The Algebra Teacher's Activity-a-Day, Grades 6-12

Fun-filled math problems that put the emphasis on problem-solving strategies and reasoning

The Algebra Teacher's Activity-a-Day offers activities for test prep, warm-ups, down time, homework, or just for fun. These unique activities are correlated with national math education standards and emphasize problem-solving strategies and logical reasoning skills. In many of the activities, students are encouraged to communicate their different approaches to other students in the class.

• Filled with dozens of quick and fun algebra activities that can be used inside and outside the classroom
• Designed to help students practice problem-solving and algebra skills

The activities address a wide range of topics, skills, and ability levels, so teachers can choose whichever best suit the students' needs.

About This Book vii

About the Author xi

Acknowledgments xiii

Correlation with NCTM Process and Standards Grid xv

Section 1 What Doesn’t Belong? 1

Section 2 What’s Missing? 23

Section 3 Where Is It? 45

Section 4 Algebraic Pathways 63

Section 5 Squiggles 87

Section 6 Math Mystery Messages 109

Section 7 What Am I? 133

Section 8 Al-ge-grams 151

Section 9 Potpourri 173

Cooperative Games

Oral Team Problems

Mini-Investigations

Section 10 Calculator Explorations 195

Applications

Graphical Explorations

Suggested Resources 215

Answer Key 217

Frances McBroom Thompson, Ph.D., has taught mathematics at the junior and senior high school levels and was a professor of mathematics education at Texas Woman's University. She has served as a K-12 mathematics specialist, a curriculum developer, and a teacher trainer; and she is also the author of numerous articles and books on math education, including Hands-On Algebra and the Math Essentials series from Jossey-Bass. The Algebra Teacher's Activity-a-Day offers dozens of quick, fun algebra activities, correlated with national math education standards, to help students practice problem-solving and algebra skills. Part of the 5-Minute FUNdamentals series, the book's "sponge" activities can be used as warm-ups, during down times, for homework or test prep, or just for fun.

Inside this book you will discover:

• Over 180 activities geared to various levels

• Activities that encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication

• Intriguing and fun challenges like solving mystery messages, performing mini-investigations, and doing calculator explorations

As flexible as it is useful, The Algebra Teacher's Activity-a-Day covers a wide range of topics, skills, and ability levels, making it easy to choose whichever best suit your students' needs.

Praise for The Algebra Teacher's Activity-a-Day

"Frances Thompson continues to provide high-quality, useful, supplementary materials for algebra teachers at all levels."
—James W. Wilson, Ph.D., professor of mathematics education, University of Georgia

"The Algebra Teacher's Activity-a-Day is an excellent addition to any Algebra I and II teacher's repertoire."
—Ernest Oluwole Pratt, Ph.D., associate professor of education, Mount Union College, Ohio