A Long Time Coming.....

Well it's finally finished.... it took a lot more work that anticipated, so I really hope it blesses some of you...LOL.... 

I have finished gathering, putting together, checking, making answer keys, re-checking, uploading, and scanning the math lab book into a digital file that is easy to download!

 

 

In this little digital book, you will find 19 originally created math labs, 3 math lab booklets (print and fold them to make a cute little booklet for your students), and 4 projects. Answer keys for every assignment is also included.

I've scanned the book so that it is a PDF file which will be easy for download, copying, and viewing whether you are on a PC or a mac. It is a total of 64 MB, and 130 pages...Lots of manipulative resources available for you to use in your classroom. :)

Here are a few sample images for your viewing enticement:

  - ($30) - preferred method of payment :)  You will receive a digital download link from Adobe SendNow to either print or save directly to your computer once payment clears

M&M's and Stats {project}

Every year I rotate what major projects I am going to do in my classroom. Partly because I get boared teaching the same thing every year and want to spice it up, partly because I have a lot of siblings and don't want them all to have expectations, and also partly because in the five years I've taught at Legacy, I've had the privelage of teaching everything from 5th graders to 10th graders. One year I taught math all day long 5th - 8th grade. So naturally, my projects have to be adjusted for the appropriate age-level.

Well, this year, I am doing a project I did my 2nd year teaching and have tweaked it a little to fit my liking this year. It's a great project to demonstrate during data and statistical analysis. I just assigned this project at the beginning of chapter 9 and explain that it's not due until the end of chapter 9, which means I expect wonderful, accurate graphs and work. My students don't disappoint either :) You can download the project at the end of the post.

Project Description:
Investigate through data collecting the color distribution of M&M's or Skittles candy. then evaluate claims made from respective companies of color distribution based on analyzing through various charts and graphs.

Project Timeline: 1 chapter (3 weeks) - I have this due the day before the test and have one project workday incorperated into my lesson plans half way through to check progress and guide and graphing mistakes/errors/confusion.

Pictures: close ups of the various elements on the poster.

pie chart of color breakdown by percentages

Pictograph

Bar Graph

Download the Project PDF for $1 here:

I hope you have a great time doing this project as well as I did!

Scavenger Hunt Revisited {Review Game}

I had posted this once before, but thought it needed a "repost" with some different pictures :)
{Link to original post}
**excuse the crumby photos, I had forgotten my camera and took them with my old phone!**

Time Period:
1 class period (60 or 90 mins) - you can adjust the length according to your plans. More cards = more time,

Materials:

• Index Cards (1 for each question you plan on covering) - I usually do 20 for an hour's time

Procedure:

1. Decide on how many questions you are wanting to use. I say anywhere between 15 and 20 questions is good for an hour's worth of time. This is a great time to add in that spiral review too!
2. BEFORE class, write a numerical sequence that is OUT OF ORDER. This is your "key" to know if the students have solved the questions correctly. Make sure your last number and your first number are the same. (This allows you to start your groups out at different places and always end up back where they started!)

3. Take the first number on your list (In my case, 7) and your first index card. Write in the upper left hand corner "card ____" . In the upper right hand corner write A: (but leave it blank for now. This is where the answer for the last card on your list will go. In my case, it would be card #13) In the middle of your card write the problem you wish your students to solve. Here's an example of a completed card:



This is card #10 which has the answer to card #19 on it. The answer to this is on card #25.

4. On the next card, repeat; only label it with the next card in your sequence. Place the answer to the previous card in the answer spot and come up with a new question. Repeat until all your cards and questions are used up.
   *Note: I do not put word problem labels on purpose because I want students to actually solve it, not just look for the label.
5. Before class, place your index cards all over the room - we're talking on the backs of chairs, doors, tables, on walls, where ever! It really gets my students to LOOK too and become more observant! Be sure not to place them in order too. You want them not walking in a circle b/c they will catch on.

6. Put students into groups and give each member a job. I assign the following jobs: Scout (the one that goes looking for the next card), Task Master (the one that solves the problems), Checkmate (the one that double checks the work of the Task Master), and the Record Keeper (the one that writes down the sequence of the cards)

7. Assign each group a starting point. Since the sequence makes a loop, it doesn't matter where you start, you'll know you're finished bc your last card will lead you back to where you started!
   
   
   
8. The first team that finishes with the correct sequence gets 5 points extra credit and a "small but fabulous prize". Each team that finishes after them also will get a "small but fabulous prize", but no extra credit.

Have a great "Scavenger Hunt" and leave a comment on how you enjoyed this in your classroom! :)