Quick Quadratics Warm-Ups

This is a few warm-ups for when you just don't have enough time for a whole WS! 

I previously covered the attributes warm-up on another post but wanted to include it again here as I have all 3 on the same students ready PowerPoint. Depending on how they turn it, it can be positive or negative!

The following is just identifying solutions and all the ways it could be written/listed. Makes for some great discussion. I have them all complete one and hang it on the board for a class visual check. There are a total of 24 problems and a direction sheet for you as well!

Here is an idea of what it looks like in the room. One of my favorite things go right moments ever!

I then noticed that a lot of my students would only recognize solutions when they crossed at integer solutions so I created the following warm-up where they need to graph then identify attributes. For the non-integer solutions, it still works because they are just circling where it is.

I have a pretty detailed slide to display when students are coming in to clearly show my expectations. 

Get all these resources for free HERE!!

Hope you enjoy!
Lisa

Ozobotting Quadratics

Previously, I wrote a blog about the impact computer science, specifically, Ozobots had made on my classroom with just a couple of days of using them.  You can find that post here.

My next challenge was to work them directly into my content.  One of the TEKS of Math Models is A.7A which is graphing and identifying the key features of a quadratic.  Also in the state of Texas, we have process standards which includes students applying a number of skills from math to life and the real world as well as using problem solving skills and methods.  I felt that these could combine well to make an Ozobots Quadratic Project for Math Models or Algebra 1!

So, I then went about deciding how to 'Ozobot' Quadratics.  I wanted to make them all easily identifiable characteristics that the Ozobot could 'mark' with color coding.  

**Teacher Tip**  We have only done a couple of days of color coding and as the project got started, I realized the students needed to do a bit more Ozobot practice with freehand coding.  The previous days we practiced with pre-printed activities and the accuracy was marked for you.  While many did play around and go beyond, they still needed to practice their precision with the color coding without a template.  As a result, many projects had correction pieces of paper taped on.  In the future, I will account and deduct for this.  Live and learn is the motto for me every time I try something new!

I created this project rubric as I was going to spend several days on it and it would be a major grade. 

I have edited it to be a bit more precise after completing the project. 

I also carefully selected equations that would fit on gridded chart paper and have integer solutions and axis of symmetry. 

I had students make their axis fit the equation to utilize as much of the gridded chart paper as possible.  Some had differently scaled x and y axis and that really stretched their math comfort zone.  Talk about high level application for students so accustomed to one method or practice for completing graphing.  The first day, students randomly chose equations (I had them written on Popsicle sticks that each group drew).  I had them complete a rough draft on graph paper before providing the chart paper that included their scaling and table.  

Since then, I have assigned equations to allow for differentiation.

I have taught classes in the past that are project based and as a result, I know the cost of chart paper so do not give students extra! 

The first day (50 minute class periods), majority of the groups got the graph on the chart paper ready for coding.  A couple started coding... without practicing... and had to re-do.  crazy what happens when they do not follow teacher instructions, isn't it?!?!?

On the second day, when they came in, I reminded them to practice coding on scratch paper before trying on their poster.  This is a very tedious precision needed skill and requires practice just like anything we want to master.  For those of you not familiar with the Ozobots, they require color coding to perform.  Here is a student sample...

Ozobot provides a wonderful template for free on their website.  You can get it here.

I have all mine laminated with thicker lamination to be durable.

On day 2 of the project, groups began coding.  Several finished but this is a precision task and time is necessary.

Sometimes the Ozobots can be 'temperamental' so often re-calibrating or getting another one can help.  Also, tracing over the lines repeatedly or thick pencil marks can effect coding.  If a code did not work that they put on the poster I provided a small piece of white paper to put the correct code on.  They would then tape along the edges (after testing it) and apply to the chart paper where it needed to execute.  I feel that this would not have occurred as frequently with more freehand coding practice prior to the assignment, as I stated earlier.  Live and learn!  Here is a picture of a well done correction.  In the overall picture it did not really detract form the project.

And here is their completed project in action.

Unfortunately the paper placement in the above video caused Ozobot to fall at the end and they needed to re-shoot the end of the video!  I loved their enthusiasm for a correctly finished project.

Day 3 was completing, troubleshooting, filming and grading.  I used what seemed to be the most accurate at reading code Ozobot.  There were a few times that a too broad line before the vertex would have read the day before but not grading day so I would allow for re-runs of the Ozobot or me going nuts trying to figure out why.  It is really about the precision with which the lines were drawn and will be a continual learning process.

Here is an excellent finished graph with explanations along the way!

I had some excellent projects and my enthusiasm was heard by everyone!  All my poor twitter, Instagram and Facebook followers were bombarded with my excitement and exaltation for days!  If you are interested in seeing additional pictures and videos, check out my twitter @CBHSRichMath.  

