Description: When are we ever going to use
this? is the question many students ask during a typical factoring unit.
This unit provides a hands-on, real-world, inquiry-based approach to factoring.
Enjoy!
Objectives: To teach factoring the greatest
common factor, trinomials, and difference of squares through hands-on activities
while promoting discovery, inquiry, and real-world application.
FACTORING UNIT OVERVIEW
Real World
Examples
Day
Topic
Materials*
Files to
Download
Hot tubs,
Square
Footage
1
Greatest
Common Factor
Graph Paper
Colored Pencils
Greatest
Common
Factor.doc
Rectangles
2
Trinomials
( + )( + )
Algebra
Tiles
Factoring
Trinomials1
Rectangles
3
Trinomials
( + )( - )
Algebra
Tiles
Factoring
Trinomials2
Ball Toss
4
Quadratic
Graphs
On CBRs
Calculator-Based
Rangers, beech balls, TI-83s
What Goes
Up lesson plan, worksheets 1-4
Business
5
Quadratic
Graphs on TI-83s
TI-83s,
view screen, Algebra Tiles
Factoring
with Algebra Tiles and the TI-83
Free Fall
6
Trinomials,
mixed signs
Algebra
Tiles
Factoring
Trinomials3
Stunt Man
7
Trinomials,
Leading Coefficient not 1
Algebra
Tiles
Factoring
Trinomials 4
Football
8
Football
Football
Factoring
Puzzle
9
50 piece
puzzles, prizes
Factoring
is a Puzzle
10
Review
Game
Prizes
Review
Game
Rectangles
11
Difference
of Squares
Algebra
Tiles
Difference
of Squares.doc
Squares
12
Perfect
Square Trinomials
Algebra
Tiles
Perfect
Square Trinomials.doc
* materials available from PRISM
Illinois
Learning Standards:
Early High
School
8.B.4a Represent algebraic concepts with physical materials, words, diagrams,
tables, graphs, equations and inequalities and use appropriate technology.
8.B.4b Use the basic functions of absolute value, square root, linear, quadratic
and step to describe numerical relationships.
8.D.4 Formulate and solve linear and
quadratic equations and linear inequalities algebraically and investigate
nonlinear inequalities using graphs, tables, calculators and computers.
Subject Area: Algebra I, Algebra Part II, parts applicable to Algebra II
Grade Level: 8-10
Class periods: Lessons are designed for a unit, stand-alone lessons, or compacted
lessons