The Calculated Collection: 7 Activities for Back to School
Posted 08/21/2024 by TI Staff
For over 35 years, TI has been working directly with educators to help support their teaching and their students’ success in the classroom. Who do we listen to first to find and create resources math teachers need and want? You, our TI community of amazing and dedicated math teachers.
We’re so excited to share a collection of new, engaging and varied activities from 7 educators currently teaching in today’s classroom environments. Each activity combines their years of experience and practice into easy-to-follow, low-prep activities that will save you time and that students will enjoy.
The Calculated Collection:
- Ashley – Algebra Skills Review – 3-in-1 activity
- Audrey – Graphing Calculator Boot Camp
- DeJaune – Basketballs in the Hoops: Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Kate – Graph Transformation Stations Activity
- Kelly – Algebra 1 Statistics Task Card Activity
- Michelle – Buying a Car Activity Using TVM Solver
- Tyra – Graphing Linear Inequalities Reference and Practice Sheet
Algebra Skills Review – 3-in-1 Activity
|
About the creator: Ashley, (@algebra.einstein) has taught for 12 years in four states. Her favorite subject to teach is Geometry, and she has taught everything from 6th Grade Math to Precalculus Honors. Ashley has been married for 11 years and has two children. She loves travel, iced coffee and exploring new ways to bring energy and enthusiasm to her students every day. |
About the activity:
Download for free: Algebra Skills Review for Geometry — TI-84 Plus CE
Made for: Grades 9—11, Algebra, Geometry, CCSSHSN-RN.A.2, CCSSHSA-REI.B.3, CCSSHSA-REI.B.4b
I designed this activity as a back to school review to help students practice the algebra skills they'll need in geometry and higher math courses. It includes a printed scavenger hunt, a Google slides review and practice sheets to cement their knowledge.
It's a fun, self-guided activity that encourages independent learning.
Scavenger hunt: The printable scavenger hunt is a self-guided activity, complete with helpful hints. I believe it's important for students to build confidence by completing activities on their own. With self-guided activities like this one, students not only review important topics – they also hone their ability to work independently.
Google Slides™: The digital review activity checks students’ answers, provides hints if they make a mistake and allows them to try again. When they get the correct answer, they'll see cool ways to verify their solution and use TI technology to enhance their understanding. It allows students to practice at their own pace, receive immediate feedback and develop the self-reliance that will benefit them throughout the school year.
Practice sheets: After students complete either version, there are extra practice worksheets with even more problems to tackle!
This activity not only refreshes essential algebra skills but also makes learning enjoyable and engaging, while allowing students to be independent learners.
With nine years of experience teaching geometry, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the content. I’ve crafted guided notes and worksheets for on-level to honors classes, along with a mix of engaging digital and print activities, including a variety of activities for Algebra 1 and 2.
My goal is to provide resources that save teachers time and engage students – giving them practice they need.
Due to my years of teaching in Florida, I’ve also developed materials specifically aligned to the FL BEST standards for Algebra 1 and Geometry. By offering a variety of resources, I aim to support teachers with effective and enjoyable math instruction that helps students succeed.
One thing I constantly remind my students when they're feeling stuck or frustrated is that they just haven't figured it out YET. That "yet" is a powerful mindset shift.
Get more resources from Ashley:
- Algebra Einstein TPT store
- Follow Ashley on Instagram
- Join the Teaching Geometry in Secondary Facebook group
Save this activity for now or later:
Graphing Calculator Boot Camp
|
About the creator: Audrey, (@mathbythemountain) is entering her tenth year teaching math in middle and high school. While she primarily makes resources to support struggling Algebra 1 learners, she also enjoys teaching Precalculus and Statistics. As a math teacher, Audrey loves interactive notebooks, color coding, organization and classroom systems/routines. Her hobbies include going to the movies and playing flute in a local community orchestra. |
About the activity:
Download for free: Graphing Calculator Boot Camp for TI-84 Plus CE
Made for: Grades 10—12, Algebra 2, Precalculus
I created this Graphing Calculator Boot Camp activity because it’s something I wish existed when I first started teaching Algebra 2. At the start of every year, I joke with my students that the class should be called “How To Use Your Graphing Calculator 101” since that’s such a huge aspect of any Algebra 2 class.
