGDf6nEFpCwqQNvUNLF-WJtmaPiaGiPqFkLjg5A/s1600/5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVnDIQIUH4PEbmr1KT1lb5yknlS9MQfqlENqIApfai8dcwTz02Y7hamwcxUmNmnLdLdkBxYycRJO4GIATQjrm95pgWvNwMYXturDquGDf6nEFpCwqQNvUNLF-WJtmaPiaGiPqFkLjg5A/s320/5.jpeg" width="320" /></a><br />
P.S.....I think this will have saved me quite a bit of money but I won't know that until after the one month is up! :)<br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-228547000362548372016-05-12T12:54:00.004-04:002016-05-12T12:54:53.713-04:00Properties of Exponents....will they EVER get it?Even though I teach Algebra 2, I seem to spend a crazy amount of time on Properties of Exponents Rules. When I say I taught it three times this school year, I am not exaggerating! This latest time is to help review my students for they all important state tests that they have to take in two weeks. Although I positively HATE state standardized tests, they are an evil we must deal with. <br />
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Since I had already used two other foldables for properties of exponents and I was now in need of a new one, I did what many of us do....I searched pinterest! :) And I found this really cool one at <a href="https://mrswilliamsmath.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/interactive-foldable-book/" target="_blank">Dividing by Zero</a>. I love the way it looks. And it was really easy to use. However, my students did not find it so easy to make. :) The weaving of the paper might have been a little too much for some of the boys. LOL! I got reminded several times that this was math class and not arts and crafts.<br />
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I love the different colored papers you can use in this foldable. I made a sheet for students to cut out of the rules and definitions and had them match them together before gluing them down. Hoping a little hands-on will help make the rules stick! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYev7VFC6gGSbBsYTamm8cCgvQPZ_wJ9rXkAbTAfzKf6wtOdc8PqtctWgBaG9BM5GrT1abnPZjG-4uQm_WaiV8V2nZFXaDA9Aue3IscLf8yKelIBoQQvudM-kcc0jCeK57Fl-rz87Czcw/s1600/exponent+foldable+side1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYev7VFC6gGSbBsYTamm8cCgvQPZ_wJ9rXkAbTAfzKf6wtOdc8PqtctWgBaG9BM5GrT1abnPZjG-4uQm_WaiV8V2nZFXaDA9Aue3IscLf8yKelIBoQQvudM-kcc0jCeK57Fl-rz87Czcw/s320/exponent+foldable+side1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because I had to glue the foldable into my notebook, I lost the use of one column for the back. I purposefully chose the "smaller" rules for the back so I didn't need as much space but I am already planning to adapt this foldable for next year to add a tab on the end that can be glued down and both sides will have 4 rows and columns. I just haven't figured out if I can keep the paper weaving too!<br />
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(Notice my note to myself for the website I scored the idea from? :) )</div>
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I am hoping that the 3rd time is the charm! </div>
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-26457767274148927522016-05-02T14:59:00.000-04:002016-05-02T14:59:09.374-04:00I text my students. Do you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVctdGbDANGmEQxuNLnyvTngXr0Gtkr8qg_1EjMOEDzVksWlP7xxTv7bVSKdY1j7butrKe4XJPFou-gXYSrxtFqH5ZaI35AbTSy9CdCYQG8O6Aq9yoU2wQ-90csfqrCk0GYgKvh9IOarg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-05-02+at+9.34.36+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVctdGbDANGmEQxuNLnyvTngXr0Gtkr8qg_1EjMOEDzVksWlP7xxTv7bVSKdY1j7butrKe4XJPFou-gXYSrxtFqH5ZaI35AbTSy9CdCYQG8O6Aq9yoU2wQ-90csfqrCk0GYgKvh9IOarg/s200/Screen+Shot+2016-05-02+at+9.34.36+AM.png" width="176" /></a></div>
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Having taught as an online math teacher for over 9 years, I have learned that texting is the much preferred way for my students to communicate. They do not want to talk to me but they don't mind texting. This way they can communicate with me while at a sporting event, or their job. Frankly, I have learned to like texting as well. It is not as instantaneous as talking but it gets the job done. <br />
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What is weird is that in the 9 years I have been teaching online I have never given my cell phone number to my students that I teach face to face. Part of it is that I see them daily so they don't really need it. And the other part is I don't really trust them not to prank me. :) I am in constant war with myself over this. <br />
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But I think I have found my happy solution! Remind 101. I LOVE IT! <br />
