One of my favorite homework assignments of the year is this Quadratic Formula Memory Assignment that I assign my Algebra 2 students every year.
Students have to recite the quadratic formula from memory to one teacher, one family member, and one additional person of their choosing.
The assignment features the quadratic formula written out in both words and symbols to make it easier to those listening to make sure that the student is correctly reciting the formula.
It’s a fun way to get students practicing reciting the formula from memory.
I love, also, that it gives other teachers in the school a little glimpse into what is going on in math class!
Some years, I teach students to sing the formula to the tune of Pop Goes the Weasel. Usually, I give them the assignment and let them freak out a bit as they try to memorize it on their own before I share the song.
A few students have remembered their older siblings singing the song and have taught it to the rest of the class.
I usually encourage students to check out YouTube to find a version of the song that appeals to them.
Free Download of Quadratic Formula Memory Assignment
Quadratic Formula Memory Assignment (PDF) (1067 downloads)
Quadratic Formula Memory Assignment (Editable Publisher File ZIP) (647 downloads)
Other Quadratic Formula Resources
- Quadratic Formula Foldable
- Quadratic Formula Dry Erase Template
- Quadratic Formula Tangram Puzzle
- Quadratic Formula Songs
- If the IRS had discovered the quadratic formula…
- Discriminant Foldable
More Resources for Teaching Quadratics
- Factoring Activities
- Speedy Squares Activity for Quadratic Regression
- X Puzzles Factoring Review Game
- Quadratic Area Puzzles
- Factoring Puzzle for Quadratic Trinomials
- Shared Factors – A Quadratics Puzzle
- Factoring Quadratics Practice Activity (When a = 1)
- If the IRS had discovered the quadratic formula…
- Area Model Puzzles from Christie Bradshaw
- ZERO Game to Introduce Factoring Quadratics
- Vertex Form of a Quadratic Card Sort Activity
- Factoring Quadratics Foldable
Anonymous
Thursday 20th of April 2017
I love this blog, you have so much great ideas and it is a big help for teacher like me in teaching subject that most of students hate.
Unknown
Monday 9th of May 2016
Thank you so much for this great idea! I am going to use the idea of your templates, cups, and question stacks tomorrow for my Algebra IB class :). I also made a question stack from your template for this topic. Would you like me to email it to you or is there a better way to share it?
Wendi
Sarah
Monday 16th of May 2016
I'd love a copy! My email address is mathequalslove (at) gmail (dot) com.
THANKS!
Donna
Thursday 25th of February 2016
I am not really anonymous. I am technology deficient. My name is Donna and I teach Algebra 1. I tell mine the Billy and Bob story to help them memorize the quadratic formula. And it seems to help make the process not so intimidating.
Donna
Unknown
Saturday 9th of May 2020
http://www.csun.edu/~waw92836/algebra_sections/quadratics/lessons/quadraticformula.html
Sarah Carter (@mathequalslove)
Friday 26th of February 2016
Hey Donna! I never heard of the Billy and Bob story. Would you care to share it? Thanks!
Jen Weise
Wednesday 24th of February 2016
Wow! This is going to be super helpful! Thank you so much!
Sarah Carter (@mathequalslove)
Wednesday 24th of February 2016
You're welcome!
Teri Ferguson
Friday 12th of February 2016
LOVE!!! We are totally on the same page here. I have always taught my students to set up the "framework" as I called it and then go back and plug the numbers into the holes. I was just getting ready to create my guided notes when you posted this. Thank you so much.