Algebra 1 Activities Collection

I taught Algebra 1 to high school students for six years. Over the course of those six years, I blogged about many of the Algebra 1 activities I created for them to do.

I hope you enjoy this round-up of 108 fun and engaging Algebra 1 activities. Let me know if you find an activity to use in your own classroom!

algebra 1 activities

Number Activities

Looking for a specific type of activity? Jump to exactly what you are looking for!

Real Number System Activities

Real Number System Nesting Boxes

three colorful boxes stacked one on top of the other with text "real number system nesting boxes"

Build a set of DIY nesting boxes to help illustrate the real number system to students. When the integer box fits inside the rational number box, students will be able to visually see why every integer is a rational number but every rational number is not an integer.

Real Number System Card Activity

real number symbol on top of index card on orange background

I created this set of real number system cards several years ago to give my students much-needed practice determining which subsets of the real number system a number belongs to.

Rational and Irrational Numbers Exploration Activity

compass and map in background with text "rational & irrational numbers exploration activity."

This exploration activity will get students thinking about what happens when you perform various operations with rational and irrational numbers.

Always Sometimes Never Dice Activity for Real Number System

photograph of colorful dice with text "always? sometimes? never? real number system dice activity."

I created this always sometimes never dice activity for classifying numbers according to the real number system. We completed this after sorting numbers using our Real Number System Nesting Boxes. I always hated Always, Sometimes, Never questions when I did them as a geometry student in high school. But, I decided to give it a try with my students.

Absolute Value, Opposite, and Reciprocal Activities

Always Sometimes Never for Absolute Value, Opposite, Reciprocal, and Opposite Reciprocal

large question mark on mathematical background with text: "always? sometimes? never? absolute value, opposite, reciprocal, opposite reciprocal"

These Always Sometimes Never questions will get students thinking about the meaning of absolute value, opposite, reciprocal, and opposite reciprocal.

War Activity for Practicing Absolute Value, Opposite, Reciprocal, and Opposite Reciprocal

war card game to practice vocabulary of "absolute value, opposite, reciprocal, and opposite reciprocal"

This War activity will give students lots of practice with math vocabulary including absolute value, opposite, reciprocal, and opposite reciprocal.

Roll a Number Dice Activity for Practicing Absolute Value, Opposite, Reciprocal, and Opposite Reciprocal

roll a number dice activity with photograph of hand tossing colorful dice in air

Rolling dice to generate random numbers for an activity always makes for a lot of fun. This Roll a Number Dice activity for reviewing absolute value, opposite, reciprocal, and opposite reciprocal is no exception!

Two Truths and a Lie: Absolute Value, Opposite, Reciprocal, and Opposite Reciprocal

2 truths and a lie absolute value, opposite, reciprocal, opposite reciprocal

Practice the vocabulary of absolute value, opposite, reciprocal, and opposite reciprocal with this engaging 2 truths and a lie activity.

Speed Dating Activity for Absolute Value, Opposite, Reciprocal, and Opposite Reciprocal

speed dating activity for absolute value, opposite, reciprocal, and opposite reciprocal vocabulary with clipart of sand timer

Speed Dating is one of my favorite ways to get students out of their seat to practice. I only use this practice structure with topics that allow students to quickly do a problem in their head.

Order of Operations Activities

“One Incorrect” Order of Operations Activity

one incorrect activity for order of operations

I love this One Incorrect Order of Operations Activity that was shared by Greta Bergman. Students are given 8 expressions. 7 of the expressions simplify to -13. 1 of them doesn’t.

Order of Operations Question Stack Activity

order of operations question stack activity

I created this order of operations question stack activity to give my Algebra 1 students extra practice applying the order of operations to some rather involved expressions. These order of operations questions are specially designed to expose students to various grouping symbols including parentheses, brackets, absolute value bars, radicals, and fraction bars.

Missing Parentheses Order of Operations Puzzle

missing parentheses order of operations activity

Can you use your knowledge of the order of operations to put the missing parentheses back in each number sentence?

Mmm Exponent Task and Card Sort Activity

three letter M's that look like they have been cut out of a newspaper

This lovely exponent task helps teachers assess if students really understand what exponents and coefficients mean.

Exponent Rules Review Game – The Game of Grudge

child's block with letter X with text "game of grudge exponent rules" 

To kick off our review of exponent rules, we played an exponent rules review game that I found on Nathan Kraft’s blog.