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<a href="https://www.remind.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.remind.com/" border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhpCfYIj1gMDmzaFUXCcRpUsCer0fPcZvvNIG5sXKPTbwxS8GQzxFPLtuErn5eCQP2F9-cAEM6lV5lsX1CJ6Iu86ybogPFCmxM87s6AjFSFFU-f4Wi1bmQi6Ln877synyuMGNriwIVtc/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-05-02+at+9.34.11+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This website allows me to send out mass class announcements to my students and their parents. You can use it to "Remind" everyone of an upcoming test, end of marking period, project due date, whatever! Best of all.... it allows them to respond to me as well. I have the settings set to text me to my phone so I get a notification immediately and then can respond by text as well. And if I don't want to have texts sent to my phone, I can turn them off as well. I love that if they have a question at 6:00pm they can ask me. And if I have the time and availability, I can answer. <br />
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But my best use of remind was when I took my class to Hersheypark on Friday. Instead of having students have to find me at 12:30 to check in, the teachers took a selfie and sent it out as an announcement to the students that it was time to check in. The students had been told to take a group selfie in front of the ride they were at and tell me their names and location. It was great! And my principal loved the pictures I forwarded to him of the kids as well. Here is the selfie the teachers took to start the check-in!<br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-3768756807429779272016-04-15T14:09:00.000-04:002016-04-15T14:09:02.426-04:00Kahoot! Have you tried it?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://getkahoot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="https://getkahoot.com/" border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAjmyH0CBQkX9m57PF3YACgKYnihVFDo5n1p0jIETS0V-1dthln3ibp-8_lTCURK2a5Kj7WcekkadWfCGOTSn6f6eJaOvqGCy8ouXo7ME8kGkbDLWiUUYgbQ7X7XqQxM94U71wGjdjT4/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-04-15+at+2.02.48+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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My department was lucky enough to spend part of our last professional development day at Lehighton Area High School having a meet and greet with their math teachers. It was amazing! Math teachers from two different schools getting together to talk about their subject. Professional development does not get better than that!<br />
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We talked about Common Core and Keystone exams; we talked about curriculum for various courses and we talked about formative assessment. The last was the most interesting to me. I am big on using whiteboard in my class but I am always looking for something to change it up. And since our school has gone 1-1 with Apple Air Macs, the push to use more computer-based assessments has increased.<br />
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My friend Terri is a teacher in the LASD and while we were talking she showed me the online website Kahoot. It is an online formative assessment tool for students. It is multiple choice based so a great help in preparing students for those standardized tests! It reminds me of an online-based clicker tool. I immediately liked it and couldn't wait to use it in my class. <br />
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To begin you need to go to <a href="https://getkahoot.com/" target="_blank">GetKahoot.com </a>and sign up for a free account. Using it is easy after that. They have over 7million public kahoots that you can play with your class or even copy and edit to personalize for your own class. Or you can just create your own from scratch. You can even insert images if you'd like. I have created my own and I have borrowed some. I duplicated one just for keystone exam review and it has the questions from the SAS portal. Why recreate my own? :)<br />
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I have used it several times in my class and I like the ease of use. What I like about it.....<br />
My students LOVE IT. They love competing with each other and yet they are quick to praise each other. They laugh at their wrong answers and groan at difficult ones. <br />
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What don't I love? With clickers you can see how each student did and get a report on them. With kahoot, you don't get individual reports. Just a bar graph at the end of each question on how many got them right/wrong. And this disappears VERY quickly. You also can't stop the quiz to discuss a question if you don't have it on the manual option. So I often screen capture the questions with my MAC so I can review the ones they get wrong afterwards. <br />
