Oh, to be a teacher in December. There’s so much joy and laughter and excitement! Admittedly, all that joy and excitement is probably *not* about math, but it is contagious nonetheless. So when you find yourself struggling to keep students on task, making sense of math problems in a way that is productive, but hopefully still fun, try weaving in some meaningful context. This set of fraction word problems involves various “Christmas Tasks” that students can probably relate to. As they make sense of each problem, encourage them to draw pictures or models to show what’s happening and help them solve it. And celebrate their effort as they solve challenging problems even though their minds are likely elsewhere!

Fraction Division: Whole Numbers & Unit Fractions

Each word problem in this set involves division with whole numbers and unit fractions.

Rather than telling students that upfront, or requiring that they write a division equation, simply ask them to solve the problems and then ask if their answer “makes sense.”

If they’re stuck, one of my favorite models for these situations is a bar model.

Using a bar model to represent the whole, students can reason through splitting it into parts, determining how many are in each part and then use that information to answer the question.

Once students have an answer, you might look for an equation to fit the situation. Students might write it with division, or they might find the corresponding multiplication equation.

This is a great way to discuss the relationship between multiplication and division and remind students that they form ‘fact families’ even if one of the numbers is a fraction.

You might even write all the equations for the fact family to really help students see the inverse relationship.

How to Use the Christmas Fraction Word Problems:

This download includes 8 half-page task cards and a student recording sheet.

I recommend printing the task cards on card stock paper and laminating for durability.

If you’d like to use these as a math center, you can print one set of task cards to use again and again.

Another idea is to hang each card around the room or lay them on tables around the room and let students rotate to different problems. You would still only need to print one set of task cards. (You may want to give students a clipboard for their recording sheet if they will be moving around the room).

If you’d like to put students into small groups to work together, you’ll want to print a set of task cards for each group.

However you plan to use the task cards, you will then want to print a recording page for each student. This way they have room to draw pictures or models, show their thinking and record their final solution for each word problem.

Once you have the task cards prepped and recording sheets printed, you are all set!

Included in the Christmas Task Cards Download:

• 8 half-page task cards with Christmas-themed fraction division word problems
• Student recording page for work/answers
• Answer key

I hope this is a useful resource as we head into those challenging days before Christmas break!

Love the idea of fun, seasonal activities for your students? This activity is part of the 5th grade Christmas Math bundle inside my membership, Math Geek Mama+.

Inside Math Geek Mama+ you will find dozens of seasonal math activities, puzzles and games, along with hundreds of other resources you can use to help students practice & make sense of math all year long.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE.

Ready to grab the Christmas fraction task cards? Just use the link below to grab them FREE in my shop!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Christmas Fraction Word Problem Task Card Activity!}

Looking for more Christmas-themed resources for 5th or 6th grade? Try one of these:

• 2-3 Digit Multiplication Christmas Scavenger Hunt
• Christmas Printable Fraction Board Game
• Christmas Math Logic Puzzles for Kids {FREE!}

The post Christmas Tasks: Division with Unit Fractions & Whole Numbers appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

It never fails. Just when I feel students are confident graphing linear equations and have a clear understanding of how the table relates to the graph and the equation relates to slope and y-intercept, they freeze. At least one student will stare at the paper as if they’ve never seen a table or graph in their life. Then they’ll look at me like, “How in the world am I supposed to know what a slope is?!” Sigh.

If you occasionally get that “deer in headlights” look from students when they need to graph a linear equation, I hope you’ll enjoy this set of puzzles. Though they do require a little prep up front, you can keep them on hand for an easy math center or math station whenever you feel students need a ‘refresher.’

Graph Linear Equations Puzzles: Prep-Work

To begin, I recommend you print all 16 puzzles on card stock paper for durability.

NOTE: The first 8 puzzles include equations written in slope-intercept form. The last 8 puzzles can either be easily re-written in slope-intercept or they are written in standard form.

If your students are not ready for the more challenging equations yet, you can print the first 8 puzzles only.

Once printed, laminate the puzzles so you can use them again and again, then cut out the pieces of each puzzle. There are 3 pieces for each puzzle (an equation, a table and a graph).

Once all pieces and puzzles are cut out, mix them up really well and share with students!

Plus, to make checking the solutions super easy for you (or students!), a single page ‘quick check’ answer key is included of all 16 puzzles.

Print this page as well if you’d like to use it for a quick scan of their matches.