Exponent Rules Card Sort Activity and Karuta Game

exponent rules card sort activity

After creating a foldable book of exponent rules, my students needed some practice problems. This was the perfect time to pull out an exponent rules card sort activity.

Exponent Rules Review Game with ACT Questions and Distractors

I created this exponent rules review game in February of 2020. It exposes students to actual ACT questions from past released exams, and it gives students a chance to play the role of exam writer by crafting tricky distractors for each question.

Exponent Rules Match-Up Activity

exponent rules match up activity

I ran across this exponent rules match-up activity in the Algebra Activities Instructor’s Resource Binder from Maria Andersen. It was the perfect activity to review exponent rules with my students!

Distributive Property Activities

Teaching the Distributive Property with Combo Meals

photograph of fast food combo meal with text "teaching the distributive property with combo meals"  

Help your Algebra 1 students gain a strong understanding of the distributive property with a fun lesson based on the concept of fast food combo meals.

Distributive Property Self-Checking Question Stack Activity

distributive property question stack activity

Students will get lots of practice working with the distributive property in this self-checking question stack activity.

“One Incorrect” Distributive Property Activity

one incorrect activity for distributive property

In this activity, students were given eight different algebraic expressions that needed to be simplified through applying the distributive property and combining like terms. Seven of the eight expressions simplify to the expression in the center. Find the one that doesn’t.

Factoring vs Distributing Card Sort Activity

factoring vs distributing card sort activity

I created this factoring vs distributing card sort activity to show my algebra students that factoring isn’t something to be afraid of. It’s just the opposite of distributing.

Area Model for Teaching Distributive Property and Factoring

NCTM Illuminations has an excellent PDF based resource on using the area model to teach both the distributive property and factoring out the greatest common factor. I used this resource frequently during the six years I taught Algebra 1.

Combining Like Terms Activities

Combining Like Terms Maze

combining like terms maze

To give my Algebra 1 students some practice on combining like terms, I assigned them to work through a combining like terms maze in their groups.

Two Truths and a Lie Combining Like Terms Activity

2 truths and a lie: combining like terms

Check out how to use the 2 Truths and a Lie structure to have students think critically about combining like terms.

Combining Like Terms Cut and Paste Activity

This Combining Like Terms Cut and Paste Activity really helps students understand what a term is in an expression.

Evaluating Expressions Activities

Evaluating Expressions Sorting Cards Activity

This sorting cards activity for evaluating expressions can be used several different ways in any algebra classroom!

“One Incorrect” Evaluating Expressions Activity

one incorrect activity for evaluting expressions

I gave my Algebra 1 students a One Incorrect Activity from Greta Bergman to give them some extra practice with evaluating expressions. Students had to evaluate expressions until they found the one that didn’t equal 36.

Evaluating Expressions Question Stack Activity – Basic

open binder on desk with pencil with text "evaluating expressions (basic) question stack" 

Students will get lots of practice working with evaluating expressions in this self-checking question stack activity.

This version includes very basic expressions.

Evaluating Expressions Question Stack Activity – Advanced

evaluating expressions question stack activity (advanced level)

Students will get lots of practice working with evaluating expressions in this self-checking question stack activity.

This version includes much more complex expressions.

Parenthetical Promise for Evaluating Expressions

Your Algebra 1 students will never forget to use parentheses when substituting values into an algebraic expression after you make them take the parenthetical promise pledge.

In the past, I did a similar activity to this called Algebraic Oath Cards.

Non-Standard Operations Activities

Add Em Up Activity for Non-Standard Operations

add em up activity for non-standard operations

I created this Add Em Up Activity to practice one of the new skills included in Oklahoma’s math standards – non-standard operations.

Non-Standard Operations Sorting Activity

This sorting activity gives students lots of practice with various problems involving non-standard operations.

Translating Between Algebra and Words Activities

Translating Algebra Dry Erase Mat Activity

Use this dry erase mat to figure out what students already know about translating between algebra and words before you jump into your lesson!

Translating Algebra Around the Room Activity

I created this Translating Algebra Around the Room Activity to give my students extra practice translating expressions, equations, and inequalities. This activity is structured in such a way to emphasize that there is not one correct way but many ways to write a math problem in words.

