Adding and Subtracting Polynomials: The Thinking Tree

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

After a lesson on adding and subtracting polynomials, the students will complete an exit ticket by picking three questions from The Thinking Tree to answer.

This resource was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Algebra I with Probability

MA19.A1.7
Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials, showing that polynomials form a system analogous to the integers, namely, they are closed under the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication.

Vocabulary

Polynomials
Closure
Analogous system

Knowledge

Students know:

Corresponding rules of arithmetic of integers, specifically what it means for the integers to be closed under addition, subtraction, and multiplication, and not under division.
Procedures for performing addition, subtraction, and multiplication on polynomials.

Skills

Students are able to:

Communicate the connection between the rules for arithmetic on integers and the corresponding rules for arithmetic on polynomials.
Accurately perform combinations of operations on various polynomials.

Understanding

Students understand that:

There is an operational connection between the arithmetic on integers and the arithmetic on polynomials.

Learning Objectives

Students will add and subtract polynomials.

Activity Details

The Thinking Tree

After a lesson on adding and subtracting polynomials, the teacher would instruct the students to look over the Thinking Tree and pick three questions to answer.
The students would be instructed to think about each question and answer fully. They will also be instructed to use strategies and explanations of adding and subtracting polynomials in their answers.
The students will be instructed to turn in the exit tickets as they leave the classroom.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher would assess student content knowledge by reading student exit tickets, looking for strategies and explanations involving adding and subtracting polynomials.

Also, the teacher could reinforce the next day using some of the best exit tickets that the students turn in the day before.

Variation Tips

The Thinking Tree can be used as an exit strategy with any lesson. The exit tickets could also be shaped like leaves either by a die-cut machine or hand cutting.

When the lesson runs long, the teacher could instruct students to only pick one topic to write about.

The teacher could group students and have them come up with answers together.

Background / Preparation

It is suggested that the teacher get a poster-sized copy of The Thinking Tree to hang in the room. This would facilitate the use of this activity for multiple lessons. If that is not available copies could be made for the students.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E46Y_KIzCqqnA-U3TLio7C0Ih6TIZAoH/view?usp=shar…

Approved Date

2020-07-23

Owner (Author)

kristylacks

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