Understanding fractions is a crucial aspect of mathematical literacy. As a 7th grader, it is important to have a solid grasp of fractions as they form the building blocks of many advanced mathematical concepts, such as decimals, ratios, and percentages. In this article, we will discuss the importance of understanding fractions, along with some tips […]
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Math in everyday life: examples of how 7th grade math is used in everyday situations
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 […]
Know and Apply the Properties of Integer Exponents
In pre-algebra, it’s important for students to know and apply the properties of integer exponents. But before they’re able to do that, a sound understanding of definitions is important. Exponents are those small and mighty numbers that are more powerful than you’d expect. I always make sure that I start by showing the expanded form […]
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! […]
Describe and Sketch Qualitative Features of a Graph
When students can verbalize and describe a graph, they can also recognize features of a graph or a function. This is the first step for describing and sketching qualitative features of a graph. I used to show graphs and have question and answer sessions about what was happening in the graph. I would ask questions […]
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 […]
Parallel Lines Cut by a Transversal
Now that people have GPS and navigation systems, it seems that fewer people really think through how to map out a route. But maps can be a great way to show angle measures and patterns with parallel lines. Reading a map is an important skill and following directions is a skill in itself, but I […]
Analyzing Scatter Plots
When it comes to analyzing scatter plots, I like to introduce scatter plots visually at first. Students can really start talking about what the data means when they realize that some things are associated, and others are more random. So one time I figured I would try something new; something to do BEFORE looking at […]
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 […]
Solve Systems by Graphing
When I coached peewee soccer, I remember putting dots or cones on the ground to help my players with their passing. At first, it was easy. One player stood at the cone and passed the ball to the second player who was standing at another cone. We practiced short, crisp passes. The shortest distance between […]
10 Ideas for Setting Up a Middle-School Math Classroom
No longer a little boy or girl, but not quite a teen. Tween – a dreaded word in the dictionary of many a teacher. If you’re a math teacher, you begin to notice that many of the strategies you used before don’t seem to work anymore. Your tween students don’t find them ‘cool’! Other strategies […]
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 […]
Dividing Fractions Activities
Dividing Fractions is one of the lessons that students struggle with their whole lives. I have heard the argument over and over… “Why do they need to learn to divide fractions by hand when they all have phones and calculators that will do it for them?” “When will they ever be in a […]
Real Number System Maze Activities
The first unit of the year is always the most important. Because it lays the foundation for the expectations in your class for the rest of the school year. When teaching the Real Number System I like to throw in Real Number System Maze Activities rather than only doing boring math worksheets with just a […]
Thanksgiving Math Coloring Worksheets
There is nothing better than giving your students an engaging task they can work on right before the holidays. One way to do this is by giving them Thanksgiving Math Coloring Worksheets that is ALSO on task and covers the current standards that they are learning. These will make sure your students are working on […]
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 […]