Math is an essential part of our daily lives, and it’s important for 7th graders to understand how the math they are learning in the classroom applies to real-world situations. In this blog post, we will explore some examples of how 7th-grade math is used in everyday life and how understanding these concepts can make […]
Category Archives: 7th Grade Pre-Algebra
Teaching Factors and Divisibility
When seventh graders dive into units of factors, fractions, and exponents, one of the earliest lessons focuses on divisibility and factors. This includes the ability to define divisibility rules, factors, as well as GCF and LCM. To make these early lessons as accessible as possible, math teachers can turn to awesome, diverse teaching strategies. We’ll […]
Teaching Exponents
In grade 7, having mastered cube roots, factors, and divisibility, students move on to learning about exponents. This includes defining and identifying the parts of an exponential notation, writing expressions in exponential form, and expanding and evaluating exponential notations. Whether you’re a math teacher or a homeschooling parent, there are tons of ways in which […]
Teach Kids How to Compare and Order Rational Numbers
In the 7th grade, students learn how to define, as well as how to compare and order rational numbers. They also learn how to understand statements of order for rational numbers that are set in real life. Math teachers can make these lessons on rational numbers more exciting and engaging by adopting a number of […]
Teaching Fractions and Decimals
In pre-algebra units, you’ll be teaching fractions and decimals to students to help them understand what they represent. Students then become proficient in converting fractions to decimals and vice versa, as well as comparing fractions and decimals. There are many ways in which math teachers can make lessons in fractions and decimals, whether it’s by […]
Solve Equations with Variables on Both Sides
Initial Activity: “Which is heavier? A kilogram of nails or a kilogram of salt?” And that’s just the perfect introduction when I teach how to solve equations with variables on both sides. Usually, my students are just getting good at solving one and two-step equations, and then… they are faced with variables on both sides! […]
Teaching Integers and Absolute Value (7th Grade)
In the 7th grade, children begin to understand the absolute value of integers and can interpret absolute value as magnitude for both positive and negative quantities in diverse real-life situations. To help students achieve mastery of integers and absolute value (7th grade level), math teachers can prepare simple strategies for their lessons. We’ve compiled a […]
Writing and Evaluating Algebraic Expressions
When learning algebra in school, children come across many word problems. Some are simple and concise, whereas others are complex and may even resemble a short story. To solve such word problems, kids must first create algebraic expressions out of word problems. This is referred to as evaluating and writing algebraic expressions. Teachers and homeschooling […]
Applications of the Pythagorean Theorem
I enjoy spending time with the applications of the Pythagorean Theorem. Proving it and showing how the squares of each leg add up to the square of the hypotenuse can provide a clear picture to your students. I have used square crackers, square napkins, or even the desks in my room to show how the […]
How to Teach Mean, Median, and Mode
This lesson can be very fun to teach because there are so many real world implications of Mean, Median, and Mode. Here are some great ways to introduce Mean, Median, and Mode to your math class. Mean (Calculate Your Grade) The obvious place to start is by teaching them how to find their grades. They […]
Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Factor Worksheets
Launching GCF and LCM with a Real World Context Teachers often want to know how they can teach greatest common factor and the least common multiple in a way that is more concrete or constructivist. Using Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Factor Worksheets is fine but we can do better. They’ve been teaching factor […]
PreAlgebra Christmas Activities – Operations with Fractions Worksheet
It’s finally my favorite time of the year! It’s Christmas week. Which means you need Christmas Math worksheets and activities. Most of us are teaching Operations with Fractions right now. Here is our PreAlgebra Coach Operations with Fractions Worksheet Christmas Bundle! These are Christmas Math Worksheets that involve solving fraction related problems then completing the […]
Rounding Game – Rounding for Seats
Students sitting in a Pre-Algebra class will have varying degrees of ability when it comes to rounding and estimating. This activity is meant to be used with those who need remedial help and to assess the overall ability of the class. It is a fun way to accomplish two things throughout the year rounding and […]
