What it is, Why You Need It, and How to Use It
The quadratic formula is a beast. There are so many moving parts to it. From having to properly identify the a, b, and c values, then meticulously plug them into the formula. Then being expected to complete order of operations correctly, and sometimes even simplify a radical. No wonder so many students are intimidated by it, and flat out shut down.
I offer to you the all things quadratic formula bundle that allows your students to practice quadratic formula skills in isolation. Three self-checking, digital activities in Google Sheets that offer instant feedback to students. You the teacher, will be able to relax and facilitate while your students do all of the hard work.
What Is The all things quadratic formula bundle?
When using this bundle, your students will get the opportunity to practice with immediate feedback on the following skills:
- Simplify Square Roots using Prime Factorization
- Simplify Square Roots using Perfect Square Method
- Use Order of Operations (PEMDAS) and Plus or Minus to simplify expressions that are geared towards combinations needed to solve the Quadratic Formula.
- Solve Quadratics using the Quadratic Formula, including problems that require simplifying radicals and an imaginary solution.
A comprehensive list of what this bundle includes:
- ONE Color-Change Guided Practice Google Sheets for Simplifying Square Roots including both Prime Factor and Perfect Square Methods
- Able to delete sheets before assigning to students, if you want them to focus on a specific method.
- ONE Built-In Solutions, Self-Check Google Sheets Tic-Tac-Toe Game to practice PEMDAS and Plus or Minus skills
- Graphic Organizer Handout: Steps for Solving w/ Quadratic Formula
- ONE Color-Change Guided Practice Google Sheets for Solving Quadratics using Quadratic Formula
- Digital Answer Keys (PDF) for all color change activities
- Helpful Hints for all included products
- 4 Formative Questions w/ worked out answer key for each of the 3 activities that can be used as Bell Ringers, Exit Slips, Quiz Questions, or any other form of formative assessment.
Why you need This bundle
Activities with guided step-by-step problems will allow all students the opportunity to critically think. Being able to structurally see what to do next helps to focus their thoughts in the right direction. Color change showing red alerts students of an error. Tic-Tac-Toe provides built-in worked solutions allowing students to self-correct and learn as they go.
All Things Quadratic Formula Bundle can be awesome for many types of academic uses. Each use is super engaging for all students. This engagement comes at a no-prep and no grading cost to you. Some ways you may consider using it could include:
- Centers or Rotations for remediation
- Differentiate Instruction w/ little to no effort on your part
- Homework or Classwork
- Distance Learning, Hybrid, or In-Class!
- Home School
- Review before a QUIZ (or Spiral Review)
- Sub Day plans
How to use This bundle
Suggested Options For Whole Group
Use Bundle to Build a Solid Foundation
For example, Day 1, you could assign the Simplifying Square Roots as classwork. This could be done after a 15 minute mini-lesson on the topic. Day 2 in class, play Tic-Tac-Toe. Play after giving 2 Bell-ringer questions, covering order of operations in one problem, and plus or minus in another. These would serve as references for your students as they play the game. Day 3 teach Quadratic Formula as direct instruction with gradual release.
Day 4 in class use the Digital Quadratic Formula Self-Check as practice. Provide students with an exit ticket problem at the end of this period, or a bell-ringer quadratic formula problem the next day. If you do not have 4 class periods to devote to the activities, consider assigning Simplifying Square Roots or the Color Change Quadratic Formula activities as homework.
Suggested Options for Rotations/Stations/Centers
Use Bundle as Remediation
Let’s say you have already taught the quadratic formula to your students. However, you realize you have varying levels of mastery among your students. This bundle is the perfect way to differentiate instruction.
You could complete a 2 day rotation with your students.
Stations:
#1: Quadratic Formula Self Check Color Change
#2: Tic-Tac-Toe
#3: Simplify Square Roots
On-Target or Almost on Target Students
- Day 1 Play Tic-Tac-Toe
- Day 2 Complete the Quadratic Formula Color Change
Below Target Students
- Day 1 Simplify Radicals
- Day 2 Play Tic-Tac-Toe
Conclusion
Feel free to alter any of the suggestions to fit your teaching style, and to fit the needs of your students. These activities can also be used at different times of the year when you are reviewing for benchmark, state, or final exams.
Your students will enjoy being able to make risk-free mistakes. They will also rave about the feeling figuring some things out on their own. Color-Change keeps them motivated to keep trying, but also prevents them from continuing to build off an uncorrected mistake.
You will enjoy peace of mind in knowing you are reaching each student at the level they need. Also, you will be in the facilitator seat, which is way more relaxing than being in the driver’s seat. Expect nothing less than 100% engagement, even from your lowest performing students.
If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about The All Things Quadratic Formula Bundle
Purchase on the Virtually I’mPossible Site Store
Purchase on Teacher Pay Teachers Site
