Last week, we got to play one of my favorite algebra games ever: Slope Dude Says.
Before playing the game, I had to make sure my students had been introduced to Slope Dude.

I told them that we were going to watch my most favorite math video in the whole world.
Some students had seen it before, but others hadn’t.
Here’s the link to the video on Youtube. It’s only 2 minutes long, and I think it’s well worth your time. It’s a newer version of the video with improved sound quality and captions.
The kids always groan and make fun of it, but I know that they truly love it deep down in their heart. Honestly, I don’t really care what they think about the video. I just know that it’s hard to forget the four types of slope after watching this!
After watching the video, I announced we were going to play a fun game. I put up this slide with the rules.

It’s just like Simon Says, but kids are asked to make various slope motions. I always demonstrate the different types of slope for my students so they know what to expect with the game.
I tell students to pretend they are looking at the graph as they make their motions. When I’m judging them from the front of the room, their positive slopes look like negative slopes and vice versa.
Here is a class demonstrating the movements for you.
Positive Slope:

Negative Slope:

Zero Slope:

Undefined Slope:

The first round or two, it’s really easy to get students out. All I have to do is start the game by saying “Positive Slope!” Usually, a ton of kids will do it even though Slope Dude didn’t say.
As we play more rounds, it gets harder and harder to get the kids out. They ask for days afterward if they can play again. That’s what I call a winning activity! 🙂
One of my classroom aides was in my Algebra 1 class during my first year of teaching. She even complained that her class never got to play it. I love that I get to keep trying out new ideas every year. I was once afraid that I would get bored teaching math all day long.
It turns out that no two math lessons go the same. And, no two years of teaching are the same. It’s all new, all the time. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
More Activities for Teaching Slope
- Average Rate of Change Self-Checking Question Stack Activity
- Finding Rate of Change from a Graph Hole Punch Activity
- Slope Treasure Hunt Activity
- Calculating Slope and Intercepts Foldable
- Finding Slope Foldable
- Four Types of Slope Graphic Organizer
- Rate of Change Interpreting Graphs Practice
- Rate of Change Graphic Organizer and Practice Problems
- Finding Slope and Intercepts Foldable
- Interpreting Slope and Intercepts Foldable
- Calculating Rate of Change from a Graph Practice Book
- Crow and the Pitcher Activity for Introducing Rate of Change
- Calculating Rate of Change from a Table or Set of Points Practice Book
- The Adventures of Slope Dude Posters
- Slope Dude Says
- Finding Slope from a Table or Set of Points Notes
- Slope Concept Map
- Finding Slope from a Graph Graphic Organizer
- Interpreting Slope from a Graph or Table Practice Book
- WWSDS What Would Slope Dude Say Posters
- Slope Art Assignment
- Four Types of Slope Foldable
- Four Cars Task for Introducing Rate of Change
- Slope and Intercept Practice Poof Book
- Four Types of Slope Name Art Activity
- Rate of Change Graphic Organizer
- Rise Over Run Reminders
- Slope Between Two Points – Around the Room Practice Activity
- Four Types of Slope Pictures
- Slope Foldable
- Slope Tree Method for Teaching 4 Types of Slope
Robin
Wednesday 3rd of October 2018
So I played what I called "the most epic math video ever" today and played slope dude says. My 7th grade pre-algebra students LOVED it! Your blog is THE BEST math blog out there. Thank you so much for sharing all of your wonderful ideas!
Algebra Pro
Friday 15th of December 2017
I've been using slope dude for years and never thought of this! Brilliant! Can't wait to try it tomorrow. :)
rai
Tuesday 25th of April 2017
XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD SLOPE DUDE IS A MEME! HHAHAHAHAHHA
RVanDruff
Thursday 27th of October 2016
I used Slope Dude video with my Algebra class last year and later had a parent emailing me that the kids were talking about "puff puff" and that it was something totally inappropriate. (see urban dictionary). Since I teach at a Christian Academy this was slightly embarrassing. I really want to use the video with my class this year (a much tamer group) but I am a bit apprehensive!
Rebecca
Sunday 22nd of May 2016
I used this and the Slope Dude foldable as a demo lesson when I applied for a teaching position. It was a win all around -- I got the position and the students loved it. Specifically, one of them said, "I liked that we didn't just watch a video--we did something with it." Thank you Sarah!