I will admit that since this was my first time giving the project, I graded a little leniently but plan on being more strict in the future with adjustments.  I will definitely allow for more time to practicing coding freehand.  I already made a revised project outline and rubric with more specific directives.  I will plan 3 days instead of 2.  I will have them practice graphing quadratics once more before the project (we had only done one day prior to the project).  

You can get the entire project here for FREE in the Ozobot Classroom Lesson Library!

Since I saw certain quadratic graphing issues after the project, I followed up with this worksheet on graphing.  

The solutions are not exact but I wanted them to practice the actual graphing and finding the vertex or 'Oreo' in the calculator.  This is also why I did not provide tables.  I also frequently have students just 'sketch' what they see on the calculator screen.... regardless of what they have been taught or verbally reminded of.

I cannot say enough about how computer science has changed my outlook on teaching math.  How critical it is to math and the real life lessons they learned when doing it.  I was asked how this relates to the math class and as I have said before, there is no more important fundamental than the order of operations.  The interviewer (ok, so it was the school newspaper but that sounded fancy!) then asked how this will benefit them in the real world.  We all need to complete steps in order to accomplish tasks.  We all need to be able to troubleshoot jobs and tasks in order to complete them.  We all need to be accurate and precise to do things correctly.  I feel Ozobots in the math classroom help with all these.  I am so excited I was able to work this important life skill into math concepts and reinforce both.

Thank you and if you see any mistakes or have anything to share, please do!

Lisa

Show Your Math SpiRiT!!

Because it's THAT time of year....that time where as a singleton teacher, you are trying to avoid writing your Semester Final... yeah, it's that time.  So while I should be toiling away on my very FIRST Math Models Semester Final ever, I am, in actuality, creating a pennants template of course!

Let's back-up a bit (because, of course, this will help with my task avoidance) and go back to that beloved day before Thanksgiving Break.  That wonderful and 'highly productive' day before our blessed nine day break.  That day which our school does not only does as a Pep Rally Schedule where we have shortened periods but ALSO does Mix-It-Up Day where all kinds of zany things happen at lunch.  Always such a peaceful and productive day!

I needed SOMETHING for my kiddos to do!   I needed something fun but educational as many needed to finish their major take-home project.  Then an epiphany!!! Actually a moment while rummaging through all those pre-copied things I had that I didn't get to in the unit so can I use them ah-ha moment!  

I had copied (and cut) all these pennants from an old activity! Instant lesson! Check Teachers Pay Teachers for a plethora of prepared ones! 

I needed to take up some time and also replace my fabulous Turkeys and Pumpkins hanging in the hallway.  Us math folks at Clear Brook can't handle a plain hall... testing week, when it all has to come down, is miserable and dull.  

I had each kiddo take one of each 'kind' of problem.  The activity has twenty different questions 4 to a page with 4 different forms on each page.  I did hand check all problems before they hung them on the yarn I had stretched along the back cabinets.  I cut it and hung it after each class.  I also quickly learned they NEEDED some color so had the rest of the classes decorate theirs.  My kids loved it!  

Then after all the excitement of a successful day... then comes the I know it's going to be time-consuming panic that- they asked to do it again..... Ugh but also a Heck YEAH!!   So I start looking around and then proceed to spend all my money on Christmas Presents!  Ugh.  EVERY. SINGLE PENNY.  

So... here I am, an hour later, still creating this blog after spending the better part of the afternoon making a Pennant Template I can use.  It is a deal more time consuming that the quick (and much preferred) purchase on my favorite teacher resource, Teachers-Pay-Teachers.  

I know that it is not as cute or styled as the available ones are and they are much simpler than those already available but I couldn't help sharing for those of you needing something to create your own Spirit in the Math Classroom!  Or those that are in my same shameful Black Friday Shopping but can't wait for Christmas Predicament!  

You can get my few pennant resources here.  I am also a font junkie so you can download my absolutely favorite font, Janda Curly Girl here for free.  This will allow you to edit the word documents without having to make adjustments for my font formats.  I also included the PDF of an already done Standard to Slope-Intercept Pennant Activity. I am a firm believer in they can NEVER practice this skill too much or enough.  

Here is a new pennant I created on 1-22-18.  It is for multiplying binomials.  I also did a new template with pictures and a little more decor.  Get all resources here for FREE.  I have them saved in both Word and PDF if you do not want to deal with font formatting. You will again need the Janda Curly Girl Font listed above as well as KG Payhone you can get for free here.

For any keys, please feel free to email me at camfan54@att.net from your school or professional account.  I've had students try and email for keys in the past but luckily their email said student! 

Thank you!

Lisa