I love to innovate creative ways to make math fun! I love thinking of new approaches to teach a familiar concept. I'm an avid hobby vb.net programmer, and use my coding skills to create teaching worksheets and software designed around my own students’ needs. My most popular product line is my Collaborative Math Mosaic series. Topics range from middle school to advanced functions! Teachers and students alike love these!
I love to innovate creative ways to make math fun! I love thinking of new approaches to teach a familiar concept. I'm an avid hobby vb.net programmer, and use my coding skills to create teaching worksheets and software designed around my own students’ needs. My most popular product line is my Collaborative Math Mosaic series. Topics range from middle school to advanced functions! Teachers and students alike love these!
Engage your whole class this Christmas in a giant collaborative math colouring quest! This high-school take on "colour-by-number" style worksheets will have even your most reluctant students working to complete their assignments!
For Christmas this year, I wanted to give you all something awesome! Compared to the amazing grace God showed the world when he sent his Son on that first Christmas, this giant free bundle is a very very small gift to help you and your students remember God's great promise fulfilled "...the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." (Luke 1:78-79)
Each student's worksheet represents a small piece of the bigger picture, a nativity scene. Students complete the math problems, and use their answers to colour according to the key. When the work is done, the coloured sheets are put together to reveal the large pixel image.
It's Simple:
1. Calculate
2. Colour
3. Cut
4. Combine!
INCLUDED (zip folder with 12 versions in .docx and .pdf format):
• Analytic Geometry (slope, midpoint, length, perimeter, median, altitude, bisector…)
• Function Transformations (y= a f(x-h) + k form: quadratic, radical, reciprocal, cubic)
• Linear Equations (one and two step, distributing, like terms multi-step)
• Linear Systems (graphing, elimination, substitution)
• Percentage (sales & discounts, tax, part/whole/percent proportions, increase/decrease)
• Pythagorean Theorem (application problems)
• Quadratic Equations (solve by factoring, isolating, or quadratic formula)
• Sine and Cosine Laws (solve for sides and angles)
• Sinusoidal Transformations (y = a sin or cos[k(x-p)]+q)
• Trig Ratios (SohCahToa for sides or angles)
• Basic Math (add, subtract, multiply, divide, holiday themed word problems and applications)
• Ratios Problems (Holiday themed word problems, and numeric proportions)
The student buy-in factor is HUGE with these worksheets; they all want to see the finished picture come together!
Leave the picture a secret or show it for motivation… it’s your call.
Encourage students to check their answers by finding them in the randomized list on their worksheets before they colour each square. This will increase the accuracy of the final picture!
All my "Colouring by..." worksheets use standard pencil-crayon colours found in the Crayola 24 pack. For best results, use the exact colour name match, and encourage students to do some quality colouring! Perhaps a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun math department investment!
Merry Christmas!
~Calfordmath
Calling all π-rates of the Caribbean!
To reach the buried treasure, students must apply the sine, cosine, or tangent ratios, and the Pythagorean Theorem, to calculate all unknown lengths along their path. Right triangle trigonometry just hit the high seas.
INCLUDED:
-> Word (.doc)
-> Colourful handout with instructions
-> Answer key & rubric suggestions
This activity is perfect for Grade 10 Academic or Applied students (ontario curriculum: MPM2D, MFM2P), as it builds the core skill of selecting and using the appropriate trig ratio. This prepares students for the next step of applying this knowledge to real life applications.
This activity is a good compliment to my Angle Tangle Spider Web which focuses on calculating angles.
This is more fun than a straight boring quiz.
There are multiple paths that could be taken, offering some differentiation of ability and student initiative.
Enjoy! ~ CalfordMath
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.SRT.C.8
Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in applied problems.
This task differentiates learning by giving keener students the chance to show their understanding by doing fewer (but more challenging) problems. For grading students work, I usually give "all the points" or "half the points" for a partially correct solution. You could break it into quarters if you need to be more specific :)
You can edit the .docx version to suit your specific class needs. This makes a great exam review, even if you don't wish to use it for evaluation purposes!