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All that said, I do like it as a quick, different type of formative assessment. I can't use it everyday as it takes a bit of time, but I am working on once or twice a week to help review materials.<br />
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Try it! You won't be sorry! <br />
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-35577649748161427442016-04-11T09:43:00.000-04:002016-04-11T09:43:00.372-04:00Field TripsI teach math but sometimes it is nice to just do something out of the ordinary. I was lucky enough last week to be a chaperone on a trip to NYC with my school's Spanish Club. Now I don't speak Spanish (I only remember how to count in Spanish. Sorry, Senor!) But I did have a great time! The food, the city, the culture, and the kids were just amazing! <br />
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My group had 7 students, 4 of whom I was fortunate enough to have taught at some point. And I was lucky enough that they wanted to explore. As this was my first trip to the city, I was excited to see everything we could squeeze in! The highlight of our trip though was visiting GMA. We got up and went to stand out front at 5:30am. Thank heavens for Starbucks! We were invited backstage to listen to the band the Lumineers and even made it on screen, although you really have to squint to see us in the corner of the TV. :) After the band played, Ginger Zee came over and took pictures with us. She is absolutely the sweetest person! <br />
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Other highlights: touring Times Square, Central Park, and a ballet. We ate amazing food, and had many laughs. What a great perk to my job! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn36y2e3qb5HVf0TmaY1gt51_nRrz0t67Hx6YdfqKsspyQHEMAkPH2KYCWjBcNkvmscnDahpeXXu0HTaX_FUESOUBqXL_nVF7xBih-KaFJ0AYoXMYnfrqIWg-4G4tYfXCI4mxgJaAbR5w/s1600/ginger+zee.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn36y2e3qb5HVf0TmaY1gt51_nRrz0t67Hx6YdfqKsspyQHEMAkPH2KYCWjBcNkvmscnDahpeXXu0HTaX_FUESOUBqXL_nVF7xBih-KaFJ0AYoXMYnfrqIWg-4G4tYfXCI4mxgJaAbR5w/s320/ginger+zee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-74847026693814784112016-03-18T09:52:00.000-04:002016-03-18T09:52:27.574-04:00NCTM - Philly!I'm so excited! I was accepted to present at NCTM in Philadephia, October 31 - November 2! My topic is using the Frayer Model to help increase Algebra and Geometry understanding. It is just a burst session but what a great way to start! <br />
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I love my Frayer Model! I use it ALOT in my Algebra 2 classes and I think I would use it daily if I taught Geometry! This has transformed the way I introduce new topics to my classes and how I explain vocabulary. It is such a simple graphic organizer but can be used in so many different ways! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCCBjyb1s-RP-DG9w7PfIsf02olxslqkJ0lqeofXb9ojqDl9AlpvDCQ6FDnrhq1QZYPg0hFD9I_5t3BSqiJ151LzpUMz-kcLpKEPu8NP2hhI7RTt6XbopHdaZuxtiMPNJY8pmVzbZmGw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-02-09+at+1.45.19+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCCBjyb1s-RP-DG9w7PfIsf02olxslqkJ0lqeofXb9ojqDl9AlpvDCQ6FDnrhq1QZYPg0hFD9I_5t3BSqiJ151LzpUMz-kcLpKEPu8NP2hhI7RTt6XbopHdaZuxtiMPNJY8pmVzbZmGw/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-02-09+at+1.45.19+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Look back to my post on Introducing Quadratics for a specific example. Click <a href="http://iteachmath123.blogspot.com/2016/02/intro-to-quadratics-frayer-style.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-11972911460972049972016-02-11T14:07:00.002-05:002016-02-11T14:07:34.245-05:00Intro to ThisGraphing Quadratics FoldableI have a few favorite designs for foldables. I love a door foldable and I love a tabbed foldable. Both of these are just great ways to organize multiple pieces of information about one topic. For my foldable on graphing quadratics, I used a 3-door foldable, but had the doors fold down. I left a little area at the top for a title, so that they don't fold the paper directly in half. By this time of the school year, my students are so used to my foldables, I don't even have to tell them what to do! :) <br />
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I use this foldable in conjunction with my Frayer model for quadratics. It usually take 2 days to cover this with my regular class of Algebra 2 but I can do it in one day with my CPAlgebra 2. This is just the overview and then I do an additional day for graphing using the intercept/vertex methods. Next year I want to add in a lesson on teachers.desmos.com to help support the graphing portion. I will probably do it as a review for this year though. If I do, I'll blog it. :)<br />
