Don't Mess With Math by: Karah Quinones

This year, my PLC has been working hard on integrating technology into all of our lessons.  We have found many wonderful activities aligned with the 6th grade math TEKs.  Here are a couple we have used in our current unit that I recommend using!  (I can not take credit for finding these websites, but my wonderful PLC partner found these!) Order of Operations Game: Knights and Dames I teach 6th grade and I highly recommend this game.  It helps the students understand that they can divide before multiply or subtract before adding when going from left to right.  The only content missing for 6th grade is exponents, but still worth every minute.  Some years I use a recording sheet and sometimes I let my student use an expo on their desk to work the problems. Prime Factorization Activity: Factor Trees I used a recording sheet and asked the students to choose 6 problems to work.  I love how they receive instant feedback!

We had a great day in class today learning about exponents.  This year I wanted to take a full day and teach exponents prior to introducing prime factorization and order of operations.  We started with notes, went straight into practice with a Kahoot and finished up with a Mystery Picture.  This is the second mystery picture that I have created this year, and the student engagement has been wonderful.   You can find this Mystery Picture on my TPT page: Don't Mess with Math #Texas The mystery picture has a total of 20 questions and includes problems that help fix misconceptions.  The students solve the question, determine if it is a true or false statement and circle the color that corresponds with yes (it is a true statement) or no (it is not a true statement).    The student then colors the problem number on the picture sheet that corresponds to the answer. Superman!!!  The kids...

I have started working on the Desmos Lab Card Sort.  Here is a pic of the student view and recording sheet. On Desmos, drag the card on top of the match and they will connect.  The teacher view will show a green match (action pics coming soon). What I love about Desmos card sort is no more printing on card stock and laminating! Here is a link to the Desmos Card Sort Recording Sheet Students will show work on this recording sheet.  Once I see all green cards under their name and I check to see all work is shown, the student will receive a 100%.  This is a great way to check for understanding and collect a grade. Sometimes, I will let the students use expos and whiteboards to change it up. Here are some pictures of the students working on their recording sheets.  They are all working at different paces, so I have an activity for them to do once finished.  Something about seeing all their cards light up green on the board motiva...

I wanted to start a blog to follow my first year having a 1:1 classroom in 6th grade math.  I was ecstatic when I found out that my PLC team was selected to be Nexgen this year! I have already seen engagement in the classroom double and I have only just begun.  It is already Thanksgiving break and I thought it was time to get started on my blog!  My team has a visit from Nexgen administration next week and I need to get started on the lesson we are going to use. I have used Desmos Labs in my classroom only once so far this year, but my students really responded to the card sort and have been requesting to work on another one.  Our unit is Order of Operations and Nexgen will be visiting on Day 2 of the lesson.  I thought I would go for it again.  I will create a Desmos Lab card sort and recording sheet to go along.  The students will work the problems on their recording sheet and match the cards in the card sort.  Ok, this sounds like a workshe...