INCLUDED:
.docx and .pdf file versions
Help students to Remember this November as they collaboratively complete the Poppy mosaic. Each student's worksheet represents a small section of the big picture! The end result will look spectacular hanging up in your classroom :)
Also check out the Remembrance Day Poppy mosaic in a :
more basic colour-by-number and number range bundle (5 versions) .
Students solve 1 and 2-step linear equations, then use the answers to colour their worksheets based on the colour key. Their sheets combine to create the large mosaic image!
It's simple!
1. Calculate the answers.
2. Colour the squares.
3. Cut out your section.
4. Combine with the class!
INCLUDED (.pdf and .docx files):
• Full class set of 25 worksheets (all different!) that combine to create the Poppy Mosaic
• Complete Answer Key for all worksheets making assessment a breeze
• Every worksheet has a randomized answer list at the bottom so students can self-assess their work before colouring
• Coloured image of the mosaic with coordinates, guiding you to easy assembly
The student buy-in factor is HUGE with these worksheets; they all want to see the finished picture come together! High school students love colouring too! This will be a nice change in pace from textbook homework.
Leave the picture a secret or show the answer key for motivation… it’s your call.
Encourage students to check their answers by finding them in the randomized list on their worksheet before they colour each square. This will increase the accuracy of the final picture!
All my “Colouring by…” worksheets use standard pencil-crayon colours found in the Crayola 24 pack. For best results, use the exact colour name match (and encourage quality colouring!). Perhaps a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun math department investment!
If your class size doesn’t line up with 25, no worries! You could hand out some duplicate worksheets if you have a large class (perhaps to a student less likely to enjoy the colouring aspect of this task!) or, you could have some students work pairs (differentiated learning). If you have a small class, in my experience, students are eager to do additional sheets to complete the picture! (Or you could use the answer key to fill in the missing pieces quickly.)
Feedback, suggestions, and frontline stories are always welcomed!
Thanks for checking this out!
~CalfordMath
Quadratic factorising falls into place in a fight against gravity to build the perfect rectangle!
Algebra Tile Factris provides a tactile, visual, and game-ified approach to factorising sure to strengthen any learner’s ability. (Think ‘Tetris meets Algebra Tiles’.) Addictively challenging, students will be learning before they know it! So many students are visual learners, yet factorising is often presented to them as a set of mysterious rules and algorithms to blindly follow.
This download contains the full game .exe file, where you can play the first level for FREE, and then purchase a game license (solo, teacher, or school…) if you’re loving it.
Designed BY a math teacher FOR math teachers. With a Teacher Account, you can access, create and manage classes, adding up to 200 students annually! View your students’ tracked achievements for quick assessment of their factorising strengths and weaknesses. Have students play on your Interactive Whiteboard using the touch-screen buttons; use it in a computer lab with your whole class; have students download and play the game at home for the most enjoyable math homework they’ll ever be assigned!
With leaderboards and personal achievement badges, Factris harnesses the competitive element of online gaming that keeps so many students up to the wee hours. Leaderboards can be narrowed by school board, school, class, modified date, etc. Tell students to play with headphones (they likely have them in their ears anyway!) to enjoy the game’s full techno soundtrack and sound effects.
Algebra Tile Factris is a Windows Desktop Application programmed in VB.net . Download the game and try the demo to make sure you can run it smoothly on your machine! If you’re loving it, you can buy a licensed account at factris.ca to unlock hours of factorising fun and unlimited levels!
Questions or feedback? CalfordMath@live.ca
This culminating activity brings all the overall expectations of the grade 10 applied mathematics course (MFM2P) together in an action-packed story line!
Students help the young mathematically-inclined warrior Zachary rescue the kidnapped Princess Eva by applying their knowledge of trigonometry, proportional reasoning, linear relations & systems, quadratic relations, simple trinomial factoring, and 3D measurement.
Will Princess Eva be rescued? Will the Warrior Zachary muster the math power to save the day? Have your students mastered the grade 10 applied mathematics curriculum??
...this task will be the determining factor!
INCLUDED:
.docx and .pdf format of the assignment AND the complete answer key
The products are diverse in this bundle, from single student worksheets to collaborative whole class math colouring mosaics to gameshow style review activities.