Translating Algebra Flyswatter Game

pink flyswatter with text "flyswatter game: translating algebra"

Help students remember which expressions go with which operation in this fun, action-packed flyswatter game.

Translating Algebra Expression, Equation, and Inequality Card Sort

I created this Expression Equation Inequality Foldable to give my Algebra 1 students practice translating and sorting between expressions, equations, and inequalities. We glued the resulting foldable in our Algebra 1 interactive notebooks.

Equations Activities

Solving Equations Snowball Fight Activity

solving equations snowball fight activity

Students will love solving equations, crumpling their paper into snowballs and having a fun and engaging snowball fight in math class!

Solving Equations Auction Review Game

gavel with text "solving equations auction" 

Can students solve the equations correctly so they know which lots to bid on and which to avoid in this fun solving equations auction review game?

Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides Sorting Activity

Give your students lots of much-needed practice solving equations with variables on both sides with this fun sorting activity.

Open Middle Style Activity for Equations with One/No/Infinite Solution(s)

This Open Middle Style activity will really assess whether students understand what will make an equation have one solution, infinite solutions, or no solution.

Literal Equations Scavenger Hunt Activity

Get students up and moving around the room while solving literal equations with this fun, easy-to-create scavenger hunt activity.

Literal Equations Connect 4 Activity

connect 4 board game with text "literal equations connect 4" 

I highly recommend this Literal Equations Connect 4 Activity from Math by the Mountain. It is a free download on Teachers Pay Teachers, and my students absolutely loved it. When we stopped the activity, my students literally begged to do more!

Leveled Practice Cards Activity for Absolute Value Equations

I created these leveled practice cards for solving absolute value equations when I taught Algebra 1. There are three levels of problems so that students can start with problems of an appropriate difficulty level.

Systems of Equations Activities

Acrobats Grandmas and Ivan Systems of Equations Task

This visual systems of equations task from Marilyn Burns is a true classic!

All Tied Up In Knots Systems of Equations Exploration Activity

all tied up in knots systems of equations activity

I first experienced the All Tied Up in Knots activity for exploring systems of equations at a Common Core workshop I attended in the summer of 2013. I finally tried the activity in my classroom with my Algebra 2 students, and it was an awesome introduction to solving systems of equations.

Balancing Act Puzzles

chalk drawing of scale with "balancing act puzzles" printed above

These balancing act puzzles from Heather Sparks make a great bellwork activity. They are also a great addition to units on equations or systems of equations.

Inequalities

One Variable Inequalities Square Puzzle Activity

I want to highlight this one variable inequalities square puzzle shared by Public Schools of North Carolina in their Resources for Algebra Blackline Masters collection (page 1 of PDF). The file no longer exists online, but an archived version still exists due to the Internet Archive.

One Variable Inequalities Card Sort Activity

I created this one variable inequalities card sort activity for my Algebra 1 students to complete before we moved on to looking at two variable inequalities. Students are given five number lines and five equations/inequalities to match up.

Graphing Solutions on a Number Line Speed Dating Activity

speed dating activity with graphing solutions on a number line

This speed dating (or quiz quiz trade) activity will help students learn how to graph solutions on a number line.

Compound Inequalities Question Stack Activity

compound inequalities question stack activity

This Compound Inequalities Question Stack is a great self-checking activity to give your algebra students some much-needed practice with solving and graphing compound inequalities on a number line. I originally created this activity to use with my Algebra 1 students.

Inequalities Investigation Activity

greater than symbol with arrow pointing to less than symbol

This investigation activity helps students understand why we have to flip the inequality symbol when multiplying or dividing both sides of an inequality by a negative.

Slope Activities

Slope Dude Says Game

Last week, we got to play one of my favorite algebra games ever: Slope Dude Says. Before playing the game, I had to make sure my students had been introduced to Slope Dude.

Four Types of Slope Pictures

Check out the awesome artwork created by my Algebra 1 students using the four different types of slope.

Slope Treasure Hunt Activity

slope treasure hunt activity

When I taught Algebra 1, I ran across a fun slope treasure hunt activity for practicing the concept of slope (or gradient, for my international readers). My Algebra 1 students really enjoyed this slope treasure hunt. The activity is appropriate for middle school math as well.

Crow and the Pitcher Activity for Introducing Rate of Change

drawing of crow placing round stone in pitcher

This crow and the pitcher activity for introducing the concept of rate of change was a huge hit with my Algebra 1 students. My math students loved getting out the science lab materials to do a lab activity since they usually only see the labs I have set up for my physical science students.

