Monday Must Reads: Volume 59
This blog post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
As I’ve been prepping for my classes for next year, I continually finding myself referencing previous volumes of Monday Must Reads. This is just the inspiration I need to keep compiling these volumes in an attempt to capture the awesome ideas of math teachers on twitter! I hope you find an idea to use in your own classroom and at least one new math teacher to follow.
Learning Student Names
Last year, I had such a hard time learning student names at my new school. After working at the same small school for six years, I was used to only having to learn the names of my new freshmen each year. So, the job of learning almost 140 new names all at once was more than a bit overwhelming. I love this flashcard idea from Richard Jones. I’m sad I won’t be able to use it this year because we don’t get access to class lists until the day before classes start.
Organizing Multiple Choice Questions
Druin shares a great way of using a binder to organize released multiple choice AP questions. I struggle with organizing released questions digitally, so I really like this paper-based approach.
Area and Perimeter Open Middle Puzzles
John Rowe is back at it again with another inspiring Open Middle question.
Statistical Pursuit
Jenni Clarkin shares the brilliant idea of creating a course-based version of Trivial Pursuit. I can’t wait to see where she takes this!
Real World Example of Normal Distribution
This normal distribution photo from Mass for Shut-Ins recently went viral on twitter.
Delicious Pi Day Treat
Vicki Biarnesen shares a yummy non-pie treat for Pi Day.
Personal Prime
Emily Murdock shares her own “personal prime” that she was given by her university’s math department. How awesome is this?!?
String Art
Hula Hoop String Art = Gorgeous! Check out this beautiful piece of math art from NMMS_STEAM.
Covalent Bonding with Tracing Paper
Usually, the ideas I share on these Monday Must Reads posts are all-mathy. But sometimes, I can’t resist sharing a science idea since I have taught sections of both physical science and chemistry in the past. This covalent bonding activity with tracing paper from Mr Shah is just too good not to share!
Circle Theorem Task
Jo Morgan shares a lovely circle theorem task from @HoneywillTim.
Notice and Wonder
I love this notice and wonder prompt from Amie Albrecht. Once you’ve taken some time to ponder the number placement, check out the next image.
What Can It Be? Quadrilateral Task
Amie also shares a lovely quadrilateral task she picked up at a conference from Doug Clarke.
Student Created Puzzles
I’m blown away by these student-designed puzzles shared by Kristina Danahy!
Weekly Newsletter Template
Mrs. Norwine shares a great template for creating a weekly class newsletter at the secondary level.
Putt Putt Project
This mini putt-putt project from RiaMcNicholls looks so fun!
Yarn Parabolas
Check out these sticker and yarn parabolas from Leanne Holdorf.
Zukei Waffles
Jennifer Plosz combines one of my favorite puzzles with one of my favorite breakfast foods. These Zukei waffles are fabulous! (Read more about Zukei puzzles here.)
Picture Equations
Charlotte‘s use of picture equations with these area problems is BRILLIANT.
Antiquated Math Terms
Sheena shares an interesting opener from Jo Morgan of antiquated math terms. Check out the answers here.
Calculator Pi Day Fact
Vincent Pantaloni shares a fun fact to store away until Pi Day.
Classroom Venn Diagrams
Crystal Frommert makes venn diagrams personal to students by including them (and their pictures) in the data sets.
Asymptote
And, I just can’t get over Crystal‘s tote. So creative!
SOMA Cube Races
Melissa Vatalaro inspires with giant SOMA cube racing.
Showing Work with Post-It Notes
Mr. Law offers a great idea for using post-it notes to help students organize how they are showing their work.
Graphing Stories Around the Campfire
I especially like these activities from Mr. Law to make graphing stories interesting and engaging!
Mario Kart Graphing
Super Panda Square
How cool is this Super Panda Square from Crooked River Math Teachers’ Circle?!? You can learn more about Panda Squares here.
Scale Model Project
Check out this cumulative project from Chelsea Cleveland‘s 8th grade class!
Real Number System Venn Diagram
Kelli Hunt‘s out of the ordinary integer assessment looks like a lot of fun. So creative!
Scale Factor Project
Mrs. Anthony engages students with a fun scale factor project.
Smarty Pants
Emma Hall shares a non-traditional item of classroom decor: smarty pants.
Parallel Lines and Transversals with Noodles and Marshmallows
Seventh Grade Math is a lot of fun when learning about parallel lines cut by a transversal involves noodles and marshmallows.
Desmos Circle Art
Check out this beautiful Desmos Circle Art from the students of Mrs. Strebe!
Alphabetical Area Problems
JoAnn Sandford shares a great composite area puzzle involving the alphabet.
Fibonnaci Decor
Micaela Newman shares some Fibonacci-inspired classroom decor.
Math Art Display
I love how Tim has decided to set apart a section of his classroom to display math art.
Until next time, keep sharing your awesome ideas!
Want even more ideas? I suggest checking out previous volumes of Monday Must Reads!