Hands-On Algebra: Ready-To-Use Games & Activities for Grades 7-12 (Paperback)

by Frances McBroom Thompson Ed.D. (Author) "Give each pair of students a packet of unit tiles and a black sheet of paper for a building mat..." (more)
Key Phrases: positive unit tiles, negative unit tiles, variable tile, Bridging Action, Developing Action, Which Shape (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Lay a solid foundation of algebra proficiency with over 155 hands-on games and activities. To complement the natural process of learning, each activity builds on the previous one— from concrete to pictorial to abstract. Dr. Thompson's unique three-step approach encourages students to first recognize patterns; then use diagrams, tables, and graphs to illustrate algebraic concepts; and finally, apply what they've learned through cooperative games, puzzles, problems, and activities using a graphic calculator and computer. You'll find each activity has complete teacher directions, lists of materials needed, and helpful examples for discussion, homework, and quizzes. Most activities include time-saving reproducible worksheets for use with individual students, small groups, or the entire class. This ready-to-use resource contains materials sufficient for a two-semester course in Algebra I and can be adapted for advanced students as well as students with dyslexia.

From the Back Cover
For grades 7-12 teachers, here's a vast collection of 159 ready-to-use games and activities to make algebra meaningful and fun for kids of all ability levels!

Throurgh a unique three-step approach, students gain mastery over algebra concepts and skills one activity at a time:

• Activity 1 offers physical models (using available materials) and easy-to-follow instructions to help learners seek patterns.
• Activity 2 uses pictorial models like diagrams, tables, and graphs to further help students retain and test what they have learned.
• Activity 3 encourages exploration and application of newly learned concepts and skills through cooperative games, puzzles, problems, and graphic calculator or computer activities.

For quick access and easy use, all materials are organized into five major sections and printed in a big 8 1/4" x 11" lay-flat binding for easy photocopying. Following is just a small sample of the many activities featured in each section:

1. REAL NUMBERS, THEIR OPERATIONS, AND THEIR PROPERTIES: Array Build-Up (Multiplication)...Splitting Things Apart (Applying Distributive Property)...No Sign Posts! (Ordering Operations)...Rectangle Mangle (Applying Absolute Value)
2. LINEAR FORMS: Make-and-Replace (Evaluating Algebraic Expressions)...A Whole in One! (Linear Equations Involving Fractions)...Switching Tracks (Solving aX + b = cX + d)
3. LINEAR APPLICATIONS AND GRAPHING: How Much Additional Fencing? (Modeling Linear Relationships)...Mix It Up! (Radio & Proporation)...Graphing Capers (Solving for Y in terms of X)
4. QUADRATIC CONCEPTS: Factor Draw (Factoring Second-Degree Polynomials)...Sliding Curves (Exploring Quadratic Functions)...Squaring with Tiles (Solving by Completing the Square)
5. SPECIAL APPLICATIONS: Great Divide (Transforming Linear Inequalities)...Which Sum Works? (Pythagorean Theorem)...Growth Patterns (Exponential Functions)

You'll find each activity has complete teacher directions, materials needed, and helpful examples for discussion, homework, and quizzes. And to make your job easier, most activities include time-saving reproducible worksheets or game pieces for use with individual students, small groups, or an entire class!

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Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass (May 29, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876283865
• ISBN-13: 978-0876283868
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #204,216 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I was looking for....., March 2, 2003

By A Customer

Hands on Algebra appears to rely heavily on Algebra tiling. That is, using tiles to demonstrate factoring, polynomial multiplication, etc. I was looking for more of a projects book. If you are looking for a book on how to use tiles in the classroom, THIS IS IT. Otherwwise, look elsewhere.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Do you really want to read over 600 pages?, January 29, 2003

By	a high-school Geometry teacher (Michigan) - See all my reviews

My major complaint with this book is that there is too much TEXT!The author is apparently unaware that teachers need activities QUICKLY! I like reading, but when I want math activities, I don't want to have to read 600 pages to get them!
Some of the material is way too elementary for high-school students. Many of the activities are too complicated. Students who don't understand basic math aren't going to understand the directions to the activities either! Also, most of the material in the book is common knowledge and is available from other sources.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Book Develops Concepts, Not Just Drill, July 11, 2003

By A Customer

Hands On Algebra is a resource book for teacher use in Algebra I. It is not designed for independent student use. New concepts are developed with manipulatives first, then more work is done with games and/or graphing calculators. Detailed instructions are given with illustrations to help teachers inexperienced with hands on instruction to correctly apply math language to the manipulative actions. Very effective with average students and students with learning disabilities.