Four Types of Slope Name Art Activity

This slope name art activity is the perfect way to introduce students to the four types of slope.

Slope Art Assignment

During my first year of teaching, I assigned my students to draw a picture and label the different types of slope in the picture to create slope art.

Finding Rate of Change from a Graph Hole Punch Activity

I created this hole punch activity to give my Algebra 1 students practice finding rate of change from a graph. When I teach Algebra 1, I intentionally avoid using the word slope for as long as possible.

Average Rate of Change Self-Checking Question Stack Activity

average rate of change self-checking question stack activity

Practice finding average rate of change from equations, graphs, and tables with this self-checking question stack activity.

Linear Graphing Activities

Linear Auction Activity

gavel with text "linear auction activity" 

This linear auction activity was a fun way to practice linear vs non-linear functions in Algebra 1.

Flyswatter Review Game for Different Forms of Linear Equations

pile of colorful flyswatters with text "linear equations flyswatter review game" 

I created this flyswatter review game to give my Algebra 1 students practice identifying the different forms of linear equations.

Standard Form of a Linear Equation Cut and Paste Activity

After my Algebra 1 students finished their standard form of a linear equation foldable, I created a standard form cut and paste activity for my students to complete. I chose an equation in standard form that I wanted them to practice converting to slope intercept form. I printed each piece of the process on colored paper to give to my students to unscramble and arrange.

Linear Equation of the Day Routine

geometry tools with text of "linear equation of the day" 

I implemented this linear equation of the day routine in my Algebra 1 class to help keep them graphing throughout the year in order to keep the concepts fresh in our brains for the end-of-instruction exam at the end of the year.

Linear Functions Stacking Cups Lesson

stacks of red solo plastic cups with text "linear function stacking cups lesson" 

Introduce linear functions with a fun and engaging lesson about how many cups must be stacked to equal their teacher’s height.

Point-Slope Form Dice Activity

point slope form dice activity

I created this point-slope form dice activity for my Algebra 1 students. They used foam dice to generate random points and then used Desmos to check that they had written the equation between those lines correctly using Desmos.

Turkeys in the Oven Game – Writing Linear Equations

turkeys in the oven review game with drawing of turkey inside oven

Looking for a fun game to give your algebra students practice writing linear equations from a graph? Check out this Turkeys in the Oven Game.

Graphing Linear Equations Activity with Transparencies

I love this graphing linear equations activity that uses transparencies. Students are given a coordinate plane template and a small strip of transparency paper with a straight line printed or drawn on it. Students have to use the transparent line to graph each of the following linear functions.

Linear vs Non-Linear Card Sort Activity

I created this linear vs non-linear card sort activity for my Algebra 1 students to glue in their interactive notebooks.

Two-Variable Inequalities

Two Variable Inequalities Card Sort Activity

I decided to create a two variable inequalities card sort activity to introduce the topic to students before we even took notes over the topic.

Graphing Inequalities Dry Erase Work Mat

I created this graphing inequalities work mat when I taught Algebra 1 to help my students conceptualize what it actually meant to graph an inequality. So often, I have a tendency to just give my students a set of steps to follow without making sure they understand why we are following those steps.

Relations and Functions Activities

Function Auction Activity

function auction activity

One of my favorite activities for introducing the concept of a function in Algebra 1 is to host a Function Auction.

Function vs Not a Function Card Sort Activity

This function vs not a function card sort activity is the perfect way to assess whether or not students can apply the definition of a function to determine whether a relation is or is not a function. This card sort activity provides students practice classifying graphs, tables (both horizontal and vertical tables), ordered pairs, and mapping diagrams as either a function or not a function.

Evaluating Functions War

evaluating functions activity war card game with graphing calculator in background

Do you want to play a game of evaluating functions war? My Algebra 1 students are required to be able to evaluate functions from a table, equation, or graph. Last year, I taught these as separate skills. This year I combined the skills and created this engaging and fun game to give my students lots of much-needed practice evaluating functions.

Evaluating Functions Spider Puzzles

evaluating functions spider puzzle with clipart of mindmap

This Evaluating Functions Spider Puzzle was the perfect practice activity for my Algebra 1 students. These spider puzzles are the creation of Andy Lutwyche, and they are a free download on TES. Andy has created spider puzzles for many other topics as well that are well worth checking out!