This activity introduces basic TI-84 graphing calculator features, as well as how to undo common student mistakes.
Not only is this activity perfect for introducing your students how to use a graphing calculator for the first time, it’s also a great refresher for other classes down the road, like Precalculus or Calculus.
I’m all about making resources that allow all students to do rigorous, grade-level work. Strong core instruction is the foundation for all learning. Looking at my TPT store, you’ll see lots of flowcharts, guided notes and interactive notebook units, along with fun activities for Algebra 1.
Flowcharts: This is a unique resource that I have been making for over 10 years. Flowcharts are magical because they take a complicated process and break it down into bite-sized, easy-to-follow steps.
Guided notes: These promote critical soft skills like quality note taking, organization and studying. Guided notes are thorough and rigorous, yet scaffolded to help reach students of all abilities.
Interactive notebooks: Notebooks pull in these resources, are designed to flow together naturally from one topic to the next and are easy for students to reference.
Strong core instruction is the foundation for all learning.
Building student confidence is key in any class, but it is particularly important in the math classroom. So many students come into our math classes believing that they’re not “math people,” and any struggle they run into with the material just re-confirms that belief.
I focus on creating resources that boost student confidence, one piece at a time.
As students slowly become more confident in math, their willingness to engage more deeply and be okay with productive struggle while problem-solving increases.
Get more resources from Audrey:
- Math by the Mountain TPT store
- Follow Audrey on Instagram
- Follow Audrey on Facebook
- Follow Audrey on TikTok
- Save ideas from Audrey on Pinterest
Save this activity for now or later:
Basketballs in the Hoops: Linear Equations and Inequalities
|
About the creator: For nearly a decade, DeJaune (@beyondthemath) has taught Algebra 1 and Geometry as well as Algebra 1 and 2 intervention courses. She became a TI-Nspire™ CX II fan after seeing the confidence it brought to her intervention students. She’s come back to teach at her alma mater, sharing her love for Algebra and coaching basketball. In her free time, she loves to shoot hoops, spend time with family and listen to audio books. |
About the activity:
Download for free: Linear Equations & Inequalities Basketballs in the Hoops Review Game — TI-Nspire™ CX II
Made for: Grade 8—11, Algebra
As a high school math teacher and basketball coach, I know my students crave engagement. That's why I love this "Basketballs in the Hoops!" activity.
This activity goes beyond drills. Student groups work through eight challenge worksheets together. Only when they have their challenge correct do they get to choose a basket to “shoot” for. After that, it’s anybody’s game. Each hoop’s point value is hidden until the very end.
This activity encourages students to collaborate, re-evaluate their mistakes and even teach each other!
For me, it’s a win-win. Students practice math skills while fostering teamwork and getting a healthy dose of friendly competition. One thing I have learned about teens is that they love to take chances!
While the activity is building their math skills, the hidden basket values add a thrilling element of chance. Seeing how much each basket is worth gets students pumped, as they absolutely love the suspense! Their faces light up as they strategize, calculate and aim for victory.
I design activities just like I'd use them in my 45-minute class. One-page, guided notes free up time for engaging activities. I balance digital and hands-on options, but lean digital for faster prep. Gotta love that!
I create resources that empower teachers and spark student excitement. My interactive lessons, guided notes, and self-checking reviews bring smiles to students' faces. I love to make math a slam dunk for every learner. My motto – slinging math by day and coaching basketball by night!
My goal is to make your job easier and keep students hooked!
Get more resources from DeJaune:
- Beyond the Math TPT store
- Follow DeJaune on Instagram
- Follow DeJaune on TikTok
Save this activity for now or later:
Graph Transformation Stations Activity
|
About the creator: Kate (@mrs_d_teaches_math) is entering her 18th year teaching in Indiana. She has taught every math course from Pre-algebra to Precalculus. She’s even taught Quantitative Reasoning at her local community college. Her favorite course is Precalculus, especially second semester. Kate has two children who love sports and a lab named Recon who enjoys hunting pheasants. In her free time, she loves to read, scrapbook and make fantastic math resources! |
About the activity:
Download for free: Graph Transformation Stations Activity With Graphing Calculator — TI-84 Plus CE
Made for: Grades 9—12, Algebra, Algebra 2, Precalculus
This mystery image stations activity gets students up out of their seats while reviewing shifts in graphs, as well as graphing piecewise functions on a TI graphing calculator.