Ideas for Using the Linear Equation Puzzles in Class:

• Math Center: If you have regular math center or stations in your class, this makes a great center option.
• Choice Board: If you provide students with a choice board, you could include the puzzles as a choice board option.
• Small Groups: If you would like all students in the class to work on the puzzles together, you can create 3-4 sets of puzzles and they let students work in small groups to match the pieces and discuss together.
• Bulletin Board Display: Lastly, you can print the puzzles on plain white paper, cut out the pieces and scatter the tables/graphs around the room. Give each student (or pair of students) an equation and let them ‘hunt’ for the matching table and graph. Once you confirm they have a matching puzzle set, they can glue the completed puzzle onto construction paper to hang on a bulletin board or around your classroom.

If you’re looking for resources to teach & explore linear functions, check out Math Geek Mama+, our ad-free option that includes inquiry lessons, games, digital activities & more to help students make sense of algebra topics like this one.

Plus, you’ll find more engaging and easy to use math center ideas like this one!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE

Ideas for Class Discussion of the Graphing Equations Puzzles:

The goal of this activity is to help students see the connections between an equation, a table and the graph of the equation. So ideally, this activity doesn’t end when students complete the puzzles. If possible, give time for students to share their thinking & strategies for finding matches.

Here are some additional discussion question ideas:

• Where do you see the intercepts in the table? On the graph?
• What is the slope? Where do you see the slope in the table? In the equation? On the graph?
• Would you say the graph is increasing or decreasing? Why?
• What does it mean to be a solution of the equation? Where do you see solutions in the table? On the graph?

Although this seems like a very simple activity, my hope is that it’s a springboard for meaning math conversations, connections and ‘light bulb’ moments for students.

Ready to grab this freebie for your classroom? Use the link below to head to my shop where you can get it free.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Graph Linear Equations Puzzles Set!}

Looking for more ideas for teaching & exploring linear functions? Check out these:

• Graph Linear Equations: Cut & Paste Pages
• Solve Equations Error Analysis – DIGITAL
• Silly Christmas Riddles: Solve Linear Equations

The post {FREE} Graph Linear Equations Puzzles: Match Equation, Table & Graph appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

What is a ratio? How does it differ from a fraction? Introducing and teaching ratios can be a challenging topic for students to wrap their mind around because it looks like something familiar (fractions) but it’s actually different. Making sense of ratios and proportions takes a lot of exploration & practice and especially looking at problems in context. This set of camping ratio tasks is a good way to have conversations about ratios in real life and how we can use ratios & proportions to solve problems.

Once you’ve completed your chapter or unit on ratios, this ratios task cards review game is a great way to put all their knowledge together and review lots of ratio skills at once.

This free task card activity includes 24 ratios & unit rate task cards. But there’s a twist that makes this more fun than your average task cards set!

Ratios Task Cards Review Game: Skills Covered

Here’s a quick list of ratios related skills students will practice with this task card set.

• Writing ratios
• Equivalent ratios
• Ratios & unit rate word problems

Prep Required for the Ratios Task Cards

To get this ready for your students, start by printing the 24 task cards (4 per page) on card stock paper and print the student recording page (2 per page).

If possible, laminate the task cards for durability.

Cut out all the cards and cut the student answer pages in half.

Then hang the task cards around the room, scatter them on different tables or lay them out on the floor. The key is to put them various places so students are up and moving as they solve the problems!

And that’s it! Now your students are ready for the ratios and unit rate review game.

How to Play the Task Cards Breakout Game

This game is like a combination of a scavenger hunt and an escape room.

The goal is to be the first student who determines the 4-digit code by completing all the task card problems.

To begin, students determine the answer to one of the task card problems.

Each problem includes 4 gems, representing multiple choice answers. When they know the answer, they color in that gem (and record the question number) on their answer sheet.

Once they complete all 24 problems, they add up the total number of each type of gem to reveal the 4-digit code.

The first student to determine the 4-digit code wins!

If you enjoy this activity, become a Math Geek Mama+ member and gain access to the entire ad-free library of engaging games like this one, with hundreds of math games, digital practice, and low-prep review worksheets for grades 5-8!

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

Tips for Teachers

The post {FREE} Ratios Task Cards Review Game – 6th Grade – Printable appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

I used to be (and often still am) a very paper-and-pencil, hands-on tools kind of teacher. Partly because the thought of using online or digital activities was overwhelming for me–something new to learn?? Who has time for that!? And partly because I think there tends to be too much reliance on technology and thinking that it somehow provides a *magical solution* for students who struggle in math. The truth is there is no magical solution. Just good teaching from human teachers who put in the hard work, and from students who do the hard work to grow and learn.