Representations of a Relation Telephone Game

representations of a relation telephone game with a blue telephone handset

I created this representations of a relation telephone game to give my Algebra 1 students practice switching between the four different representations of a relation: set of ordered pairs, input/output table, coordinate plane, and mapping diagram.

Function Machines Activity

This function machines activity from CPM never fails to get students engaged and doing lots of math!

Evaluating Functions Puzzle

After making my Function (or Not) Puzzle to give students practice classifying relations as a function or not a function, I was eager to make a similar open middle style activity to practice a different skill. I settled on creating an evaluating functions activity that would give students practice evaluating functions.

Function vs Not a Function Puzzle Activity

I created this function vs not a function puzzle to help my students practice determining if a relation is a function or not a function.

Interactive Domain and Range Foldable

I used the same cards that we used for Domain and Range Pictionary to create an interactive domain and range foldable for my Algebra classes.

Domain and Range Pictionary Activity

Students are sure to get lots of practice with domain and range with this pictionary style activity!

Modeling Function Machines with Flip Chutes Activity

Help students to understand how function machines work with these hands-on flip chutes.

Drawing Boxes for Domain and Range

In the past, my students have always done a good job of finding domain and range from a table or set of ordered pairs in Algebra 1. This method of drawing boxes for domain and range has really helped them understand how to find domain and range from a graph.

“Win Some Cash!” Parent Functions Task

photograph of cash with text "win some cash activity" 

I really liked how this Win Some Cash task went with my Algebra 1 student! It was a great introduction to different types of parent functions.

Domain and Range Challenge Activity

I created this set of 20 domain and range challenges for my Algebra 1 students to work though as a review for our quiz over domain and range.

Popcorn Graphs Activity

text of "popcorn graphs activity" surrounded by rows of popcorn

This popcorn graphs activity is one of my favorite ways to practice writing stories for graphs with my Algebra 1 students.

Discrete vs Continuous Functions Card Sort Activity

Students were given six cards. Each card had ONE of the following filled in: situation, variables, or sketch of graph. As a class, we filled in the missing information and classified each card as discrete or continuous.

Discovering the Vertical Line Test Activity

Help your students discover the vertical line test for themselves!

Independent vs Dependent Variables Review Game

I created this ghosts in the graveyard review game to give my Algebra 1 students some much needed practice with independent vs dependent variables.

Independent vs Dependent Variables Card Sort Activity

In the past, some of my students really struggled with the difference between dependent and independent variables.  So, I created this card sort activity to try to remedy this.

DIY Shower Curtain Coordinate Plane

drawing of bathtub and shower curtain with words "diy shower curtain coordinate plane"

Functions are fun when you teach them with this DIY shower curtain coordinate plane that you can easily make with supplies from the dollar store.

Quadratics Activities

Quadratic Formula Songs

quadratics math problem photograph with text "quadratic formula songs" 

One of my favorite ways to help students to memorize the quadratic formula is to lead them in quadratic formula songs. Here are several different songs I have used with students.

Factoring Quadratics Self-Checking Question Stack Activity

photograph of parabola with text "factoring quadratics question stack"

This self-checking question stack activity is the perfect introduction to factoring quadratics. Want to practice multiplying binomials instead? Just turn all of the cards over!

Quadratic Formula Memory Assignment

Looking for a fun way to practice the quadratic formula? Students have to recite the quadratic formula from memory to one teacher, one family member, and one additional person of their choosing.

Quadratic Formula Dry Erase Activity Template

quadratic formula dry erase template activity

After the success of using a quadratic formula template in my quadratic formula foldable, I decided to create a quadratic formula dry erase template for my students to use throughout the rest of the quadratics unit.

If the IRS had Discovered the Quadratic Formula

If the IRS had discovered the quadratic formula...

I ran across a PDF titled “If the IRS had discovered the quadratic formula…” while searching for something else related to quadratics. Kudos to Daniel J. Velleman from Amherst College for brightening my day!

Factoring Quadratic Trinomials with GCFs Self-Checking Question Stack Activity

photograph of binder open to page of notebook paper with text "factoring trinomials with gcfs question stack"

Help your students gain confidence factoring trinomials with GCFs using this self-checking question stack activity.