Included:
Collaborative Math Mosaics:
-Rubber Ducky - Right & Oblique Trig
-SohCahToa Giraffe
Fun Worksheets
-Angle Tangle Spiderweb - Solving for angles with SohCahToa
-Trig Treasure Map - Solving for sides with SohCahToa & Pythagorean Theorem
Powerpoint + Kahoot! link - Choosing the correct trig tool, gameshow style review.
Enjoy!
Highly Engaging!!
Each worksheet represents a small section of the big picture! The end result will look spectacular hanging up in your classroom :)
Two versions are included in this bundle:
LINEAR EQUATIONS VERSION:
-1 step, 2 step, x on both sides, distributing first
ANALYTIC GEOMETRY VERSION:
-slope or length of line segment given two points
-perimeter of a triangle given coordinates of its vertices
-determining the slope or y-intercept of a line given its standard form equation
-determining the slope of a line parallel or perpendicular to a given line
Students use the answers for each square to colour their worksheets based on the colour key. Their sheets combine to create the large mosaic turkey image!
It’s simple!
1. Calculate the answers.
2. Colour the squares.
3. Cut out your section.
4. Combine with the class!
INCLUDED (zip folder):
–> .docx and .pdf of everything
–> 2 Full class sets of 30 worksheets (all different!) each that combine to create the Turkey Mosaic.
–> Master Answer Key for both versions, showing both the colour and numeric solutions for all worksheet problems.
–> Each worksheet has a randomized answer list, allowing for student self assessment
–> Teaching Tips page for smooth implementation
The student buy-in factor is HUGE with these worksheets; they all want to see the finished picture come together! High school students love colouring too! This sure beats textbook homework!
Encourage students to check their answers by finding them in the randomized list on their worksheet before they colour each square. This will increase the accuracy of the final picture! Tell them to colour darkly for a great looking result!
All my “Colouring by…” worksheets use standard pencil-crayon colours found in the Crayola 24 pack. For best results, use the exact colour name match (and encourage quality colouring!). Perhaps a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun math department investment!
Thanks for checking this out!
~CalfordMath
Highly Engaging!!
Each worksheet represents a small section of the big picture! The end result will look spectacular hanging up in your classroom :)
3 Versions (Each with 30 worksheets):
-Linear Equations (1 and 2-step, multi-step, distributing, like terms)
-Just 1 and 2-Step Equations
-Proportion Equations
Students solve 12 equations, then use the answers to colour their worksheets based on the colour key. Their sheets combine to create the large mosaic image!
It’s simple!
1. Calculate the answers.
2. Colour the squares.
3. Cut out your section.
4. Combine with the class!
INCLUDED (.pdf and .docx ):
–> Full class sets of 30 worksheets (all different!) that combine to create the MLK mosaic.
–> Answer keys showing the colour and answer-range key for each version.
Leave the picture a secret or show it for motivation… it’s your call.
Encourage students to check their answers by finding them in the randomized list on their worksheet before they colour each square. This will increase the accuracy of the final picture!
All my “Colouring by…” worksheets use standard pencil-crayon colours found in the Crayola 24 pack. For best results, use the exact colour name match (and encourage quality colouring!). Perhaps a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun math department investment!
If your class size doesn’t line up with 30, no worries! If you have a small class, in my experience, students are eager to do additional sheets to complete the picture! (Or you could use the answer key to have students colour the missing pieces quickly.)
Feedback, suggestions, and frontline stories are always welcomed!
Thanks for checking this out! Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Happy Black History Month!
~CalfordMath
"The tale of a couple of young triangle bachelors, scouting out a party looking to score a few phone numbers..."
Ernie and Stu put their lines to the test when a cute angle is spotted at a hoppin' party. They rely on their knowledge of similarity, proportionality, and trigonometry to prove their compatibility.
Keep it triggy! Check out Trig Treasure Map for a fun right angle trigonometry worksheet, where students solve for missing side lengths using SohCahToa.
This is a FUN little extra to any trigonometry unit! The more math the students understand, the more innuendos and trig references they'll pick up on.
