Multiplying Polynomials Foldable

I created this multiplying polynomials foldable for my Algebra 1 students to complete and glue in their interactive notebooks.

I’m experimenting this year with the “grid method” for multiplying polynomials. It’s exactly the same as the box method, but it just seemed to tie better to what we had been doing with multiplying polynomials with algebra tiles.

I also let students choose whether they wanted to use the distributive property or the grid method. In the past, I always forced students to use the box method. But, now I’m starting to think that forcing students to use “my method” isn’t really what teaching math should be about. Still, it broke my heart every time I student chose to solely use the distributive property and made lots of mistakes that would have been prevented by using the other method 🙁 How do you find a balance between giving students autonomy and setting students up for success with a tried and true method…

To practice multiplying polynomials, we did a Multiplying Polynomials Egg Hunt Activity.