X Puzzles Factoring Review Game

example of x puzzles factoring review game

I love using X Puzzles to introduce factoring quadratics. These puzzles are also known as sum and product puzzles since the goal of the puzzle is to find the two numbers that have a given sum and product. Read this blog post to learn about how I turned them into a fun review game!

Quadratic Area Puzzles

quadratic area puzzles

I am really liking these quadratic area puzzles from Chritsopher (Bow Tie Teacher on twitter) that are posted for free on TES.

Factoring Puzzle for Quadratic Trinomials

factoring quadratic trinomials puzzle for practicing factoring polynomials with movable pieces

I have been a fan of this factoring puzzle for factoring quadratic trinomials since I worked through it at a Common Core workshop I attended (OGAP) in the summer of 2013.

Shared Factors – A Quadratics Puzzle

Shared Factors Quadratics Puzzle by mathequalslove

Each side of the square shares a factor with each of its neighboring sides. Determine the missing values that make this statement true.

Factoring Quadratics Practice Activity (When a = 1)

factoring quadratics activity a=1

This matching activity is the perfect way to practice factoring monic quadratics (when a = 1).

ZERO Game to Introduce Factoring Quadratics

zero factoring quadratics game

Check out Shaun Carter’s ZERO game to help motivate students to why it might be useful to factor quadratics.

Vertex Form of a Quadratic Card Sort Activity

Students are given cards featuring six graphs of quadratics, six equations in vertex form, and six descriptions of the transformations needed to form the graph from the parent quadratic function.

Quadratic Formula Tangram Puzzle

I was inspired by Journal Wizard to create a Quadratic Formula Tangram Puzzle for my algebra students to glue in their interactive notebooks.

Factorable Polynomials Open Middle Style Puzzle

Trinomials with missing boxes and question marks scattered around.

Mr. Canning created an open middle style puzzle which involves placing the numbers 1-9 in the missing blanks to create 9 factorable quadratics.

Wax Paper Parabolas

folded piece of paper in background with parabola drawn on top

Help students discover the parts of a parabola using this fun paper folding activity that produces a parabolic curve from only straight folds. This works especially well with wax paper!

Polynomials Activities

Building and Naming Polynomials Activity

building and naming polynomials activity with clipart image of toolbox full of tools

This building and naming polynomials activity never disappoints. I have used it with students almost every single year since creating it.

Naming Polynomials Speed Dating Activity

clipart of timer with text "speed dating: naming polynomials"

This naming polynomials speed dating activity will get kids up and moving around the classroom and talking about math.

Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Activity

Today I want to share an Adding and Subtracting Polynomials Activity I created for my Algebra 1 students. One of our objectives in Algebra 1 is that students will be able to add and subtract polynomials. These polynomial building cards can be used for so many different activities!

Factoring Polynomials Square Puzzle Activity

factoring polynomials square puzzle activity with math background

I want to highlight this factoring polynomials square puzzle shared by Public Schools of North Carolina in their Resources for Algebra Blackline Masters collection (page 2 of PDF). The file no longer exists online, but an archived version still exists due to the Internet Archive.

Adding and Subtracting Polynomials in Function Notation Question Stack Activity

photograph of notebook and pen with text: "adding and subtracting polynomials question stack"

I created this adding and subtracting polynomials in function notation activity for my Algebra 1 students.

Human Polynomials Activity

students holding up pieces of paper with algebraic expressions on them to form a polynomial with text "human polynomials activity" 

This human polynomials activity gets students up and moving in math class. It is a great way to keep students engaged while building their math vocabulary skills.

Multiplying Polynomials Egg Hunt Activity

multiplying polynomials egg hunt activity

Students are always super engaged when I do egg hunt activities with them. This multiplying polynomials egg hunt activity is no exception.

Area Model Puzzles from Christie Bradshaw

These area model puzzles were a perfect introduction to the box method before we jumped into factoring using the box method!

Introducing Algebra Tiles to Students

algebra tiles in square bowl from dollar tree 

We broke out the algebra tiles in Algebra 1 this week to learn how to multiply polynomials. My students had never seen algebra tiles, so first I had to teach them how they work. Read more to learn how I introduce algebra tiles to students.

Polynomial or Not Color Coding Activity

After reviewing the definition of a polynomial, we completed this polynomial or not color coding activity. We glued the final results in our algebra interactive notebooks.