But I have found that there can definitely still be benefits to online, digital activities and they can add another layer of fun and engagement for students. PLUS–they can be a huge time saver for the teacher! It’s a win-win situation! That’s the goal with this digital multiply decimals activity: to provide a fun practice challenge for students & a no-prep, self-checking time saver for teachers.

Mystery Maze: Digital Multiply Decimals Activity

This digital activity is designed for google sheets. In order to share it with students, you will make a copy for yourself in your google drive. Then you can share that with your students in Google Classroom.

This activity provides practice multiplying decimals to the tenths place.

To begin, students are given a mixed up maze. To rearrange the maze so they can find their way through, they must correctly evaluate each multiplication expression.

To start, they multiply each decimal expression to determine the solution. They then type the solution into the answer box to check it.

A correct solution will turn the box green and the pieces of the maze will move. An incorrect solution will turn the box red, indicating they need to try again.

Once all solutions are correct, students will be able to find their way through the maze to determine the secret 4-digit code.

The 4-digit code unlocks maze #2! (A second sheet will appear at the bottom of the google sheets page)

At that point, students can begin to work on maze 2 in the same way.

Use this as a simple, no-prep sub plans activity or as a review before a quiz or test.

If your students have access to devices and google classroom, I think they’ll love this unique digital challenge!

If you enjoy this activity, become a Math Geek Mama+ member and gain access to the entire library of engaging digital activities like this one, hundreds of math games and low-prep practice worksheets for grades 5-8!

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

Multiple Layers of Fun:

One thing I love about this activity is there are multiple layers to it. Students will likely be anxious to solve the maze. But since it’s all mixed up, there’s no way to find a path through the maze without completing the decimal multiplication practice!

But they aren’t simply trying to find a path through the maze. They also need to figure out the secret code as they move through the maze!

Once they have the secret code, they unlock a new maze. Then again, they can’t solve the maze without doing the math.

I hope this unique digital activity provides a fun challenge for your students, and also a bit of a break for you. There’s no prep, no grading, no stress! Enjoy!

Want to grab a copy of this digital multiply decimals activity to try with your students? Use the link below to grab it in my shop.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Digital Multiply Decimals Activity for Google Sheets!}

Looking for more digital activities? Try one of these:

• {FREE} Digital Pi Day Activity: Decimal Operations Word Problems
• Classifying 2D Figures: Digital Activity
• Decimals On a Number Line Digital Activity
• Order of Operations Error Analysis | DIGITAL Practice
• Match Equivalent Fractions Digital Game

The post {FREE} Multiply Decimals Mystery Maze: DIGITAL Activity appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

Once students are familiar and comfortable multiplying large whole numbers, it may seem like multiplying decimals will be a snap. After all, isn’t it basically the same thing, just with a decimal point? Although the standard algorithm is the same, there’s a lot more going on when dealing with decimal values and it’s important to build a conceptual understanding first rather than jumping into a procedure. This will help students avoid common mistakes and misconceptions when they begin using the standard algorithm (the “line it it and multiply” procedure).

Once students have a foundation and understand how decimal values relate to fractions or mixed numbers (including a “whole” and a “part”), they need lots of exposure and practice. And this multiply decimals scavenger hunt is perfect for giving them that extra practice!

Multiply Decimals: What’s Included

This free download includes everything you need for the whole class scavenger hunt, as well as some independent practice pages.

The focus is on multiplying whole numbers by tenths and multiplying tenths by tenths.

Here’s what’s included:

• 10 Scavenger Hunt problems (half-sheets)
• Student recording page to show work
• Answer key for the scavenger hunt
• Multiply whole numbers by tenths worksheet
• Multiply tenths by tenths worksheet
• Answer keys for both independent worksheets

Prep Needed for the Multiply Decimals Scavenger Hunt:

This decimals activity does require a little prep, but if you print on card stock paper and laminate, you can reuse it again and again with no prep.

To begin, print the “hunt” cards and cut them in half. There are 10 problems included on half-sheet pieces of paper.

Hang the question cards around your classroom in any order.

Then simply print a recording sheet for each student and you’re all set to begin.

How the Scavenger Hunt Works:

I like to put students in pairs so they can discuss and help each other as they make their way through the scavenger hunt, but that’s not necessary. They can also work independently if they prefer.

