I haven't written about a lesson idea in a while! While talking with an 8th grade teacher today, I was reminded of a lesson I've done in the past about combining like terms. I wanted to write a quick post to share and also so that I can have it saved to refer back to. The lesson begins by showing this clip: The kids always laugh and enjoy the silliness of it. When it keeps going, I hear a lot of "You gotta be kidding me!" and "ugh, how long is this going to go on?" Perfect. I feel like I'm creating the controversy (create the controversy, Dan Meyer suggests is a first step) After the video, I talk about a simpler version of this same idea. Me: What if I ordered 5 hamburgers, 3 orders of fries, 6 hamburgers, and 2 more orders of fries. Is there a better way to order that is less confusing? Students: Yes! (they are almost frustrated with me!) Put the hamburgers together and the fries together. Me: Oh, so if I wrote ((write on the board:...
Gosh, I am learning a lot by reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm also a middle school math teacher and love your teaching ideas, so I'd like to subscribe to get your new posts via email. For some reason, I can't figure out how to do this. Is it possible for me to do this? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Sean!
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog! I added a "follow by email" gadget on the right side of the blog to make it easier to subscribe and follow by email. Thanks for letting me know this was something my blog needed! :)
Cool.. thanks. Enjoy the summer!
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