Radicals Activities

Simplifying Radicals Dry Erase Work Mat

Yesterday, I was able to use the simplifying radicals dry erase mat that I created to help my Algebra 1 students organize their work while simplifying radicals.

Dice Activity for Reviewing Square Roots

photograph of colorful dice with text "dice activity for reviewing square roots" 

This dice-based activity is the best activity ever for reviewing square roots. I have never had more engaged students in my algebra classes!

Like Radicals Card Sort Activity

like radicals card sort activity

I created this like radicals card sort activity a few years ago when I was still teaching Algebra 1. Students are given 25 cards featuring radicals that range from square roots to fourth roots. Students must sort the cards into groups of like radicals.

Multiplying Radicals Square Puzzle Activity

I want to highlight this multiplying radicals square puzzle shared by Public Schools of North Carolina in their Resources for Algebra Blackline Masters collection (page 3 of PDF). The file no longer exists online, but an archived version still exists due to the Internet Archive.

Operations with Radicals Question Stack Activity

operations with radicals activity - question stack

Make practicing operations with radicals fun with this self-checking question stack activity.

Simplifying Radicals Puzzle

Students will get lots of practice simplifying radicals with this square tarsia puzzle.

Radicals: Which is the Smallest?

radicals task: which is the smallest with bedazzled radical symbol in center

I really like this lovely radicals task from Terry Stickels. It simply asks: Which of the following is the smallest?

This isn’t as quick a problem to answer as you might think it would be. It will definitely get you and your students thinking about radicals!

Why Do We Rationalize the Denominator Discovery Activity

I try to give my students a taste of history and the WHY of what we’re doing when we rationalize the denominator of a fraction.

Rationalizing the Denominator Question Stack Activity

rationalizing the denominator activity (question stack)

This self-checking activity will help your Algebra 1 students gain fluency with rationalizing the denominator.

Radicals Vocabulary Knowledge Rating Activity

vocabulary knowledge rating chart

Help students reflect on the development of their vocabulary related to radicals before, during, and after your unit.

Sequences Activities

Arithmetic Geometric or Neither Color Coding Activity

My Algebra students completed this arithmetic geometric or neither color coding activity after we created our arithmetic, geometric, or neither foldable in our interactive notebooks.

Classifying Sequences Activity – Arithmetic, Geometric, or Neither?

I created this classifying sequences activity to give my algebra students practice distinguishing between geometric and arithmetic sequences. I also threw in some other sequences which we classified as neither.

Step Puzzles for Practicing Arithmetic Sequences

step puzzles by naoki inaba

Each line in the picture represents a different arithmetic sequence. Can you fill in the blank circles?

These creative puzzles are the creation of Naoki Inaba, a prolific Japanese puzzle creator.

Statistics and Data Analysis Activities

Level the Towers Activity for Introducing Mean

This activity will help your students visually understand what we are doing to a data set when we find the mean.

Tenzi vs Splitzi Measures of Central Tendency Activity

This Tenzi vs Splitzi data collection activity was the perfect set-up for practicing finding measures of central tendency with my Algebra 1 students.

Always Sometimes Never Activity for Mean, Median, Mode, and Range

photograph of data displays with question mark on top of it with text "always? sometimes? never? mean, median, mode, & range"

Check out this Always Sometimes Never Activity for Mean, Median, Mode, and Range. This was the perfect way to review the measures of central tendency with my Algebra 1 students. I used this activity as a last-minute review before our quiz over finding measures of central tendency.

Mean, Median, Mode, and Range Challenge Activity

mean median mode range challenge activity

Can you find a set of numbers that satisfies each challenge involving the mean, median, mode, and range of the data set?

Mean, Median, Mode, and Range Spider Puzzles

Students must add one number to the data set to make it have various means, medians, modes, and ranges. My students did not want to put this activity down!

Blind Stork Test for Data Collection

stork standing on one leg with text beside it "blind stork test for data collection"

How hard can it be to stand on one foot with your eyes closed? Your students will find out with this fun blind stork test that is perfect for collecting data to analyze in Algebra 1.

Tenzi Data Collection Activity for Comparing Data Sets

tenzi data collection activity

Data collection is fun when it involves playing Tenzi! Students will play various Tenzi variants and use their collected data to create boxplots which can be easily compared to determine “Which version of Tenzi is the hardest?”