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In the picture below, I define parabola as the shape of a quadratic but when I taught it, I didn't like it and changed it to the graph of a quadratic....which do you think is preferable? <br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-3146180736861921422016-02-10T10:52:00.001-05:002016-02-10T10:52:15.499-05:00Intro to Quadratics - frayer style<br />
For me, my entire notebook is becoming all about the Frayer model. I absolutely love it! I find it is the best way to explain what things are because you can compare them to what they aren't. I might have a slight addiction to them but that is just because they are just so darned easy to use!<br />
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So using one to explain Quadratic equations was easy for me to do. What a great way to show examples of equations and graphs, and non-examples. And it even helped start the students thinking about the similarities of the quadratic equation and the absolute value function! The minute I drew it as a non-example, they started asking questions. Don't you love when that happens? :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsaMB8fQHnNXBvpkFnV-NYCdDIOGHz97EwKj5RdQVbT8nZOteEZdGOoZqATqYfOK0nHJP9D1gx0f-sbwav4FarHRe-JidriUD3B3D69wftbJ_Y_NmZjI2a4y2vB23vbkkfMraTSGoe2E/s1600/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsaMB8fQHnNXBvpkFnV-NYCdDIOGHz97EwKj5RdQVbT8nZOteEZdGOoZqATqYfOK0nHJP9D1gx0f-sbwav4FarHRe-JidriUD3B3D69wftbJ_Y_NmZjI2a4y2vB23vbkkfMraTSGoe2E/s640/FullSizeRender+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-66756124312074085002016-02-09T13:21:00.003-05:002016-02-09T13:21:52.184-05:00Exponent rules Grudge GameExponent rules.....teaching them is another necessary evil. I LOVE solving problems with exponent rules! They are like a puzzle to me. But my students hate them. They don't "get" them, they say they don't know where to start. And now I have a structured study hall, where I help the students with their classwork...and the students in there hate them too! Every year students come to me in Algebra 2 and they don't remember the rules. But we use them so much in Algebra 2 that they really need to learn them. I figure it is like learning the grammar rules for writing. Something you need to know in order to do the next thing. So in the spirit of "if it isn't working, change it", I decided to change up my teaching. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuJw_HXAiBqSuTr2aO80q4O4RqqseHZFepq2N2t0O-r85LUQsFEO5DkuSZpDiYizlcK8OdGzXqXwBJJSG8K0aLaze6B12W6FZOfP9mUFb8dZl13lHt5NNWFb8TydVY8YTkRj4U_ONFPI/s1600/IMG_3756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuJw_HXAiBqSuTr2aO80q4O4RqqseHZFepq2N2t0O-r85LUQsFEO5DkuSZpDiYizlcK8OdGzXqXwBJJSG8K0aLaze6B12W6FZOfP9mUFb8dZl13lHt5NNWFb8TydVY8YTkRj4U_ONFPI/s320/IMG_3756.JPG" width="240" /></a>So this year when I taught exponent rules to my classes, I used the Grudge game to introduce them, adapted from Nathan Kraft's Blogpost. Click <a href="http://nathankraft.blogspot.com/2013/05/i-shall-never-play-review-game-again.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see his original post. I did this on Day 1 and I absolutely loved it! The kids were engaged and competitive and they did great! They even showed they remembered some exponent rules from Algebra 1. I usually don't like games in my classroom but this one was fantastic! All the kids participated. I did bribe them a bit with candy, but hey, you gotta do what works right? End of day 1 was FANTASTIC! This is going to be great!<br />
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Here is the PowerPoint (<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/eebcmruhvo14arl/exponent%20grudge%20game.pptx?dl=0" target="_blank">Dropbox</a>) I used to play the game. Feel free to change it. But at least it gives you a place to start. :) The image to the right shows the rules I used to help me remember how to play it for future use. I love this game so much, I can't wait to try it again. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwQsgOnYqoGxqc6-tTG_lWUkirXRmz2Ve-1dkQfzpiHLHwhf2cg9ADfKP3je9HSnL0YZu9WVPP9p-6My02NwjdnOtJFmdxWtSL94UuUsKo86gHDCNF4TLXdHNjyoLWdlzbvqdrGlvfno/s1600/IMG_3757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwQsgOnYqoGxqc6-tTG_lWUkirXRmz2Ve-1dkQfzpiHLHwhf2cg9ADfKP3je9HSnL0YZu9WVPP9p-6My02NwjdnOtJFmdxWtSL94UuUsKo86gHDCNF4TLXdHNjyoLWdlzbvqdrGlvfno/s320/IMG_3757.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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So continuing with the need for a change, I also changed the exponent foldable I usually use to a book of exponents, modeled after Sarah Hagan's from <a href="http://mathequalslove.blogspot.com/2013/10/ms-hagans-book-of-exponent-rules.html" target="_blank">Math = Love.</a> I liked the way she laid it out and hoped that it would work better than then one I used last year. Although I love the book, and the layout, I'm not entirely sure it was better than the one I used previously. My students still struggle with the rules and the test they took showed they still have gaps of understanding. (I gave the test before Christmas so my post is a little out of date. ;) )<br />