A fresh approach to a culminating activity for grade 9 applied math, far from the routine pencil and paper!
The “MFM1P 6000” is an interactive computer game which gives students an opportunity to show what they have learned, using models and strategies used in current MFM1P classes, while providing endless opportunity for practice and timely remedial help! Students receive instant automated feedback worded in growth mindset language. This program also provides teachers an extensive summary of students strengths and areas of difficulty.
Download the game file, place it in a public handout folder that students can access, and give them 3-4 days to play! Make sure the students have calculators, scrap paper, and perhaps a formula sheet too.
Download Tip
◾Your computer will flag the program as a virus. It is just doing it’s job as it should for any unknown executable file! Be assured it is safe. Click “more info” and then “Run Anyway” etc.
I know how tough it can be to motivate students to review material from the start of the semester in preparation for EQAO and the final exam. Set them loose in a computer lab for a few days with the MFM1P 6000 and watch the magic happen!
Please visit calfordmath.ca/MFM1P6000 for a complete layout of the culminating activity including a complete curriculum connection list, and an up-to-date list of bug fixes and changes.
This activity generates every single problem randomly so that every student has a different set of problems and can try as many attempts as necessary to master each topic. The topics span the MFM1P curriculum, and are arranged in difficulty from $100 to $500 score value. To earn 100%, a student must earn $6000 or more, and complete at least two problems from each category.
I had tremendous engagement and much EQAO success with my grade 9 applied class last year when I piloted this activity. I have also added and tweaked many things! The game is a Windows Desktop Application designed for a PC. It is not web based, so you will need to copy the game file to a public handout folder where students can open it.
I think you and your students will LOVE this!
I would love to hear how it goes with your class, and I welcome any suggestions you have! Thanks for checking this out,
~CalfordMath
Teach algebra geometrically! Students will DISCOVER the rules for factorising and completing the square rather than memorize blind algorithms. Algebra tiles can explain the "square" in completing the square, aid students in collecting like terms visually, help with integer operations, and make factorising a visual process! Also, check out Algebra Tile Factris for a game-ified spin on factorizing!
Enter ANY quadratic expression in standard, vertex, or factored form and get a digital algebra tile model!
The tiles snap in place and don't overlap. This is perfect for teaching students to expand, factor and complete the square.
This software requires Windows to run. It is desktop application, created in VB.net (4.5 framework to be specific). I have placed the .exe file in zip folder. It will give you a warning messages, as all .exe files will, when you open the program, but I assure you there is nothing malicious about this software! Simply click "run anyway" or "allow" and enjoy!
I created this out of need! The need for better virtual algebra tiles! Students find physical tiles cumbersome to manipulate, and most of the virtual tiles I've found are very finicky to manipulate! This software is more than a virtual algebra tile modeller... it includes step by step instructions, guiding students to the standard, factored, or vertex form! It recognizes when the tiles have been factored (built into a rectangle) or the square has been competed. More than this, it dynamically knows the answer giving either a green checkmark, a red x, or a yellow "half way checkmark" if their answer is not formatted quite right. There is an option to "Just play with the tiles" if you don't wish to be restricted to quadratic expressions. You can add tiles to the panel and it will give the algebraic polynomial tally up top (and even tell you if your tiles are factorable or not).
As I continue to tweak and update this program I will update the file here, so you can always download a fresh version, should the file change. You can use this on an interactive whiteboard as a teaching tool, or throw the file in a network drive for students to use individually in a computer lab.
Feel free to use this product with your own students, but please do not distribute or post the file openly on the internet or share with colleagues, as this would violate copyright permissions. Send them here! I welcome your feedback and suggestions.
Common Core States Standards:
HSF.IF.C.9
HSF.IF.C.8
HSA.SSE.B.3.a
HSA-REI.B.4
HSA-REI.B.4b
Ontario Curriculum: Great for MPM2D, MFM2P, MBF3C, MFM3M, MCR3U
This product would be great as a teaching demonstration tool, or for individual student investigations in a computer lab. Students will clearly experience the graphical effect of each algebraic parameter in the transformed equation: f(x) --> a f[k(x-p)] +q
File types: GSP5
By manipulating the graph dynamically, students will make a strong connection between the graphical and algebraic representations of functions.
