Algebra Manipulatives
As digital resources and instructional practices become more common with today’s students, I still find great value in the use of analog materials. This includes the use of manipulatives in the algebra classroom.
In preparation for working with Algebra 1 students in the fall, this set of plans allows students to transform a single sheet of card stock into a set of manipulatives that become powerful instructional tools.
Supplies
One sheet of white card stock
Ruler
Scissors
Pencil
Markers or colored pencils (blue, green, yellow, orange, purple, red)
Setting Up the Card Stock
Using the ruler and pencil, divide the sheet as shown.
Large squares = 2” x 2”, medium squares = 1” x 1”, small squares = ½” x ½”, rectangles = ½’ x 2”
Coloring the Cardstock - Front
On the bottom row of medium squares, number each tile 0 - 9.
Color the other three rows of medium squares orange.
Color the large squares blue.
Color the small squares yellow.
Color the rectangles green.
Coloring the Card Stock - Back
Cut the sheet into the sections as shown.
Number the back of the number squares with 0 and -1 through -9.
Color the back of the orange squares purple.
Color the back of the blue, green and yellow shapes red.
Cutting the Shapes
Cut the shapes following the grid lines drawn prior to coloring.
Using the Shapes - Number Squares
The number squares can be use when exploring Open Middle Problems.
You can find additional Open Middle problems here: https://www.openmiddle.com/
The number squares can also be used to play with puzzles such as 1 to 9 Puzzles.
Using the Shapes - Colored Squares
Visual Patterns are a powerful way to explore:
- Functions
- Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
- Perimeter and Area
- _______________
The squares can be used to model the Visual Pattern.
You can find more Visual Patterns here: http://www.visualpatterns.org/
Using the Shapes - Algebra Tiles
Algebra Tiles are powerful manipulatives when exploring and modeling algebraic topics.
You can find out more about how to use Algebra Tiles HERE.
Storing the Manipulatives
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Use a plastic bag or an envelope.
...or...
You can also make an origami envelope following these directions: http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-envel...
The origami envelope has three pockets, one for each set of manipulatives.
Printing Your Own Set of Manipulatives
While making their own set of manipulatives increases student ownership and buy-in, it may be easier to print the sheets with or without the coloring. Here are some templates that can be printed out.
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Feedback & Suggestions?
Thanks so much for checking out this Instructable! If you have any feedback or suggestions to pass along, I would love to hear from you!