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So back to the drawing board for next year and for reassessing. But I am keeping the game. I think that was the perfect introduction to exponent rules for Algebra 2. However, I need to rethink the rest of it. <br />
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Feel free to share your success with exponent rules with me and others! :)<br />
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Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-55545867408731471402016-01-29T11:09:00.000-05:002016-01-29T11:09:00.097-05:00Factoring a >1....Factoring a > 1......is there really any easy way to teach this??? I rank it with long division....a necessary topic to teach in Algebra 2, but no real easy way to teach it. :)<br />
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In previous years, I taught the guess and check method. That is the same way I was taught in high school and it works. But teaching it is so painful. Some students get it right away....others never get it. In the past, once I taught factor by grouping, I would go back and reteach factoring a > 1 using factor by grouping and would seem to get a few more students factoring this way. <br />
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This year I decided to try something different and I taught my students the box method using a factor T. I gave this graphic organizer to them to get them started. I provided a link to dropbox below if you would like to download it for free.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjguYt_UAMcw6GBtlBfqqPxxorumqYNT55KuodS_uey8xA1ExzS_hADgoqBdj5efnczxxdVl7JR-vMeiifqYsWLCb_jJiA-FpZrmk3VK3GSjOCjWtv2l-wihke-OgD1j-59QFFDsZYM-E/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-26+at+12.50.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjguYt_UAMcw6GBtlBfqqPxxorumqYNT55KuodS_uey8xA1ExzS_hADgoqBdj5efnczxxdVl7JR-vMeiifqYsWLCb_jJiA-FpZrmk3VK3GSjOCjWtv2l-wihke-OgD1j-59QFFDsZYM-E/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-01-26+at+12.50.49+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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In this method students multiply the "a" and "c" parts of the trinomial,
find the factors, and look for the pair that makes the "b". Then they
place the terms in the box, using this design:<br />
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They then find the GCF of each row/column and voila....they have two binomials! It is easy enough to do and most of the students understood it. I picked this method because it works every time but as I didn't teach the guess and check method first, my students did not appreciate the efficiency of this method. It also makes finding a prime trinomial easier as well.<br />
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Here is an example I wrote out....I tried to write it out in steps but I did not write out explanations...on a student paper you would only need a box and a factor T.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lViQ50DYeR8lLBx1TClJvepPzhkZ0cMlfuizHTojMCaYhBT12hmn5y3ReVvK8dQQnrADlGXm-Wb3Hz_iIk1ys2JnvUnbI9QdHliEzKB16ozVIc9mmtdrNiGp2_Ne4Xq75BG_ssiW-Y4/s1600/factor+box+method+example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lViQ50DYeR8lLBx1TClJvepPzhkZ0cMlfuizHTojMCaYhBT12hmn5y3ReVvK8dQQnrADlGXm-Wb3Hz_iIk1ys2JnvUnbI9QdHliEzKB16ozVIc9mmtdrNiGp2_Ne4Xq75BG_ssiW-Y4/s640/factor+box+method+example.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My reflection: Next time I will teach guess and check first as it is still the method I prefer first and then teach the box method as an alternate. I'm also not sold on whether it is better than teaching to factor using the grouping method. Which way do you prefer?<br />
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Get the file <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/lckvqt4jsyjx5sn/factor%20box.png?dl=0" target="_blank">HERE</a> for the factor box. <br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-47573689751255487732016-01-04T10:10:00.001-05:002016-01-04T10:10:08.701-05:00Hopeful Participant of the 2016 #MTBoS Blogging Initiative<div style="color: #444444; direction: ltr; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0 0 1em;">
<span style="font-weight: 400;">I, Suzanne Milkowich, resolve to blog in 2016 in order to open my classroom up
and share my thoughts with other teachers. I hope to accomplish this
goal by participating in the </span><a href="https://exploremtbos.wordpress.com/2016/01/03/kicking-off-the-2016-blogging-initiative/" style="color: #2585b2; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">January Blogging Initiation</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> hosted by</span><a href="https://exploremtbos.wordpress.com/" style="color: #2585b2; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Explore MTBoS</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">You,