Either way, I give students a clip board so it’s easier to move about the room and show their thinking/solutions for each problem.

When they’re ready to start, they head to any problem they want and try to solve the decimal multiplication problem.

If you have a large class, you may want to assign students/pairs a starting question so they’re not all gathered around the same card at once.

Once students have a solution to the problem, they look for that solution on another card in the room.

When they find the solution, they then solve the decimal problem on THAT card, and search for the answer around the room.

They continue solving and hunting for the answer until they end up back where they started.

This will signal to them that they’ve correctly solved all the problems and are finished with the scavenger hunt!

If at anytime they can’t find a solution, or end up where they started without answering all the questions, they know they did something wrong and need to check their work.

If you enjoy this lesson, become a Math Geek Mama+ member and gain access to the entire library of engaging math lessons like this one, hundreds of math games and low-prep practice worksheets for grades 5-8!

Learn more about Math Geek Mama+ right HERE.

Get Kids Up and Moving:

I love using scavenger hunts on occasion because it is a break from the normal routine.

It gives kids a chance to get up, stretch and move about the room, talk math with their partner, and just do something different.

Plus, it is self-checking, allowing students to look for their own mistakes and make corrections, a valuable skill in math class.

And if your students are familiar with the basics of how these hunts work, you can do this every once in a while without having to explain a new procedure. You can even use these in your sub plans!

Independent Practice or Assessment Included:

Once students are finished with the hunt (or as a review before they begin), you may want to use the included worksheets as independent practice or assessment.

This scavenger hunt focuses on multiplying whole numbers by tenths and multiplying tenths by tenths.

As a quick review or assessment, two worksheets are included to cover these skills.

Use these as homework, graded classwork or extra review for kids who are still struggling with this skill.

Ready to try this out with your students? Use the link below to head to my shop and grab this activity for FREE.

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab the FREE Multiply Decimals Scavenger Hunt!}

Looking for more Decimal Operations Resources? Check out these ideas:

• {FREE} Multiply Decimals with Grids: Cut & Paste Set
• {FREE} Multiplying Decimals Word Problems Set
• How to Add Decimals: Simple Strategies & Tips
• Adding & Subtracting Decimals Partner Challenge {FREE!}
• Spin It! Multiplying Decimals Game for Kids {FREE}

The post Multiply Decimals Classroom Scavenger Hunt {FREE} appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

How do you introduce the idea of functions to middle school students? Most textbooks jump right to a definition such as “a relation in which each element of the domain is paired with exactly one element of the range.” What!? An 8th grade student (especially one who is apathetic towards math) is going to fall asleep hearing that. Rather than telling students math-y definitions, or even showing them lots of examples and talking at them, I prefer to give students problems and tasks that they can explore and discuss on their own. Then I can help clarify or clear up misconceptions as they needs arise.

Exploring functions is no different. So today I’m going to share a variety of tasks and ideas for helping students make sense of functions, function representations, & function rules so they are ready to focus on linear functions in particular.

5 Simple Student-Centered Ideas for Teaching Functions:

1. Relations Sorting Activity

One very simple warm-up idea is to give students a matching sort challenge.

This sort includes 8 different matching sets. Each set includes 3 different representations of functions, such as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, equations & descriptions.

The goal of this activity is to help students see that relations & functions can be represented in different ways. This is important because often students learn algebra in isolated pieces & never get the chance to connect the dots. My goal with this is to help them see that each representation is equivalent, and to show them how visual models (such as tables & graphs) relate to more abstract forms such as descriptions and equations.

Read all the details for how to use this functions sort with your students and grab the download FREE right here.

2. What is a Function: Vending Machine Model

If there is one math concept that I see students mix up more than anything, it is determining whether a relation is a function or not.

They understand that “something can’t repeat” and so they try to memorize (or they simply guess on those questions–since the answer is usually ‘yes’ or ‘no.’).

The problem is that this doesn’t give them a solid conceptual understanding of what makes a function unique. And thus, their attempt to memorize does no good.

Instead, I introduce functions using a vending machine analogy.

Let’s review what it means to be a function: every input has exactly one output.

When we think about what this means at a vending machine, it means that you cannot put $1 into the machine and get both a Sprite AND a Coke.

You can only get ONE drink with your dollar.

On the other hand, I can put in $1 and get a Coke, and then you can also put in $1 and get a Coke.

