Monday Must Reads: Volume 43
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It’s Monday. It’s the first full week of summer vacation. And given the fact that I know what classes I will be teaching next year (Algebra 2, Pre-AP Algebra 2, and Pre-Calculus/Trig), I am in a full-on search for ideas for next year! I’ve previously taught both Algebra 2 and Trig, so I’m mainly on the lookout for Pre-Calc ideas. So, if you think that this post has more pre-calc resources than usual, then you’re definitely right.
I hope you enjoy this look at this week’s “must read” posts on twitter.
Mathematics of Bank Notes
Vincent Pantaloni highlights some mathematics found on a Swiss bank note. How cool!
Square and Equilateral Triangle Puzzle
Ed Southall shares yet another awesome geometric puzzle.
Russian Egg Roulette Probability Lesson
John Rowe shares a brilliant lesson based on videos of Russian Egg Roulette.
Mechanical Binary Counter
Teaching binary? This video of a mechanical binary counter (shared by Massimo) is amazing.
Symmetry Displays
Aline Bègue-Crézé shares some awesome interactive displays involving symmetry.
Spiral Coloring Self-Checking Activity
I also love this self-checking activity shared by Aline. Each student in the pair gets a set of problems to solve. They must color their spiral based on their answers. When both students finish, their colored designs will match perfectly if no mistakes have been made.
Parallelogram Murder Mystery Activity
Aline continues to inspire with this activity where seven poor parallelograms were brutally murdered. Students must collect clues to find the identity of the murderers.
Squiggle Drawing
Jennifer Fairbanks brings out the creativity in her students by including a test question that asks students to make a picture out of a squiggle.
Desmos Vroom Vroom Pullback Car Lesson
Paul Jorgens masterfully combines Fawn‘s classic Vroom Vroom lesson with the power of Desmos.
Desmos WODB with Square Root Graphs
Paul also demonstrates the power of Desmos when combined with a WODB
Zero Product Property in the Wild
David Sladkey shares a great image of the zero product property in the wild.
Quadratics Progression Tables
Additionally, David‘s use of progression tables for graphing quadratics is brilliant.
Clothespin Factoring Activity
This clothes pin factoring activity from Ms. Wilton looks fab!
History of Math Bulletin Board
Ms. Kaub shares a lovely bulletin board that covers the history of math.
Literal Equations Name Project
Need a creative way to motivate solving literal equations? Check out this name project from Ms. Kaub.
Hands-On Geometric Proofs with Popsicle Sticks
Nick Corrado uses popsicle sticks to create hands-on geometric proofs.
AP Statistics Murals
How awesome are these AP Statistics murals in the classroom of Andrew Rosenbloom?!?
Regression Project for Words with Friends
I’ve never played Words with Friends before, but I like the idea of using your name’s score as part of a regression project. Check out this idea from Andrew Rosenbloom!
Fibonacci Poems
Want to infuse some poetry into your math classroom? How about trying some Fibonacci poems like Megan A. Uken did?
Unit Circle Error Finding Task
I love this error finding task involving the unit circle from Ms. K!
Christmas Tree Math Craft
Kerri Homan inspires with a math-themed Christmas craft. It’s never too early to start thinking about how you will celebrate this year!
Unit Circle Mystery Activity
This activity from MrsG looks like a lot of fun for trig students. Will your students save the Unit Circle?
Calculus Coloring Book
Mrs. Stelzer shares some impressive student work. Wow. Just wow.
Vector Story Telling
Scott Block inspires with this project where students tell their stories using vectors.
Vector Racing in the AP Calculus BC Olympics
This vector racing activity (part of a larger BC Calculus Olympics) from Linda Schmidt looks awesome.
Volumes of Known Cross Sections with Chop Sticks and Post-It Notes
Chop sticks and post-it notes in math class? Check out this calculus lesson from Maria Hernandez!
Unit Circle Haikus
Valerie Capps encourages students to reflect on what they have learned about the unit circle by having them write haikus.
Equation Sign Tradition
Another inspiring idea from Valerie: students design a nameplate or name sign for teachers in the school. Each letter of their last name is represented by an equation that equals that letter. Each student is assigned a different teacher. From reading some other tweets, it appears that this has become a tradition that is looked forward to every year. One counselor at the school tweeted that she had waited 3 years to receive her sign!
Parent Function Art
Ms. Peterson combines art with parent functions for a fun day in class before break.
Sinusoidal Graphs of Sunrise and Sunset Times
Mr. Guzik shares a real-world application of trigonometric graphs.
What are the Odds? Probability Project
Steve Mancuso shares the results of a fun-looking probability project.
Exploring Exponential Functions with Paper Cutting
I love this paper-based lesson on exponential functions from Darcie.
Calculus Solid of Revolution Project
Divya Kaushal‘s students went all-out with this solid of revolution project.
Thanksgiving Related Rates Problems
I also love how Divya had students write Thanksgiving themed related rates problems!
Creative Name Lines on Assignments
Lynn Kazda shares a simple way to put a smile on students’ faces on test day!
Illustrating Mean with Manipulatives
I’ve done a 2-D version of this lesson with towers drawn on paper, but I love the idea of illustrating mean as an equal stacking with 3-D manipulatives. Thanks Mrs. Freeland for sharing the awesome idea!