too, could join in on this exciting adventure. All you have to do is
dust off your blog and get ready for the first prompt to arrive <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_953464760" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">January 10th</span></span>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;"> (Copied from <a href="https://hermathness.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/proud-participant-of-the-2016-mtbos-blogging-initiative/" target="_blank">Her Mathness</a>....Wendy Menard) </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 400;">This said.....writing is my weakness. So let's just hope for the best! :)</span></div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-62786531180347440742015-12-05T12:43:00.000-05:002015-12-05T12:45:41.557-05:0012 days of Goodness/Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXSWnMRncb9EFWnaALx2kLrL2IzRp0w_BI0ti7hy53yaRg-SOEzq4GX6cVTJnk8lmL1M4pdKREuzprgX20BIvf_h9yI0o8G_HJsDOXWVxQxHifq7ZC5Xhg7HG3aPyptKvLOwqtSfFoH4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-05+at+11.34.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXSWnMRncb9EFWnaALx2kLrL2IzRp0w_BI0ti7hy53yaRg-SOEzq4GX6cVTJnk8lmL1M4pdKREuzprgX20BIvf_h9yI0o8G_HJsDOXWVxQxHifq7ZC5Xhg7HG3aPyptKvLOwqtSfFoH4/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-12-05+at+11.34.15+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. I love the food, the family, the entire experience. I even love prepping for Black Friday shopping. My family loves Christmas. The kids love the time we spend with family, singing Happy Birthday to Jesus and of course, the presents. This year there are so many bad things happening in the world. The news is filled with shootings, fires, and terrorism. And let's not forget all the political name-calling and nonsense. Frankly, it is depressing.<br />
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I read Facebook for the fun. I hate that it is often filled with the negative news items. I look to the TV and news websites for that stuff but I go to Facebook for relaxation. So what I would like to do is start a new holiday trend. We need to bring some goodness and happiness back to the world to combat the sadness and badness. I want to hear about the good in everyone's lives. I want to hear about the happiness and the love. <br />
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So I challenge everyone around the world to participate in the 12 days of Christmas. I challenge you to post something you love every day on Facebook or your blog. I also challenge you to do a Random Act of Kindness or an RAK. It can be something as simple as holding the door for someone or something as thoughtful as buying coffee for someone. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, you can participate anyone and call it the 12 days of Goodness. We need to bring Goodness back to this world. We don't pray in schools anymore but maybe, just maybe, if we start to spread good will, we will start to hear about it as well. And maybe we can change the world.<br />
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And why wait until 12/13 to start. Do it today. You won't regret it. <br />
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signed, hopefully optimistic<br />
#12daysofGoodness <br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-85254810868848750152015-12-04T10:50:00.001-05:002015-12-04T10:50:47.466-05:00Every person is smart......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQx76yArT1gXEYpPSoxL3s39oqZJpDoD5MYUosu1_yeRb290p6SEjOsHT4sFmPLhM9o4jrWvN55Gzt947yEo8Lf5jsGR5DqbRipf-yoEUK_ALubHOYBI1YBrk-coEJos6-deId9_kRGY/s1600/multiple-intelligences.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQx76yArT1gXEYpPSoxL3s39oqZJpDoD5MYUosu1_yeRb290p6SEjOsHT4sFmPLhM9o4jrWvN55Gzt947yEo8Lf5jsGR5DqbRipf-yoEUK_ALubHOYBI1YBrk-coEJos6-deId9_kRGY/s320/multiple-intelligences.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Every person is smart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
truly believe that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> What makes us unique is "how we are smart". What makes our world go round is the fact that we are all intelligent in different ways. Do you ever wonder how in the world your mechanic can take a car apart and put it back together? Or why someone's cookies always taste better than yours? It's because they have a level of intelligence that you don't possess. (Frankly, I don't either. </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I'm lucky I haven't burned my house down baking.....but that is a story for another blogpost.)</span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Most people think I