We can both purchase a Coke, because we are two different people, with two different dollars.

So how does this relate back to functions?

Well, what that looks like with ordered pairs is this: an x-value cannot have two different y-values. For example, you cannot have the points (3, 5) and (3, 7).

But you CAN have these two points: (3, 5) and (7, 5).

Once that basic understanding is laid, I look at what this means on the graph. What we see when an x-value has more than one y-value is that the points are on top of each other.

This leads to a discussion of the ‘vertical line test’ or the ‘pencil test’ that is often taught to help students determine functions.

Once they understand that a single $1 cannot give 2 different drinks, it’s easy to connect that with the visual on the graph, and then this ‘test’ becomes more meaningful as well (and more likely to be remembered).

A simple set of guided notes to introduce functions with the vending machine analogy is included in this Introduction to Functions resource.

3. What’s My Rule? Functions Game

Once students understand what a function is, I like to play this simple game as a warm-up to connect a function rule to the set of inputs and outputs.

This game can be played with 2-3 players and is such a fun challenge.

To begin, one player secretly chooses a function rule (described in words, such as “add 3”).

Then they only players choose inputs (or ‘start’ numbers) and the player with the rule gives them the output. After choosing a few inputs, players must try to determine what the general rule is.

The goal of this game is to help students make connections between a description and the inputs/outputs of a function, to look for patterns and to think about evaluating functions to create a table of values.

Although writing a function rule using algebra (or function notation) can feel intimidating for students, this game helps them see that it’s not as scary (or new & foreign) as they think.

It also allows for some great math discussions and really pushes their algebraic thinking as they try to find a pattern or rule that works for EVERY input in the table.

Learn more about how to play the function rules game and grab the FREE download in this article.

4. Compare Functions with Function Tables

Once students understand what functions are and how to interpret and write function rules, they begin creating tables to prepare for graphing functions.

In this simple math center game, students can work independently to practice evaluating and graphing functions, as well as comparing those that are linear to functions that are not linear.

But it also includes a simple partner game which allows students to compare functions with another student. This will help them to look more closely at equations and how inputs affect the outputs.

One goal of the partner challenge is also to help students think about what the graph of the function will look like without actually graphing it.

What do they notice about the points they generate? Do they seem to be increasing or decreasing? Will the graph be linear or non-linear? How can they tell?

These are the types of questions you can discuss with students as they create function tables and compare functions.

Grab this simple Function Tables Math Center (which also includes 2 sets of guided student notes) right HERE.

5. Functions Scavenger Hunt

Lastly, I want to share a resource that provides a fun review of all the skills discussed above. This classroom scavenger hunt allows students to work with a partner & get up and move as they practice creating tables, writing function rules and comparing linear v. non-linear functions.

This resource also includes 2 pages of additional functions practice, which you can assign independently. Each page includes ‘functions four ways,’ requiring students to represent a given function with 4 different representations.

This is to reinforce all that they’ve seen and learned about functions and to again help them see the relationships between different representations.

Use this as an extra in class assignment, as homework, extra credit or in your sub plans to help students review & deepen their understanding of function representations.

Learn more and grab the Functions Scavenger Hunt Set HERE.

Of course, this list of just a starting point, but hopefully this gives you some new ways to engage your students and some fun ideas for teaching functions.

And maybe it even gives you ideas for more ways to teach and explore functions that you haven’t thought of before.

Did you love the ideas shared here? Each of the resources above (and SO many more!) is included in Math Geek Mama+, an all-access, ad-free membership for teachers in grades 5-8.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE!

Find more resources for making middle school math fun & purposeful:

• Writing Algebraic Expressions: FREE Practice Pages
• Summer Algebra Review: Solve Equations Practice
• Graphing Linear Equations: Cut & Paste Worksheets {FREE}

The post Simple Ideas for Introducing & Exploring Functions in Middle School appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

A lot of times, pre-algebra or algebra textbooks begin exploring functions by telling students that functions are rules that determine an output from a given input. Then it shows you how to create a function table with a given rule. Then students practice. When I was preparing to explore functions with my 8th and 9th graders, I wanted to give them a more open-ended challenge to help them think about and make sense of functions on their own before we used formal math language or tables. And so I created this very simple game called, “What’s my rule?”

Understanding Functions & Function Rules

You can read directions for the game below, but basically the idea of the game is for one partner to guess different inputs (x-values) while the other partner tells them the outputs (y-values) based on the secret rule.

The object of the game is for the first player to try and figure out the rule (the function).

