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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/panlepan/status/998149081787707392

Square and Equilateral Triangle Puzzle

Ed Southall shares yet another awesome geometric puzzle.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/solvemymaths/status/998141675238281216

Russian Egg Roulette Probability Lesson  

John Rowe shares a brilliant lesson based on videos of Russian Egg Roulette.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/MrJohnRowe/status/998158623875317760

Mechanical Binary Counter

Teaching binary? This video of a mechanical binary counter (shared by Massimo) is amazing.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/997812559041449984

Symmetry Displays

Aline Bègue-Crézé shares some awesome interactive displays involving symmetry.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/BegueAline/status/997839874639228928

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.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/BegueAline/status/995359083581624320

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.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/BegueAline/status/995614365192728578

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.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/HHSmath/status/997904855426650112

Desmos Vroom Vroom Pullback Car Lesson

Paul Jorgens masterfully combines Fawn‘s classic Vroom Vroom lesson with the power of Desmos.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/pejorgens/status/997670214341820416

Desmos WODB with Square Root Graphs

Paul also demonstrates the power of Desmos when combined with a WODB

Image Source: https://twitter.com/pejorgens/status/994962246013874176

Zero Product Property in the Wild

David Sladkey shares a great image of the zero product property in the wild.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/dsladkey/status/978430916455489537

Quadratics Progression Tables

Additionally, David‘s use of progression tables for graphing quadratics is brilliant.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/dsladkey/status/991833810210828294

Clothespin Factoring Activity

This clothes pin factoring activity from Ms. Wilton looks fab!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/ms_wilton6/status/839616161180430337

History of Math Bulletin Board

Ms. Kaub shares a lovely bulletin board that covers the history of math.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/mskaub_hssouth/status/778319505500102656

Literal Equations Name Project

Need a creative way to motivate solving literal equations? Check out this name project from Ms. Kaub.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/mskaub_hssouth/status/778684070519726080

Hands-On Geometric Proofs with Popsicle Sticks

Nick Corrado uses popsicle sticks to create hands-on geometric proofs.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/mrcmhsn/status/916392476813942784

AP Statistics Murals

How awesome are these AP Statistics murals in the classroom of Andrew Rosenbloom?!?

Image Source: https://twitter.com/RosenbloomMath/status/877924962606104577

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/RosenbloomMath/status/931151442777444352

Fibonacci Poems

Want to infuse some poetry into your math classroom? How about trying some Fibonacci poems like Megan A. Uken did?

Image Source: https://twitter.com/Mrs_Uken/status/997182994405306368

Unit Circle Error Finding Task

I love this error finding task involving the unit circle from Ms. K!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/KowalskiPreCalc/status/953082131067973632

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/CalculusHoman/status/809162908546531329

Unit Circle Mystery Activity

This activity from MrsG looks like a lot of fun for trig students. Will your students save the Unit Circle?

Image Source: https://twitter.com/kgerdeshhs/status/979402120297369600

Calculus Coloring Book

Mrs. Stelzer shares some impressive student work. Wow. Just wow.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/TheCalcoholic/status/980866974375870464

Vector Story Telling

Scott Block inspires with this project where students tell their stories using vectors.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/mrblock_/status/996820454978588672

Vector Racing in the AP Calculus BC Olympics

This vector racing activity (part of a larger BC Calculus Olympics) from Linda Schmidt looks awesome.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/LindaMSchmidt6/status/730776586409103360

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/mathmodeling/status/981648729810841600

Unit Circle Haikus

Valerie Capps encourages students to reflect on what they have learned about the unit circle by having them write haikus.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/valerie_capps/status/649259632565841920

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/valerie_capps/status/996812847895252993

Parent Function Art

Ms. Peterson combines art with parent functions for a fun day in class before break.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/epetersonwinch/status/931563352765227008

Sinusoidal Graphs of Sunrise and Sunset Times

Mr. Guzik shares a real-world application of trigonometric graphs.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/PHSCalculus/status/968622536169697282

What are the Odds? Probability Project

Steve Mancuso shares the results of a fun-looking probability project.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/CIPLCSupt/status/996028444914999296

Exploring Exponential Functions with Paper Cutting

I love this paper-based lesson on exponential functions from Darcie.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/baneteach/status/818495189178318848

Calculus Solid of Revolution Project

Divya Kaushal‘s students went all-out with this solid of revolution project.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/Kaushcalc/status/867088774332854272

Thanksgiving Related Rates Problems

I also love how Divya had students write Thanksgiving themed related rates problems!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/Kaushcalc/status/931629719765872640

Creative Name Lines on Assignments

Lynn Kazda shares a simple way to put a smile on students’ faces on test day!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/MsKazda_math/status/793796125853495296

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/FreelandMath/status/836308874005184512

Physical Models of Quadratic Equations

Love looking at how the students of Jolene Shotwell brought quadratic equations to life!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/JoleneShotwell/status/865602082216267776

Calculus Volume Projects

These calculus volume projects by the students of Meghan Arnold are gorgeous!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/MrsArnoldPlus1/status/997566358157225984

Survival of the Fittest Project

This survival of the fittest activity from Pamela J Burleson looks interesting!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/FHSBurleson/status/788194776478720001
Image Source: https://twitter.com/FHSBurleson/status/787061666911510530

Exponential Function Visual

Also from Pamela, check out this awesome visual for exponential functions.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/FHSBurleson/status/838846627553161216

Probability and Statistics Journal Writing Activity

Rebecca Swanson demonstrates that writing belongs in more than just English class.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/doesmathforfun/status/995945529011040256