am smart because I have a degree in math. But frankly, I'm no smarter than anyone else. I
just like numbers. They make sense to me. But ask me to write a paper
and I am at a loss as to where to start. The reason I blog so little is
that writing my thoughts down is just too hard sometimes. But I don't
think that makes me stupid either. It is just not my strength. And
that's ok. </span><br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I am a firm believer in </span>Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. I first learned of him in graduate school but I have to say he is the one Philosophy of Education that I have fully embraced. You can see in the image above the different intelligences that he has identified and he believes there are more. If you are curious about which one is yours, you can go <a href="http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-assessment" target="_blank">HERE</a> to take a short assessment. I'm not sure how reliable the test is but I consider myself Logical-Mathematical and as a teacher I think I have good interpersonal skills so these results are pretty accurate for me. My linguistic is my lowest and that may explain my aversion to writing. :) Try the test and see where you are smart!<br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-37540061538346424592015-12-03T11:23:00.000-05:002015-12-03T11:23:05.372-05:00my kids....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu78g_Oh_dxi62ECvEhYZBN_L5ZFH2UC_HAaSlTp7BVIxIUlWMG6M_9pGbjV3rrG9fA7X9Y_EovWRH_nk83lMWMfrS_E11k840iBOED_E4RXvDPUVxsczjs755YdLHZz1YBqQcj7Q95sw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-03+at+8.30.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu78g_Oh_dxi62ECvEhYZBN_L5ZFH2UC_HAaSlTp7BVIxIUlWMG6M_9pGbjV3rrG9fA7X9Y_EovWRH_nk83lMWMfrS_E11k840iBOED_E4RXvDPUVxsczjs755YdLHZz1YBqQcj7Q95sw/s320/Screen+Shot+2015-12-03+at+8.30.26+AM.png" width="319" /></a></div>
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I love this quote because it is so true and I think most teachers would agree with me. I am a mom and a mathematics teacher. Between both of these "jobs", I have between 83 - 103 kids. This number changes with each new school year. I may have only given birth to three of those kids but for 9 months I feel like I have closer to 100. I care about these kids. They matter. Every year I meet a new group and every year they make an impact on me. I get to know them. What they like/don't like....which is usually math, but I don't hold it against them. :) By the end of the year, they know what I like and don't like as well. I don't like Minecraft so I hope they don't hold that against me. LOL! <br />
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So if you hear me say "my kids", you may need to ask me to clarify....do I mean my three red-heads, or do I mean my students? Because often in my mind, they are all the same. <br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-86234761168439197112015-11-17T20:28:00.000-05:002015-11-17T20:28:02.254-05:00Introducing Systems of EquationsEvery year I attend NCTM and every year I come home excited to try new things. This year was no different. I am willing to try new things in my classroom, but sometimes just the planning time is overwhelming with all of the other duties we have. <br />
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This week I am teaching systems of equations to my Algebra 2 classes. So I went to the internet for inspiration on introducing the topic....something along the lines of Dan Myer's Three Acts. In my search, I stumbled upon his Makeover Internet Plan blog post. You can find it <a href="http://blog.mrmeyer.com/2013/makeover-internet-plans/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. He took a textbook internet cafe word problem and changed it to choosing between gym membership plans.<br />
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I did just a bit of tweaking to help it match my teaching style but I really liked the way my intro went with my students. I especially liked putting their choices on the board as a graph for them to see the turn over point for the plans. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5YQGLCxfoqfUQwaArQqMZKGX2lDRrYMvIL23wbG65GlFLl1RIX112nrXd45hboJz3XKhhtCq8e4Ztl48WR0sIadjmYighV2JgIb300e4WnBfeh2zKi5CwT0KP5LPsonT5ZXA_m315Sc/s1600/IMG_2859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5YQGLCxfoqfUQwaArQqMZKGX2lDRrYMvIL23wbG65GlFLl1RIX112nrXd45hboJz3XKhhtCq8e4Ztl48WR0sIadjmYighV2JgIb300e4WnBfeh2zKi5CwT0KP5LPsonT5ZXA_m315Sc/s320/IMG_2859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My students were more engaged and were able to see how linear lines
could help in business planning. (I also teach business math so I often
make my "where will I use this" a little more business oriented.)