I had a couple of goals in mind by giving this to my students to play.

First, I wanted them to think about and make sense of inputs and outputs and how they might keep track of that information.

I did not give instructions on how to create a function table. I simply gave them a white board and encouraged them to keep track of their guesses and answers. Some students tried to play without keeping track, but quickly realized they needed to keep their information organized in some way so they could look for patterns (i.e. the function rule).

Second, I wanted students to begin to make sense of how a function rule determines the output for a given input, that the inputs might change, but the rule does not change, and that order of operations matters.

If they can see function rules in action, they are more likely to internalize what they are and how to use them with given inputs to find outputs.

It was also my hope that this would provide a foundation or help them see the relationship between a linear equation and it’s table and graph.

Writing a function rule (or linear equation) given a description, table or graph can be an incredibly abstract and challenging concept, especially if we just ask kids to jump right to writing equations.

My hope was that this playful game would help bridge the gap from concrete to abstract.

So let’s start playing!

Love this idea? This game was originally created for Math Geek Mama+ members. If you want instant access to games like this and so much more, check it out today!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MATH GEEK MAMA+ HERE!

What’s My Rule? Function Rules Game:

Materials Needed for Each Pair/Small Group:

• Set of ‘rule’ cards (I printed on colored card stock paper)
• Small white board & dry erase marker (or scrap paper & pencil)
• Calculator (optional)

How to Play What’s My Rule?:

First, one player chooses a ‘rule’ card and does not show the others.

The other players then choose ‘input’ or ‘start’ values to see what happens to it with the given rule.

The player with the rule card then applies the rule to their number and tells them the ‘output’ or ‘result.’

The player(s) trying to guess the rule keep offering input values (keeping track of the inputs/outputs on their white board) until they are able to correctly guess the rule.

The game really is very simple, but can definitely be confusing to start. I highly recommend you choose a rule and act this out with the whole class before you put them into small groups.

So it might look like this:

1. You choose the rule “Add 3”

2. Invite students to provide a ‘start’ number (you don’t need to use function language such as ‘input’ or ‘x-value’ yet)

3. Let’s say they choose 10. You then tell them, “Ok the result after using my rule is 13.”

4. Keep track of their inputs/outputs on the board in some way so they can see and remember what has already been done (or better yet, ask a student to keep track at the front of the room so everyone can see), and ask for another start value.

5. Let’s say this time they choose 8. You then tell them, “This time the result after using my rule is 11.”

At this point (because ‘add 3’ is a pretty easy rule to spot), students will probably guess that the rule is ‘add 3.’

You may way to caution them of a few things, however, before letting them loose to play on their own.

1. The rule does not change. It has to work for every single start/result pair that comes up in the round, otherwise they’ve not found the correct rule.

2. They can pick ANY number for their start values. Encourage them to try out values such as ‘0’ or negative numbers, especially if they are feeling stuck.

3. Make sure students know that there can be more than one step in the rule, such as “multiply by 2 then add 10”

Once students understand the object of the game and how to play, give each small group a set of materials and let them play. If students are having trouble finding the result (or you don’t want them bogged down in computations), allow them to use a calculator (if they provide the wrong output value, no one will be able to determine the rule).

If students want to keep score or are very competitive, the student who correctly guesses a rule keeps that card. Whoever has guessed the most rules correctly when time’s up, wins.

While students play, wander throughout the class listening to their choices, their conversations, the rule guesses, etc. Step in if you notice a student not correctly using the rule & address it.

Or if you hear a particularly insightful comment/idea, share & celebrate that.

Once it’s time to stop, spend a few moments unpacking the function rules game with your class.

• What did they notice as they played?
• What strategies did they use to try and guess the rule?
• How did they keep track of their start/result values and why?
• What was the most challenging rule to guess? What was the easiest?

I hope this provides a meaningful challenge for your students and gives them a fun way to think about functions, function rules and how they relate to inputs, outputs and tables.

Want to try this out with your students? Click the link below to go to my shop & grab it for FREE!

{Click HERE to go to my shop & grab the FREE Function Rules Game for 8th Grade!}

Looking for more middle school resources? Try this additional freebies:

• Equivalent Expressions Cut & Paste Activity {FREE}
• DIGITAL Solving Linear Equations Error Analysis {FREE}
• {FREE} Would You Rather…? Ratio & Percent Tasks | DIGITAL
• Graphing Systems of Equations Activity {FREE}

The post {FREE!} What’s My Rule? Function Rules Game – Grades 8-9 appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

We work in a base ten number system. Therefore, helping students understand place value & powers of ten in this number system is essential for developing deep number sense. But far too often, students are told facts or ‘tricks’ to memorize rather than being given time to play with numbers and make sense of this number system on their own.