With easy-to-navigate separate sliders, students can manipulate the vertical stretch/compression, horizontal stretch/compression, horizontal translation, and vertical translation
Functions included: (see the tabs at the bottom of the screen)
-Linear
-Quadratic
-Cubic
-Radical (Square Root)
-Rational ( 1/x)
-Absolute Value
-Logarithmic (with an adjustable base value)
-Exponential (with an adjustable base value)
-Sinusoidal (Sine and Cosine in degrees, includes midline plotted)
-Tangent (in degrees, includes asymptote lines)
Main Common Core Expectations Addressed:
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.BF.B.3
Identify the effect on the graph of replacing f(x) by f(x) + k, k f(x), f(kx), and f(x + k) for specific values of k (both positive and negative); find the value of k given the graphs. Experiment with cases and illustrate an explanation of the effects on the graph using technology.
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7
Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using technology for more complicated cases.
Or, in the Ontario Curriculum, this file is ideal for MCR3U, MCF3M, and MHF4U.
A triggy web of SohCahToa fun!
Students must use sine, cosine, and tangent ratios to determine unknown acute angle measures. Each angle’s letter corresponds to an answer below, helping to solve the riddle, “What did one spider say to another?”
INCLUDED:
-> PDF (.pdf)
-> Colourful handout with instructions
-> Answer key / Solution
This activity is a good compliment to my Trig Treasure Map (which focuses on calculating side lengths), building the core skill of selecting and using the appropriate trig ratio. This prepares students for the next step of applying this knowledge to real life applications. It’s perfect for Grade 10 Academic or Applied students (Ontario curriculum: MPM2D, MFM2P)
This is more fun than a straight boring worksheet… it has corny joke!
The triangles are set up to ensure all three trig ratios are required, but in some cases, basic interior angle properties could be employed as well. The final “!”-labelled angle requires some careful thought…
Enjoy! ~ CalfordMath
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.SRT.C.8
Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in applied problems.
Collaborative motivation meets individual accountability in a highly engaging task involving Pythagorean Word Problems and Applications. Math + colouring + social justice = something you've never seen before! Each student's worksheet is different! Each worksheet represents a small section of the big picture! The end result will look spectacular hanging up in your classroom :) What a great way to celebrate Women's History Month!
**Curriculum Connection**
CCSS.Math.Content.8.G.B.7 (Grade 8 Geometry)
Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to determine unknown side lengths in right triangles in real-world and mathematical problems in two and three dimensions.
CCSS.Math.Content.HSG.SRT.C.8
Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in applied problems.
(The Malala mosaic is also available in Volume and Surface Area version.)
It's simple!
1. Calculate the answers.
2. Colour the squares.
3. Cut out your section.
4. Combine with the class!
Students complete the problems to decode the colour-by-number key, then colour their section of the mosaic.
INCLUDED: (.pdf )
-Class set of 30 worksheets that combine to create the Malala mosaic
-Each sheet contains 12 word problems and applications of the Pythagorean Theorem.
-A Teaching Tips page, for smooth implementation
-An answer-range key for quick student assessment at a glance. (i.e. "Blue always has an answer between 120 and 160")
-A coloured coordinate-labelled image of the mosaic to help you assemble the completed picture.
High school kids like colouring too! Their curiosity and desire to see the big picture come together will keep them working and helping each other!
All my "Colouring by..." math mosaics use the standard colours found in a Crayola 24 pack of coloured pencils. For best results, use the exact colour name match, and stick to one type of colouring medium. Maybe a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun departmental purchase? :)
I'd love to hear from you! Let me know how this went in your classroom! (calfordmath@live.ca)
Have fun reviewing the key concepts of plane geometry through this fully functional Jeopardy-style PowerPoint! Everything is hyper-linked for easy navigation. This works very well with an interactive whiteboard!
Students can play in teams / rows, or work through the game individually in a computer lab.