My students love to get up and move around the room while working though stations. This printable scavenger hunt has eight stations to place around the room. Students can start at any spot. As they move around the room and work each station, a hidden picture will appear on their calculator. It's a creative way for students to practice math and solve a mystery. This activity will keep students guessing until the very end!
My goal is to get students excited to learn and do math.
Students can often become stressed by the fast pace of the class or the complexity of the concepts. It’s important to me to give them something fun to break up those stressful moments. So, I create creative and engaging activities for Geometry, Algebra 2 and Precalculus.
In my classroom, students solve mysteries, work through mazes and color fun pictures all while practicing important math skills.
I create activities that turn learning into a game.
I feel it is just as important to make math fun for upper level math students as it is for beginning math students. While doing one of my color by number activities a student said, “I love feeling like I am back in kindergarten when I am coloring in this class!” Older students LOVE to feel like little kids once in a while.
Get more resources from Kate:
- Kate Dean TPT store
- Follow Kate on Instagram
Save this activity for now or later:
Algebra 1 Statistics Task Card Activity
|
About the creator: Kelly (@algebraonederland) is entering her 12th year teaching in New York. She’s taught math for grades 7–9. While Algebra 1 has been a focus for 10 years, she’s also taught 8th grade math, AIS support and a financial literacy elective. Kelly also coaches cross country and track and field, sports she enjoys and competed in. Kelly has a daughter and is expecting a son any day now! |
About the activity:
Download for free: Algebra 1 Statistics With TI-84 Task Card Activity
Made for: Grades 8—9, Algebra 1, CCSSHSS-ID.A.3, CCSSHSS-ID.B.6, CCSSHSS-ID.B.6c
Task tent cards are one of my favorite ways to get students moving and collaborating! Plus, they provide students with different levels of support and make practice student-centered. The front of the tent presents the problem, the back provides a hint, and the inside houses the solution so students can check their work.
Hints help students feel confident in moving forward with solving the problem the way they think they should. They also provide a step forward for students who feel stuck.
This activity has allowed my students to become more independent, freeing me up to work at a deeper level with students.
My students ask for the tents practice and get excited when they see them out as walk into the classroom! They know they will be moving around, going at their own pace, and they will have the support of hints and each other.
Task card tents organically differentiate for all of my students.
Students can complete as many tents as time allows. It’s not a worksheet to finish in it’s entirety. This organically makes the assignment bite sized and keeps students from getting overwhelmed. Students with stronger skills love that they can move through problems at their pace.
I primarily make activities focused on Algebra 1 topics. When I create activities, I focus on making them engaging but also student-centered and self-checking. By building in scaffolds and sectioning content into thin slices, as well as incorporating problem sets and sequences that build, my activities work to support access for all students. Students can work at the level that meets their needs.
I think it’s so important for the future of education for teachers to share the successful strategies and resources we have found in our classrooms. Classrooms look so much different than they did even a decade ago. Our students’ needs are changing every year.
It’s important that we share strategies that work and support one another!
I think the educator support from TI Calculators is amazing! The new OS and devices from TI have so many capabilities that we didn’t have as students. But, it’s still easy for teachers to keep using the calculator in the same ways we learned as students.
It’s especially helpful to be presented with features and activities crafted by colleagues who are in today’s classroom with me!
Get more resources from Kelly:
- Algebra Onederland TPT store
- Follow Kelly on Instagram
Save this activity for now or later:
Buying a Car Activity Using TVM Solver
|
About the creator: Michelle (@the_precalc_gal) has taught for 18 years in four states: New Jersey, Colorado, Arizona and Idaho. She’s taught Pre-algebra through AP® Calculus BC. Her favorite classes to teach are Precalculus and Calculus. Michelle also enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking and family time with her husband and two kids. |
About the activity:
Download for free: Buying a Car Activity using TVM solver — TI-84 Plus CE
Made for: Grades 10—12, Algebra 2, Precalculus
Teaching about compound interest is so useful... It applies to bank accounts, credit card annual percentage rates (APR), car payments, mortgage payments and more.
