Quadratic Formula Memory Assignment
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.
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QUADRATIC FORMULA RESOURCES
Looking for more quadratic formula teaching resources? This activity is featured in my collection of Fun Quadratic Formula Activities. You’ll find 12 more creative ideas for teaching the quadratic formula to your high school math students.
More Resources for Teaching Quadratics
- Quadratic Formula Activities
- 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
Thanks for sharing, Sarah! I would have loved to have had this a few weeks ago. We spent several days on quadratic formula, and we will be revisiting it often this semester (whenever we get to go to school and it stops snowing)!
Do you think the student realize/recognize that each shape represents a set of parentheses?
I was just thinking that…especially on the b squared and how easy it would be to make that oval into a set of parentheses.
Fun. Quizzing on this topic today but we will be going on a week long break so this will be a good activity the day we come back to review since our test will be that week.
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.
Wow! This is going to be super helpful! Thank you so much!
You're welcome!
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
Hey Donna! I never heard of the Billy and Bob story. Would you care to share it? Thanks!
http://www.csun.edu/~waw92836/algebra_sections/quadratics/lessons/quadraticformula.html
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
I'd love a copy! My email address is mathequalslove (at) gmail (dot) com.
THANKS!
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.