Variables and Expressions with Dr. Seuss
This is one of my favorite lessons to teach because it is truly a pivotal point in my students’ math careers. Without a clear understanding of Variables, students will not be able to move forward and succeed in math. In order to teach this lesson on Variables and Expressions, you will need a couple of […]
Place Value Games
What You Will Need for these Place Value Games These place value games all require one or multiple decks of index cards that each have a number from 0 to 9 on them and a decimal point on one card. How to Setup the Place Value Games Step 1: Group the students in pairs or […]
How to Teach Multiplying Binomials – Without FOILING
I think we all know by now that teaching your students the old FOIL method for multiplying Binomials is a HUGE mistake! When you do this you are teaching them to memorize a pattern that won’t apply anywhere else when they move beyond Binomials. The majority of the lessons involving polynomials after this lesson […]
Stem and Leaf Plots – NBA MVP
There aren’t many places in the real world that Stem and Leaf Plots are used. However, the good news is the places they are used are very important. These are 3 Extremely Realistic Ways to Introduce Stem and Leaf Plots Airports – Everyone loves going on vacation. It would be awful to go to an […]
The Pythagorean Theorem – Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
I have seen a lot of teachers teach the Pythagorean Theorem in hundreds of different ways in my over a decade of teaching math. There is one, however, that I will forever use! This lesson is on the proof of the Pythagorean theorem. This is THE GREATEST WAY to Teach the Pythagorean Theorem! (There is […]
Area of Circles – Thinking About Pi
You get one chance to introduce Pi to your students. We want to give you some pointers on how to make sure it doesn’t go over their head right of the bat. Introducing Pi You have to start this lesson by teaching them that Pi is a ratio of the Circumference of the Circle to […]
Constructions – Kids with Sharp Objects
Teaching Constructions can be fun and frustrating at the same time. A lot of students using a lot of different tools at once can cause chaos. My biggest advice would be do not just show them how to do them and then turn them loose. Solve every problem with them step by step making them […]
Scatter Plots – Forearm to Foot Activity
Create a Google Sheet for a Scatter Plot. If you search the Templates on Google Sheets you will see it is already there and pre-made. You will want to edit it to fit your needs. It is very simple to edit. Change the x and y axis to reflect what you want them to […]
Solving Two-Step Equations – Push the Undo Button
Every year we ask our Geometry Teachers what the most important skill students need from Algebra to be successful in Geometry. Every year they say solving two-step equations. Why is this such an important task? Because solving two-step equations is the first time your students have to think beyond one mathematical step to get what they need […]
Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages – Cellular Data Usage
When it comes to converting Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages you will come to find your students are really engaged. They will only be engaged at high levels though if you introduce with a real world example that they actually care about. Here are 3 excellent real world ways to introduce converting between Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages […]
Adding and Subtracting Fractions – Cut the Cheese
Teaching Adding and Subtracting Fractions is by far the most frustrating topic for High School Teachers. If you only teach middle school you have an enormous impact on how much of a headache your students’ high school math classes will be. I have been teaching for over 10 years and by far the most frustrating […]
Irrational Numbers – K.I.S.S.
Irrational Numbers are a nightmare to introduce. The reason is that the most logical place to start is with a proof of finding the length of a diagonal of a square with side lengths of 1 unit to be the Square Root of 2. However, this is way over their heads and they aren’t ready […]
Variables and Equations – Using Stick Figures
This might be the greatest teaching tip you ever receive. Not just on Variables and Equations but as a Math Teacher! Do not use letters the first time you introduce variables to your students and never use the same variable twice in different problems on the first day or two! Let me explain, when […]
The Order of Operations – Don’t ask your Calculator
It really doesn’t matter which method you use to teach the Order of Operations. You can use PEMDAS, Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally, or any other catchy phrase. That isn’t the biggest problem. It is when they have to take their standardized tests and they don’t understand that their calculator doesn’t follow the order […]