Making Math Accessible for All Students
This document walks students through the steps for plotting the y-intercept and then using run and rise to plot additional points to draw a line. The handout starts with a review of prerequisite skills of identify slope and intercept in the equation. Below are slides from a Google Slides version. Link to handout here. Link …
Continue reading “Graphing Linear Function Using Slope-Intercept – Steps”
Slope is one of the most important topics in algebra but perhaps one of the most challenging topics. One issue is that students often think of the formula as opposed to the idea of slope. The images shown below are for a handout that unpacks the idea or concept of slope. Handout The images show …
This approach make a connection between the table and graph with the equation. The relevant, real life context helps students.
Top left is a scaffolding I use to help students learn to solve math problems using multiplication (3rd grade). The situations are typically rate problems (e.g., 5 pumpkins per plant or $2 per slice of pizza) although the term “rate” is not used yet. The same concept of rate plays out in high school with …
Continue reading “Slippery Slope – 3rd Grade Multiplication Word Problems to Slope in Algebra”
I posted previously about unpacking word problems involving multiplication or Slope. Here is an update. I have students draw a picture for the quantities identified. The multiplication situations become apparent when groups of objects are arise through the drawing, in contrast to an addition problem (right). This also helps algebra students visualize the rate and …
Continue reading “Multiplication, Proportional Relationships, and Slope Word Problems Updated”
If you find this helpful, maybe consider making a small donation to help build an accessible playscape for children with disabilities. In my experience, many students struggle with translating word problems modeled by a proportional relationship or a linear function into a algebraic expression or equation. (Image below.) Here is a link to a Jamboard …
Continue reading “Group Model for Proportional Relationships and Slope Application”
A question was posed recently that I find intriguing and important. The question was, “what is the difference between slope, constant of proportionality, unit rate, and rate of change?” I researched the answer to this to evaluate my own understanding of these terms. Here is what I found (and am open to feedback as my …
Continue reading “Slope, Constant of Proportionality, Unit Rate, Rate, Rate of Change”
I previously related elementary school word problems with math topics in secondary schools. The photo below shows a method to help elementary school students unpack the multiplication problem, to help middle school students identify the unit rate, and to help algebra students identify slope (you can focus on simple problems like this as an entry …
Continue reading “Multiplication Problems as Intro to Unit Rates and Slope (follow up)”
A hidden treasure is the Common Core of State Standards Math Coherence Map. It is an interactive flow chart that shows connections between the various standards. If you are teaching math, you can see the connections between what you are teaching, what was taught previously, and how you are preparing students for their future math …
Continue reading “CCSS MATH Coherence Map – 3rd Grade Groups of Objects to HS Slope”
There have been interesting discussions on various Facebook Teacher pages about proportional relationships vs linear functions. This mirrors discussion about the constant of proportionality vs slope vs unit rates. The difference between the proportional relationships and slope is context and the ratios. The ratio for the former addresses the variables themselves. The ratio for the …
Continue reading “Proportional Relationship (with k) vs Linear Function (with m)”