They were easily able to write the equations of the lines then and
engaged in some great discussions about the three plans, why they never
intersected, etc. Desmos.com was a great aid for showing why the change
occurs.<br />
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I liked the idea so much that I then followed it up with using Beth Ferguson's makeover for independent practice for my students. (Go <a href="http://algebrasfriend.blogspot.com/2013/07/makeovermonday-week-4-internet-cafes.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.) Although my students picked up the gist of the math, they have some work to do on their letter writing. ;)<br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-30022709263079425992015-03-12T08:18:00.000-04:002015-03-12T08:18:21.910-04:00Algebra 2 INB - Complex Numbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Complex Numbers</div>
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I love teaching Quadratic Equations. I think it may be my most favorite unit to teach all year. I'm not sure the kids always enjoy it but I sure do. :) I am a terrible blogger. I do lots of things in my classes that I'd like to write about but never seem to take the time. (Kids are taking a test right now!)</div>
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I teach both a college prep (honors) class and a regular class. I sometimes do things differently with the regular as I've had time to "tweak" my lesson before I get there with them.</div>
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This is the foldable I created to help me teach Complex Numbers to my regular Algebra classes. I use ALOT of frayer models in my class. I've found it is a great way to show students what something is or isn't....HOWEVER....A frayer model isn't just for vocab anymore! This was the way I decided to have my students organize their notes for Complex Numbers. So far, I'm liking the way it is going. </div>
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I made this on a full piece of paper and we will fold it to make it fit in our book. You can fold it in half, or in quarters to have it open up. </div>
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If you like it and can see a use for it in your class....go <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Complex-Number-Graphic-Organizer-1757965" target="_blank">HERE</a> to download it for free.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCxi7xxPvAUTWR-PPp5Rc748rxXzerIFhhtkvjFGRGy56ooWrQux8dpgYyZRAIuyzUWwtwVtHKswPvLBCepiB-mLKpVcNh2eK5ejnLOfzrxldSYuhcmsBrbdFFKchtpJyr6E1-m-oq7w/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></div>
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8480489276472498117.post-28639049115572058112013-11-20T11:54:00.003-05:002013-11-20T11:54:32.313-05:00Trigonometry INBSo it has been A LONG time since I posted on this blog. Almost every day I think of things I would love to write about but just don't have the time to sit down and do it. <br />
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Today though, I thought I would start my posts about my Trigonometry INB. I don't know that I do an INB in the way in which it is fully theorized to be, but I LOVE the way I do it and it works for me and my classes. :) <br />
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Today I was teaching an application of radian measure - Length of a chord, to my trigonometry class. When I drew in the central angle for the chord, one of my students loudly asked, "WHY does EVERYTHING come back to triangles??" Another student replied, "Because a triangle is the perfect shape. " In the true manner of a teachable moment, I felt the need to explain why I agree that a triangle is a perfect, useful, shape......but in a fun, hands on way!<br />
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I pulled out a pipe cleaner and a straw from my closet (I realize most math classrooms don't have these items hanging around, but I am called the "mathbooker" here are school so I have LOTS of craft items in my closet. :) )<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85OILEtuaFeaK0_6LtEEBBhyYMT6mkOEE6mhwqnpAfmNstyZVY70mNDmvO7dIaj_MFrANO8XeYP1EFQXzH8Je2qRf1aMkcn_rgOMAuYstN7ZMHESqUD902WDpqpRTS-ZU-5W3BNHJ8cQ/s1600/craft+closet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85OILEtuaFeaK0_6LtEEBBhyYMT6mkOEE6mhwqnpAfmNstyZVY70mNDmvO7dIaj_MFrANO8XeYP1EFQXzH8Je2qRf1aMkcn_rgOMAuYstN7ZMHESqUD902WDpqpRTS-ZU-5W3BNHJ8cQ/s1600/craft+closet.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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You cut the straw into three pieces that would form a triangle, (this is a great time to remind students that not all three lengths will necessary make a triangle either). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsfcof4gJC5gxuL7QieOBVVf65zbJjIr7kc2uQjL4P8VAvQ8ogrZ14kE_sCYaT5kOtui6MbXBTWjopnS-BK1lzaBjkshKXxIIhDWbokCDqjV8pEpNKar-BAZjOvS9mILnJ1q2kOhxkhs/s1600/cut+up+straws.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsfcof4gJC5gxuL7QieOBVVf65zbJjIr7kc2uQjL4P8VAvQ8ogrZ14kE_sCYaT5kOtui6MbXBTWjopnS-BK1lzaBjkshKXxIIhDWbokCDqjV8pEpNKar-BAZjOvS9mILnJ1q2kOhxkhs/s1600/cut+up+straws.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Put the pieces of the straw on the pipe cleaner. <br />
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Form the triangle. Twist the pipe cleaner ends together and cut off the excess.<br />
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I also do this again, but I cut the straw into 4 pieces to make a quadrilateral. <br />
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We then compared the strength of the shapes. It took a lot of pressure to get the triangle to bend. And it didn't bend at the vertices, it bent on a side b/c the straw gave way. <br />
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Since this was a trig class and not geometry, we had a GREAT discussion about the uses of triangles, and why they are used for support on bridges, etc. <br />
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Going back to my INB....I have a student who is a little crafty (she loves the INB), and proceeded to use her triangle to form the angle in her arc for her lesson on chords. How creative was she? Of course, I took a picture, and I now know that this is going into my own personal INB for next year and maybe I can lead the discussion to get the students to ask these questions again. :)<br />
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Just thought I'd share! :) I'll try to get more pics of my INB's up soon. <br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11261939860918850710noreply@blogger.com1