Jeopardy topics are:
• Basic Angle Properties (parallel and transversal lines)
• Triangles (interior & exterior angle sums, isosceles angles)
• Polygons (interior & exterior angle sums, regular polygons)
• Prove or Disprove (explain or give a counter example)
• Midpoints and Diagonals (quadrilateral diagonal properties and midpoint-joining line segment properties)
A preview file is included, giving a complete PDF printout of the slides (questions and answers)
The file is modifiable, so you can change up the questions to suit your class.
A highly engaging way for your students to practice their fraction operations! Your students will each work independently on their own unique worksheet, then combine their work to create the Earth mosaic! Individual accountability is ensured, while collaborative motivation provides a powerful push to complete the work! The ending result will look spectacular hanging up in your classroom, and your students will be proud!
INCLUDED:
◾.pdf file containing everything listed below:
◾25-Sheet class set of worksheets that combine to create the Earth mosaic.
◾Light version contains 12 fraction problems per worksheet, and follows a more traditional colour-by-number style.
(Check out the regular version where each sheet contains 36 fraction problems, and the problems embedded in the colouring pages!)
◾Every worksheet has the answers scrambled at the bottom, allowing students to self-assess their work.
◾Full answer key for all worksheets (both a colour key and calculation answer key)
◾Completed mosaic template with coordinates to help you assemble the completed mosaic
◾Teaching Tips for smooth implementation
Students solve the fraction problems, then use the answers to colour their worksheets based on the colour key. Their sheets combine to create the Earth!
It's simple!
1. Calculate the answers.
2. Colour the squares.
3. Cut out your section.
4. Combine with the class!
The student buy-in factor is HUGE with these worksheets; they all want to see the finished picture come together! Middle school students love colouring too! This sure beats textbook homework! This would also be a good review before teaching rational functions to high school students.
Imagine if your students were the ones policing homework completion? "Common Jenny! Do your work or we'll have a hole in our picture!"
Leave the picture a secret, or let them know in advance for motivation… it’s your call.
Encourage students to check their answers by finding them in the randomized list on their worksheet before they colour each square. This will increase the accuracy of the final picture!
All my “Colouring by…” worksheets use standard pencil-crayon colours found in the Crayola 24 pack. For best results, use the exact colour name match (and encourage quality colouring!). Perhaps a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun math department investment!
Feedback, suggestions, and frontline stories are always welcomed!
Thanks for checking this out!
~CalfordMath
Collaborative motivation meets individual accountability in a highly engaging task involving surface area and volume real-life word problems. Math + colouring + social justice = something you've never seen before! Each student's worksheet is different! Each worksheet represents a small section of the big picture! This task makes a terrific unit summative assessment. What a great way to celebrate Women's History Month!
(The Malala mosaic also comes in a Pythagorean Theorem version)
Students complete the problems to decode the colour-by-number key, then colour their section of the mosaic.
INCLUDED: (.pdf )
-Class set of 30 worksheets that combine to create the Malala mosaic
-Each sheet contains 12 word problems where students solve for Volume and Surface Area of Rectangular Prisms & Pyramids, Cones and Cylinders
-A Teaching Tips page, for smooth implementation
-An answer-range key for quick student assessment at a glance. (i.e. "Blue always has an answer between 120 and 160")
-A coloured coordinate-labelled image of the mosaic to help you assemble the completed picture.
-A "Problem Order" list, giving the order of problem types on the worksheets.
Here are a few Sample Problems (since the preview doesn't show them):
-->The attic of an old house is in the shape of a rectangular pyramid with base dimensions of 4.2 by 16.7 m, with apex height 20.9 m. Find the volume of air in the attic.
-->The top of Clarence and Ophelia's sandcastle is shaped like a cone, with a diameter of 7.4 in., and a height of 12 in. What volume of sand did they need to make the castle top?
-->An upside-down pylon at Ian's construction site is conical with a circumference of 42.4 mi. and height 8.8 mi. How much rain water can it collect?
-->A container of diaper cream for Shendrita's little brother is cylindrical with a circumference of 30.9 km and height 1.5 km. What volume of cream fits in the container?