This activity addresses how to calculate payments for purchasing a car and gives students practice using the TVM Solver on their TI-84 calculator. Students must research a car, its costs, the APRs for a loan, careers and salaries. Students discover what the monthly car payments would be based on certain criteria and then reflect on whether the car is actually affordable.
I get so excited when I am teaching this topic because it is so useful.
When I teach about interest, my students laugh at first when I tell them the story of me buying my first car. I brought my TI calculator with me to calculate the payments faster than the salesman and finance guy!
But, as we go through the lesson, they begin to see how useful and powerful it is to have the tools, like a calculator, and the knowledge to make educated life decisions.
I always say to my students that every expert was once a beginner and that we can do hard things!
I make resources and activities for my needs first and if another teacher can use them, then that’s great!
I have resources that are basic and others that are complex, because all my classes and students have different needs. I like to make self-checking resources, whether that is through a circuit, scavenger hunt, color by number, matching, etc. with both digital and print options.
Get more resources from Michelle:
- The PreCalc Gal TPT store
- Follow Michelle on Instagram
- Join the PreCalcGal email list
Save this activity for now or later:
Graphing Linear Inequalities Reference and Practice Sheet
|
About the creator: Tyra (@algebraandbeyond) is a math and business teacher with over 10 years of experience. She’s taught in Colorado and currently teaches at a private American school in Costa Rica, where she also served as Curriculum Director. She is a life-long learner who loves exploring new ideas and spending time with her husband and two fun-loving kids. |
About the activity:
Download for free: Graphing Linear Inequalities | TI-84 Calculator Reference Sheet and Practice
Made for: Grades 8—10, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Precalculus, CCSSHSA-REI.D.12, CCSSMP5
This activity builds students’ understanding of the TI-84 graphing calculator – without repeating yourself over and over again! It’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to graphing linear inequalities and determining solutions.
Included in this activity:
- Reference sheet: A reference page with step-by-step instructions.
- Practice sheet: A practice page with problems for students to review what they've learned.
- Digital version: A Google Slides™ version is also included.
Students absolutely love the simplicity of the TI-84 graphing calculator reference sheets!
Students can easily refer to the reference sheets whenever they need a quick reminder on how to graph or solve math problems. And the best part? They can do it all on their own!
Add these sheets to students’ math notebooks, and watch students’ confidence and accuracy improve as they independently work through graphing linear inequalities.
My goal is to provide creative, comprehensive and clear activities that are easy to implement for the teacher and help students connect knowledge with understanding.
Why focus on graphing calculator skills? It helps students:
- Increase Speed: Compute, graph and create a table of values quickly and efficiently.
- Build Connections: Make connections between different mathematical models - quickly maneuver among tabular, graphical and algebraic forms.
- Check for Accuracy: Check their work - confirm or disaffirm solutions.
- Leap Over Hurdles: Use technology to close gaps.
Get more resources from Tyra:
- Algebra and Beyond TPT store
- Follow Tyra on Instagram
- Follow Tyra on Facebook
- Watch Tyra on YouTube
- Read the Algebra and Beyond Blog
Save this activity for now or later:
Find support for your classroom all year long!
Let’s inspire a love for math that lasts! Follow us on social @TIcalculators and stay updated on fun ways to make your math classroom a positive, engaging place for students to learn.
Connect with us on Pinterest for more inspiration and curate your own treasure trove of ideas. You’ll also find our math activities board featuring themed activities all year long.
Would you like to be part of next year’s Calculated Collection? Share your activity idea with us at edtechsocial@ti.com.
Participating in the My Calculator Buddy Sweepstakes? Here is a bonus entry code: CALCULATEDCOLLECTION
AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, TI products. Policies subject to change. Visit www.collegeboard.org.
Google Slides™ is a trademark of Google Inc.