The goal of this math center game is to aid 5th grade students in their understanding of powers of ten and the impact multiplying and dividing by powers of ten has on numbers.

In this game, students will also see powers of ten written with exponents. This allows them to begin to understand exponents as repeated multiplication, while working with only powers of ten.

Multiply & Divide by Powers of Ten on a Place Value Mat:

In this game, each student works with their number using a place value mat. There are 2 different place value mats included:

• Whole Numbers Place Value Mat to Billions
• Decimal Place Value Mat: Millions to Thousandths

If your students are not yet ready to work with decimals, you can print the whole number mat for them.

Why Use a Place Value Mat?

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I am one of the lucky ones to have an eighty minute math block EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. But I quickly learned that my students could not spend those eighty minutes sitting in their seats. They needed to get up and MOVE, but I also still wanted them to engage in the math. Task Card Math Scavenger Hunts quickly solved this problem. My students love walking into my classroom and seeing the twenty-four task cards hung up around the room. They know that after our mini-lesson, they are in for a treat!

*This is a guest post from Paige at The Math Matrix

How to Use a Math Scavenger Hunts in the Classroom:

Our task card scavenger hunts are a pack of twenty-four task cards that require students to solve problems while “hunting down” their next problem. All students start at a different card – this way, students can complete the activity without everyone being crowded around one single problem.

At each card, students will solve the math problem. After they record their answers on the recording sheet (in the correct box), they need to search the room for the solution, which brings them to the next card with a new problem to solve.

Your students will be going around the room to continue to solve and search for the next answer until they get back to the card they started at – this will ensure they got all of the answers correct!

If they end up at their starting card and yet have missed some problems, they know they’ve made a mistake somewhere.

Or if they can’t find their solution around the room, perhaps it’s because they don’t have the right solution!

Using the scavenger hunt setup, students can self-check and work together to correct mistakes.

Four Benefits of Using Math Task Card Scavenger Hunts:

1. Get Students TALKING

I love when my students talk math in my classroom, and encourage discussions about solution strategies and helping each other with incorrect answers.

2. Get Students MOVING

I hang up my Task Card Scavenger Hunts all over my room and grade level hallway and have my students use their clipboards to get up and MOVE around!

3. Get Students IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK

The nature of Task Card Scavenger Hunts gives immediate feedback because if the student cannot find the answer on another card, they know that they made a mistake.

While introducing this activity, I always make sure to discuss what might happen if we can’t find the answer and to circle back to the card they were working on to troubleshoot their solution.

4. Get Students HELP

When my students are working all over my room, I find it really frees up my time and I can move from student to student to give help to those who need it. I also found that this time is the best to pull small groups of students when I see them making the same mistakes or having the same question!

Trying Task Card Scavenger Hunts in Your Classroom

As you can tell, Task Card Scavenger Hunts really help my students break up their time in my class, while still practicing the important math concepts that they have been learning.

If you are looking for a free sample to see if math scavenger hunts are right for your classroom, CLICK HERE for a free sample covering mixed multiplication and division math facts!

Plus, there are many more task card scavenger hunts over in my store for you to check out!

Once you start with Task Card Scavenger Hunts, you won’t look back (I promise – your students will be BEGGING to do more!)

Find More Math Scavenger Hunts for the Classroom Below:

• Christmas Multiplication Facts Scavenger Hunt – Grades 3-4 {FREE}
• 2-3 Digit Multiplication Christmas Scavenger Hunt – 4th Grade {FREE}
• Area & Perimeter Practice for 3rd Grade – Scavenger Hunt Activity {FREE}
• Virtual Math Scavenger Hunt: Learn About Math in Nature {FREE}

The post Math Scavenger Hunts: Simple Math Practice for the Classroom {with FREE Hunts!} appeared first on Math Geek Mama.

Are you tired of using the same old review games before math tests? Are your students sick and tired of study guides? Do you want to add a little fun and excitement to your test prep days?  Well, you’re in luck! In this blog post, I’m going to introduce you to “Ghosts in the Graveyard,” a game that can transform any boring test prep day into an interactive, collaborative math experience. While it’s perfect for Halloween, I’ve created templates for every holiday, so you can use them year-round!