All my "Colouring by..." math mosaics use the standard colours found in a Crayola 24 pack of coloured pencils. For best results, use the exact colour name match, and stick to one type of colouring medium. Maybe a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun departmental purchase? :)
Enjoy! (calfordmath@live.ca)
Harness the motivating power of collaboration while maintaining individual accountability! Every students worksheet is different, yet similar in the type of problems asked. When students answer all the math problems, they use their answers to colour-by-number their small section of the larger mosaic!
It's simple!
1. Calculate the answers.
2. Colour the squares.
3. Cut out your section.
4. Combine with the class!
INCLUDED:
◾ Everything comes in both .docx and .pdf format
◾ full class set 25 worksheets, every sheet unique! The worksheets combine to create the Einstein mosaic
◾ Complete answer key, giving the answers for all worksheets (easy assessment!)
◾ Teaching Tips page for smooth implementation in your class
◾ Coloured mosaic guide for easy assembly
◾ Scrambled answers list at the bottom of each student's worksheet, allowing for self assessment.
◾ "Order of Problems" sequence that each worksheet follows
This makes a great unit summative task! .
Here's the list of the order of questions each worksheet contains: (Check out the product preview to see sample worksheets and know exactly what this task involves!)
Problem Order:
1) determine the axis of symmetry
2) x or y coord. of vertex, any method
3) y-intercept from vertex form
4) solve - simple factorable, with common factor
5) solve for ‘a’ given vertex & point
6) solve - simple factorable
7) quadratic trajectory word problem
8) x or y coord. of vertex, by completing the square
9) solve - complex factorable
10) solve - quadratic formula, exact roots
11) solve - quadratic formula, decimal roots
12) solve - quadratic formula, exact roots
The student buy-in factor is HUGE with these worksheets; they all want to see the finished picture come together! High school students love colouring too!
Leave the picture a secret or show it for motivation… it’s your call.
Encourage students to check all their answers by finding them in the scrambled list at the bottom of their worksheet before they colour. This will increase the accuracy of the final picture!
All my collaborative math mosaics use standard pencil-crayon colours found in the Crayola 24 pack. For best results, use the exact colour name match, colour darkly, and stick to one colouring medium (i.e. don't mix crayons with markers with pencil crayons...). Perhaps a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun math department investment!
Enjoy!
~CalfordMath
A highly engaging way for your students to practice their fraction operations! Your students will each work independently on their unique worksheet (each is unique!), then combine their work to create the Earth mosaic! Individual accountability is ensured, while collaborative motivation provides a powerful push to complete the work! The end result will look spectacular hanging on your classroom wall!
INCLUDED:
◾.pdf file containing all that follow below:
◾ 25-Sheet class set or worksheets that combine to create the large Earth mosaic
◾In this version, each worksheet contains 36 fraction problems. Every sheet is unique!
(For a lighter workload, check out the Light Version where each sheet contains only 12 fraction problems, and the worksheet style is a more traditional colour-by-number.)
◾Every worksheet has the answers scrambled at the bottom, allowing students to self-assess their work.
◾Full answer key for all worksheets (both a colour key and calculation answer key)
◾Completed mosaic template with coordinates to help you assemble the completed mosaic
◾Teaching Tips for smooth implementation
Students solve the fraction problems, then use the answers to colour their worksheets based on the colour key. Their sheets combine to create the Earth!
It's simple!
1. Calculate the answers.
2. Colour the squares.
3. Cut out your section.
4. Combine with the class!
The student buy-in factor is HUGE with these worksheets; they all want to see the finished picture come together! Middle school students love colouring too! This sure beats textbook homework! This would also be a good review before teaching rational functions to high school students.
Imagine if your students were the ones policing homework completion? "Common Jenny! Do your work or we'll have a hole in our picture!"
Leave the picture a secret, or let them know in advance for motivation… it’s your call.
Encourage students to check their answers by finding them in the randomized list on their worksheet before they colour each square. This will increase the accuracy of the final picture!
All my “Colouring by…” worksheets use standard pencil-crayon colours found in the Crayola 24 pack. For best results, use the exact colour name match (and encourage quality colouring!). Perhaps a class set of pencil crayons would be a fun math department investment!
Feedback, suggestions, and frontline stories are always welcomed!
Thanks for checking this out!
~CalfordMath