Radian Gallery

Check out this mini learning gallery from the classroom of Rebecca Swanson.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/doesmathforfun/status/966597802544398337

Natural Log Pun

Nellie Dawson demonstrates the power of puns in the classroom.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/NellieTeaches/status/991730244502589441

Pi Necklaces

I love Ms. R‘s idea of making pi necklaces on Pi Day!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/MsRuffini/status/976628757594218496

Asymptotic High Fives

Have your students learned how to give an asymptote high five? Check out this video from SHS Math Department!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/SHS_MathDept/status/997469330630733825

Normal Graph of Minneapolis

Aran Glancy shares a math-ified photo of Minneapolis.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/aranglancy/status/997255044327231488

AP Statistics Inspiring Posters

Damion Beth shares some awesome locker signs to pump students up for AP Stats testing.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/DamionBeth/status/997092594567041024

Take it to the Limit Poster

Angie Daughtrey shares a creative student project that will have you bursting into song.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/adottree/status/997302631826632706

String Art with Circle Boards

Tammy Casey showcases some beautiful string art.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/tcaseylp/status/997432222717218816

Themed Review Days

Every year, Mary Williams amazes me with her themed review days for state testing.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/merryfwilliams/status/997269356806537217

End of Year Feedback

Kristen Fouss shares a quick and easy way to gather end-of-year feedback.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/Fouss/status/996785725168373760

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/CBHSRichMath/status/996877432132132865

Geometry Kite Project

Deb Bulin inspires with a geometry project involving kite flying.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/DebBulin/status/996846506996051968

Slope Art

Jae Ess shares a beautiful slope display created by her students.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/jaegetsreal/status/996847215674122240

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/SophieKasahara/status/907309525618892806

Mario Activity

I’m not entirely sure what’s going on, but this activity from Beatriz Nino has me mesmerized.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/Beatriz_Nino/status/995999519279108097

Exponentially Modelling Engagement Data

Nicole Ayers has students interact with some real-world (and very depressing) data.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/bqrubberchicken/status/996531107574185984

Inviting Students to Ask Questions

Howie Hua shares some sage teacher wisdom.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/howie_hua/status/996486442132979712

Scrabble Probability Warm-Up

Ryan White shares a simple but effective probability warm-up.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/rwhite_teacher1/status/996018808656625664

Volume Missing Length Problems

Paul Smith shares a creative set of volume problems.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/drpas1001/status/995968446520274945

Angle Display Outside Classroom

Stephanie MacKay makes sure you know you’re entering a math classroom right away. Love it!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/mackay_steph/status/852537248750817280

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/martinsean/status/995415096183541761

Quadratics in Golf

Wendy Bartlett shows the application of quadratics in relation to golf.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/webteachmath/status/995463841696894976

Pythagorean Theorem Error Analysis

Christopher Klerkx shares some student work that will make you think!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/ChrisKlerkx/status/995147230993616896

Math Goals Display

I love this beautiful math goals display from Renee Chipman!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/fortunatein5th/status/988117273511510017

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…

Image Source: https://twitter.com/TinaMcNally5/status/994975285119463424

Patty Paper and the Unit Circle

Julia Anker‘s combination of tracing paper and the unit circle is pure brilliance.

Image source: https://twitter.com/AnkerMath/status/994983087686602752

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.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/maeputt/status/995067029810905089

Area of a Trapezoid Game

Annie Giercyk shares a creative way to practice finding the area of a trapezoid.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/MsGiercykBASD/status/986720537190850567

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!

Image Source: https://twitter.com/roy_tomlinson/status/912086030626439169

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?

Image Source: https://twitter.com/roy_tomlinson/status/927688972548972544

Properties of Logs Notice and Wonder

Patrick Flynn shares a great notice/wonder image for properties of logs.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/TIFlynNspire/status/992077919974510592

Fractional Exponents Desmos Exploration

This fractional exponents/radicals exploration activity from Mark Kaercher is truly a beautifully structured lesson.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/shskaercher/status/991832528716779520

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!

Image source: https://twitter.com/thedullguy/status/995008202054995968

Mondrian Artwork with Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Working with parallel and perpendicular lines? Prof Maths suggests having your students make some Mondrian artwork.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/profMathsArques/status/929993326153134080

Parent Function Family Album Project

James Edstrom helps students keep their parent functions separated in their minds by creating a family album of sorts.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/edstrom_james/status/747495799630663681

Parabolas with Play Doh

James also shows that Play Doh has a place in the secondary classroom.

Continuity with Play Doh

Image Source: https://twitter.com/edstrom_james/status/913062735855980544

Even and Odd Functions with Play Doh

Image Source: https://twitter.com/edstrom_james/status/918858519897673728

Volumes of Solids with Play Doh and Construction Paper

Image Source: https://twitter.com/edstrom_james/status/985998577854971904

Thanksgiving System of Inequalities

Carolyn Lantos shares a Thanksgiving-themed system of inequalities.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/CarolynLantos/status/931235000086757376

Pin the Radius on the Circle Game

Laura Frcka shares a new-to-me idea for Pi Day: pin the radius on the circle.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/mrsfrcka/status/841762713139322884

Valentine’s STEM Project

Marianna Jennings shares a Valentine’s STEM project.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/Mjennings2015/status/963816041062322176

Zometool Exploration

Peg Cagle shares an exploration involving Zometool.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/pegcagle/status/994814206640820225

Space Filling Project

I continue to be amazed by the development of this space-filling project by David Butler.

Image Source: https://twitter.com/DavidKButlerUoA/status/994839186023895045

Until next week, keep sharing your awesome ideas!

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