Test review days don’t have to be boring!

*This is a guest post from Asia at The Sassy Math Teacher.

A Halloween Math Game for All Ages:

I first discovered this game during my student teaching days, and since then, I’ve made it even easier to play with a digital template. But don’t worry; you can still play it the original way if you prefer.

What I love about this game is that it’s suitable for any math classroom that knows how to add and subtract, and I guarantee your students will LOVE IT!

An Overview of Ghosts in the Graveyard:

Students work in teams to answer a series of challenges.

Correct answers earn them ghosts, which they can place on tombstones.

Materials Needed:

1. 16-24 Review Questions (A study guide or worksheet you already have would be excellent!)
2. Choose one of the following “Ghosts in the Graveyard” game boards:

– Option A: 64 Miniature Ghosts Printed on 8 Different Colors of Paper, then Laminated and Cut Out (8 ghosts of each color; each team will be assigned a color).

– Option B: Ghosts In The Graveyard Digital Template (I’ll share more about this later in the blog post!)

Materials Setup:

1. Question Preparation: Transform the dull study guide into “Challenges.” Ideally, have 2-3 questions on each challenge. For example, questions #1 and #2 become Challenge #1, questions #3, #4, and #6 become Challenge #2, and so on. You’ll need a total of 8 challenges, each on separate pieces of paper. Make 8 copies of each challenge.
2. Create a Graveyard: Draw 3 tombstones on black construction paper large enough to accommodate several ghosts. Set up a designated area in your classroom or learning space as the “graveyard” by displaying the 3 tombstones horizontally.
3. Ghost Game Pieces: Prepare ghost cards – you’ll need enough for each team to have a total of 8, one for each challenge. Teams only receive a ghost AFTER they’ve correctly answered a challenge.

How to Play “Ghosts in the Graveyard”:

1. Split students into teams of 4.
2. Provide each student with a recording sheet to keep track of their answers.
3. Place the challenges within easy reach for students.
4. Once the game begins, teams work on completing one challenge at a time.
5. When they finish, one student from the team brings the group’s recording sheet to you to have their answers checked.
6. If all the answers are correct, give them one of their team’s ghosts and let them choose which tombstone to place it on. They can even put all their ghosts on the same tombstone if they prefer.
7. If answers are incorrect, provide a hint and have them return to their team to fix it.
8. Repeat until about 5 minutes before class ends.

How to Determine the Winner:

Each tombstone is worth a mysterious point value, which you pre-determine and keep secret until 5 minutes before class ends.

Once revealed, each ghost becomes worth a certain point value.

For instance, if Team #4 has 2 ghosts on Tombstone #1, and you reveal that Tombstone #1 is worth 3 points, then they have a total of 6 points.

The team with the most points wins!

“I like that you don’t have to be the smartest group to win!” – 7th Grader

Tips for a Successful Halloween Math Game:

• The line to get challenges checked may get long. Consider playing on a day when you have an extra teacher in the room to help.
• Group students with at least one friend in each group.

Ghosts in the Graveyard Digital Template for Busy Teachers:

If you’re short on prep time, you can skip the laminating and cutting by using the Ghosts in the Graveyard Digital template.

The digital template includes a digital graveyard in Google Slides, challenge templates, and recording sheets. All you need to do is add your questions, print, and make copies.

Find out more about the digital template set for Ghosts in the Graveyard here.

More Ways to Play “Ghosts in the Graveyard”:

• Play it all year long with other holiday themes, such as “Turkeys in the Oven” for Thanksgiving.
• Make one of the tombstones worth a negative point value for an extra twist.

Transforming a test prep day with a game like “Ghosts in the Graveyard” can make a world of difference in your classroom.

Give it a try, and watch your classroom engagement soar!

Are you ready to turn your next worksheet into a spine-tingling adventure?

Grab your FREE Ghosts in The Graveyard Bonus Kit here. 

Hey! My name is Asia and I am the face behind thesassymathteacher.com. Bethany invited me to write this guest post today because she loves finding ways to engage students in math class just as much as I do. Find more fun math resources on my website!

More Not-So-Scary Halloween Math Ideas:

• Mummy Math: Halloween Estimation and Measurement!
• Candy Corn Math: Hands On Activities {With FREE Printables}
• {FREE} Candy Corn Counting: Printable Math Mats
• “2×2=BOO!” Hands-On Multiplication Fun!

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