In a week, we will start our unit on solving quadratics. We are in the midst of a short unit on the characteristics of quadratics where we talk about the vertex, axis of symmetry, the intercepts, the standard form, the vertex form, etc. Students are adept at analyzing a graph of a parabola and interpreting the meaning of specific values in problem situations.
We have not yet made the connection between the x-intercepts, zeros, and solutions to quadratic equations. I will start there as an introduction to the unit on solving.
And then we will review factoring. Right now, the plan is to use at least 3 methods in factoring ...
In all of these methods we use the "X" puzzle to help students organize their factors.
Last year I refused to teach my Algebra 1 students the Kick It method. It seemed so contrived at the time. This year, I think I want to teach students what some call the AC method. I
read about it here. The Kick It method and the AC method are very similar. I don't believe it will be come the method of choice, but I will at least demonstrate it. Factoring by grouping makes so much more sense to me.
Because of the way our curriculum department schedules units, we will have only one class period to review factoring! It will be tight for sure.
As class practice I'll either use a circuit or play the spoons game!
If I use a circuit (a loop) ... students will work in pairs to factor problems posted around the room. The solution set to one equation will be found on another poster ... they work that second problem ... look for the solution set ... and so on. If they work the problems correctly, the loop closes. I love self-checking practice.
If we play the spoons game, students will work in teams to factor equations. Answer cards will be on the table - one less card than the number of teams. I know my students would like this game!
After students have had practice with multiple methods of factoring, they will get to choose the method they prefer in the rest of the unit.
How do you teach factoring?
