Achoo... the Tissue Box Project!

Last year, a colleague shared a project she did at the beginning of the year using a tissue box and covering some basic math functions. I decided to turn it in to a cumulative project of basic algebraic functions and a little math trivia.

It includes a linear function, quadratic function and exponential function. I developed coordinate grids for each problem set so the students could see and compare the graph behavior.

I created 22 problem sets and will share them all with you (see the link below). 

After the initial instruction, I discovered that they really benefitted from a template so that they had all the information ready to design their box. I added this to the back of the rubric.

Many students cut the tables out to use on their box so you might want some extras!

Here is my sample:

Here are a couple of videos of the process with the students:

For virtual students, I adapted the project to a presentation. I allowed students to use Graphfree.com to create the graphs. I love Graphfree.com here is a short video on how the students can use it for the project or for you to check it out!

I had some wonderful submissions as well! And even used a student one for a sample (mine is the minimum though- his was way better). I'll include it in my resources. 

You could, of course, make them all a presentation but this year has been very sparse on hands on and they really need it sometimes. I wish you could see the painstaking way they spend so much time gluing their beads or chenille sticks on. It is magical. It does take it's toll on the teacher. Lot's of sanitizing and cleaning but the creative outlet for my students is worth every wipe and bend to pick up.

Lastly, let's talk fonts! I have a problem, I'm a font girl. I will redo entire activities with a different font that I like better! As a result, most things I create have different fonts. For this one, I used KG Payphone which you can get for free here on Dafont.com. I have provided both PDF and Word Documents so you might want to download if you don't want to mess with formatting!

Get all my project resources for FREE here!

As always, please let me know if you see any typos or mistakes! 

Enjoy!

Lisa

Robotic Binomials

I needed a little extra practice on multiplying binomials so I decided to do some more STEM integration. I've been surprised by how many students seem to enjoy the creativity coloring aspect so like to give them a chance to 'brain break' with the work.

Thinking back on my Emoji Math one (you may read about it and/or get it here), I asked the students what they would like to color. The definitive answer was something different! Enter, Walter! Walter is my Space Center Houston USB Hub Buddy that regularly sits atop my desk and helps encourage me. I received him while attending SEEC, the Space Exploration Educators Conference. It is incredible and if you ever get the chance, GO! I cannot speak enough about what an incredible experience it is. People come from around the WORLD!

Sorry, back to the topic at hand, h👀ere is Walter Algebr-ing and downloading...

So I'm looking for a robot outline to use for the activity when Walter pipes up with his hand in the air... So I made him in a word document. He's very excited to make it onto an activity!

Look at the Joy!

So the activity, students will multiply the binomials, match it to the answer below which tells them how to decorate that 'Walter'. There are 3 versions in the same document so all 12 answers/designs are used.

Easy way for them to have instant feedback and assessment. Plus, they get a little relief before factoring!  

Get my Walter Activity, Robotic Binomials HERE for FREE!
The font I used for the title and directions is KG Payphone and you may download it free here at dafont.com. I have also saved it in Word and PDF for you.

For answer keys, please email camfan54@att.net from an official teacher school or professional account that I can verify. I have had a number of students and generic email accounts request keys. I don't want to ruin the integrity of an assignment for any of you. Thank you and hope you understand.

Enjoy!
Lisa

What's Your Mission... Patch?

Last February, I attended NASA's Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.  One word, WOW!  What an incredible experience.  I attended every minute of learning and really got caught up in the magic and amazement of space exploration.  Now, I live around the corner, could probably walk to NASA so to say, I took it for granted would be an understatement.  I knew it was there but now I realize what a gift it is.

That is Walter posing in my pictures of the legendary Gene Kranz and the Shuttle Mock-up.  He attended many a session with me throughout the weekend.

I had never heard of SEEC until this year and hope to never miss another one.  Starting with this post, I will be sharing several lessons that were inspired by SEEC that my friend Valerie Blackburn and I developed for our Summer Camp that we made Space themed after attending SEEC!  It really had us wrapped up in the moment and still using the knowledge 4 months later to help foster learning and creativity in students!

This blog entry is to share the Design Your Own Mission Patch activity we developed from a great presentation by Brian Ewenson.  Below is the patch that Walter and I created to represent me as a teacher!

Valerie and I wanted to embrace the A in STEAM learning and allow for not only creativity but some personal ownership and self of each team member.  We were blown away.  Every 'Mission' (table group) really embraced the activity and theme.  Below were our patches and Mission Worksheets.

 

 

 

These were fabulous.  The WS template (pictured below) was to allow freedom to pick things that represented them, rather it be video games or pizza!  We wanted them to own their Mission

There is a great lesson template online from New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science LodeStar Astronomy Center that can be found here.  Me being me, or course, I had to make it harder on myself.  I needed like 10 Patch options so every option was available to the students.

We also had a handout developed from all our research and gave one to each group so they knew the history and inspiration that goes in to a Mission Patch design.  The above lesson from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science LodeStar Astronomy Center has some great information.

You may get our badge templates and rubric here for FREE!

I want to use this in my math class next year.  I think it would be a great way to set a math goal and have the students tell me about them selves.  It can be used beyond Space learning!  I love how our students embraced the activity and taught us about themselves!

Enjoy,
Lisa