Physical Models of Quadratic Equations
Love looking at how the students of Jolene Shotwell brought quadratic equations to life!
Calculus Volume Projects
These calculus volume projects by the students of Meghan Arnold are gorgeous!
Survival of the Fittest Project
This survival of the fittest activity from Pamela J Burleson looks interesting!
Exponential Function Visual
Also from Pamela, check out this awesome visual for exponential functions.
Probability and Statistics Journal Writing Activity
Rebecca Swanson demonstrates that writing belongs in more than just English class.
Radian Gallery
Check out this mini learning gallery from the classroom of Rebecca Swanson.
Natural Log Pun
Nellie Dawson demonstrates the power of puns in the classroom.
Pi Necklaces
I love Ms. R‘s idea of making pi necklaces on Pi Day!
Asymptotic High Fives
Have your students learned how to give an asymptote high five? Check out this video from SHS Math Department!
Normal Graph of Minneapolis
Aran Glancy shares a math-ified photo of Minneapolis.
AP Statistics Inspiring Posters
Damion Beth shares some awesome locker signs to pump students up for AP Stats testing.
Take it to the Limit Poster
Angie Daughtrey shares a creative student project that will have you bursting into song.
String Art with Circle Boards
Tammy Casey showcases some beautiful string art.
Themed Review Days
Every year, Mary Williams amazes me with her themed review days for state testing.
End of Year Feedback
Kristen Fouss shares a quick and easy way to gather end-of-year feedback.
Pythagorean Theorem Scavenger Hunt
Lisa Richardson has got me thinking that I need to start planning outfits around activities in class. Of course, I don’t know if I could compete with this adorable activity!
Geometry Kite Project
Deb Bulin inspires with a geometry project involving kite flying.
Slope Art
Jae Ess shares a beautiful slope display created by her students.
Week of Inspirational Math Posters
Sophie Kasahara has students create posters to wrap up their week of inspirational math. Love the reminder that these posters will serve to students!
Mario Activity
I’m not entirely sure what’s going on, but this activity from Beatriz Nino has me mesmerized.
Exponentially Modelling Engagement Data
Nicole Ayers has students interact with some real-world (and very depressing) data.
Inviting Students to Ask Questions
Howie Hua shares some sage teacher wisdom.
Scrabble Probability Warm-Up
Ryan White shares a simple but effective probability warm-up.
Volume Missing Length Problems
Paul Smith shares a creative set of volume problems.
Angle Display Outside Classroom
Stephanie MacKay makes sure you know you’re entering a math classroom right away. Love it!
Wheel of Theodorus Projects
I am continually amazed at what students come up with when assigned a Wheel of Theodorus (or Spiral of Pythagoras) project. Check out this work from the students of Martin Joyce!
Quadratics in Golf
Wendy Bartlett shows the application of quadratics in relation to golf.
Pythagorean Theorem Error Analysis
Christopher Klerkx shares some student work that will make you think!
Math Goals Display
I love this beautiful math goals display from Renee Chipman!
Teacher Appreciation Bouquet
Tina McNally shares a Teacher Appreciation idea that is both cute and heartfelt. Maybe I will have my students make bouquets for each teacher next year? Hmmm…
Patty Paper and the Unit Circle
Julia Anker‘s combination of tracing paper and the unit circle is pure brilliance.
Illustrating Combinations with Clothes
Props in math class make any lesson better. Check out cLarsen‘s use of her daughter’s clothes to illustrate combinations.
Area of a Trapezoid Game
Annie Giercyk shares a creative way to practice finding the area of a trapezoid.
Surface Area of Cones Meets Wacky Hair Day
Happen to be teaching the surface area of cones on wacky hair day? Then, Roy Tomlinson has an idea for you!
Predicting Colors of M&M’s
Not so lucky to have those two very specific events collide? Here’s another lesson idea from Roy that can be used any day. Do you think that you could tell the difference between a brown M&M and a colored M&M without looking?
Properties of Logs Notice and Wonder
Patrick Flynn shares a great notice/wonder image for properties of logs.
Fractional Exponents Desmos Exploration
This fractional exponents/radicals exploration activity from Mark Kaercher is truly a beautifully structured lesson.
The Mathematical Cost of a Prank
Are your seniors contemplating a prank? Have them do the math to find the cost! LOVE this idea from Stephen Dull!
Mondrian Artwork with Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Working with parallel and perpendicular lines? Prof Maths suggests having your students make some Mondrian artwork.
Parent Function Family Album Project
James Edstrom helps students keep their parent functions separated in their minds by creating a family album of sorts.
Parabolas with Play Doh
James also shows that Play Doh has a place in the secondary classroom.
Continuity with Play Doh
Even and Odd Functions with Play Doh
Volumes of Solids with Play Doh and Construction Paper
Thanksgiving System of Inequalities
Carolyn Lantos shares a Thanksgiving-themed system of inequalities.
Pin the Radius on the Circle Game
Laura Frcka shares a new-to-me idea for Pi Day: pin the radius on the circle.
Valentine’s STEM Project
Marianna Jennings shares a Valentine’s STEM project.
Zometool Exploration
Peg Cagle shares an exploration involving Zometool.
Space Filling Project
I continue to be amazed by the development of this space-filling project by David Butler.
Until next week, keep sharing your awesome ideas!