Design Your Own Dot Plot Magnets

design your own dot plot magnets

Your Algebra 1 students will love creating their own custom magnet which can be used to create class dot plots.

Dot Plot of the Day Activity

dot plot of the day activity

Don’t settle for random data sets from your textbook to analyze. In this dot plot of the day activity, students will practice describing data sets involving data collected directly from their classmates.

How Many States Have You Visited Data Collection Activity

how many states have you visited data collection activity

Once you have created your dot plot magnets, ask your students “How Many States Have You Visited?” This is a great first dot plot to make and analyze as a class.

Dot Plot Matching Card Sort Activity

The numbers and labels are missing from these dotplots. Can you use your logical reasoning skills to match each dotplot with it represents?

Count the Objects Data Collection Task

How many items will your students count in the allotted time? Have your students create a graphical display of the results. How does the true value compare to the class results?

Analyzing the Ages of Academy Award Winners

This data set analyzing the ages of male and female academy award winners is the perfect introduction to back-to-back stem-and-leaf plots.

Highlights Hidden Pictures Data Collection Activity for Comparing Data Sets

Students were given a plastic sleeve with a hidden picture puzzle and a card with a picture to locate within the puzzle, a MyChron timer, and a data recording sheet to glue into their interactive notebooks.  

Looking for Outliers in the OKC Thunder

basketball on court with text "looking for outliers in the okc thunder" 

Students will practice finding a five number summary and determining if there are any outliers by looking at salary data for the OKC Thunder.

Dry Erase Workmat for Finding Five Number Summary, IQR, and Outliers

Students use this helpful dry erase workmat to help them organize their work while finding the five number summary of a data set and using that to find IQR and outliers.

Estimating 30 Seconds Data Collection Activity

stop watch in corner with text of "estimating 30 seconds activity" 

How well can your students estimate 30 seconds? This is the perfect quick data collection activity to get a fun set of data to analyze.

Let’s Make a Graph Activity

I created this let’s make a graph activity to give my Algebra 1 students practice making various types of data displays. We needed to practice making bar graphs, box-and-whisker-plots, circle graphs, and stem-and-leaf graphs.

Scatterplot Activities

M&M’s Scatter Plot Activity

photograph of colorful m&m's with text "M&M's Scatter Plot Activity" 

Students take turns building scatter plots using m&m’s and having their classmates determine if the scatterplot has positive, negative, or no correlation.

Candy Grab Lab for Linear Regression

candy grab lab for linear regression

This Candy Grab Lab is one of my favorite ways to introduce students to the process of linear regression.

Twizzlers Linear Regression Lab

close-up of licorice with text "twizzlers linear regression lab" 

I learned about using twizzlers for linear regression from Tammy Ballard with Wake County Public Schools. I modified her activity to create my own twizzlers linear regression lab that met the needs of my specific group of algebra students.

Best Line of Best Fit Contest

line of best fit contest text above drawing of scatterplot

This Desmos activity kept students engaged and interested while learning how to draw lines of best fit by hand.

Hula Hoop Scatterplot Activity

stack of colorful hula hoops with text "hula hoop scatter plot activity" 

This hula hoop scatterplot activity gets students moving in math class while learning about how to create a scatterplot and use that scatterplot and linear regression to make predictions.

Starburst Scatterplot Activity

This starburst scatterplot activity ended up being one of my favorite activities of the year!

Tongue Twister Linear Regression Activity

tongue twister linear regression activity with drawing of globe sticking out a tongue tied in a knot

I created this tongue twister linear regression activity for my algebra students to use while collecting tongue twister data in their small groups. Students work in groups to collect data regarding the amount of time it takes various numbers of people to recite a tongue twister.

Bouncing Tennis Balls Linear Regression Activity

pile of tennis balls with text "bounding tennis balls linear regression lab" 

Warning: don’t try this bouncing tennis balls linear regression activity if your classroom is on the 2nd floor. The science teacher below your classroom will not appreciate it.

Linear Regression Activity with the True Colors Personality Test

colorful background with text "true colors linear regression activity" 

I was inspired to give my students the true colors personality test after attending a workshop where we did this personality test as one of our activities. We took turns going around the room saying what color we found as our result.

When comparing the amount of time it took for different numbers of students, we were able to perform a linear regression to figure out how long it would take the entire class to speak their results.

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