This document discusses using games and activities to teach algebra concepts in the classroom. It provides examples of student feedback on games focused on functions, factoring, slopes, and more. Students found the games helped them better understand the concepts and provided a fun way to learn and practice math skills. They enjoyed working with classmates in a competitive environment. The games challenged students while making learning feel easier and more engaging.

1. Capitalizing on Algebra Games and Activities in the Classroom My office. Circa sometime earlier this week. MichMATYC 2011 Fall Conference Jon Oaks

2. http: // bit.ly / algebragames

4. Supplies

17. The Games

20. Student Praise for "Freaking Functions!"

21. "I like the fact that you can work as a team but yet it is still a competition to win the game. Also that each roll of the dice could change the outcome of the equation based on odd or even numbers."

22. "What I liked about the game is how it teaches you to work with the functions , not only to plug in the value, but also make it equal to. I also like how it’s a fun way to learn math ."

23. "I liked working as a team to solve to win."

24. "I would describe this game as a good way to sharpen your math skills . I would tell them that once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to play ."

25. "I would describe it by telling them that it is a fun and educational way to learn functions. If they have a hard time with this section then you would need this game. It’s very creative way to learn math .”

28. Student Praise for "What the Factor!"

29. "I like the fact that I understand factoring even more now. Also that our group effort helped me to understand other concepts of factoring.“

30. "I liked how our playing boards had the answers on them. It helped me get a better understanding of how to factor. I liked how we worked together to solve problems.“

31. "This game reinforces the basics of factoring and helps you to get quicker with your skills.“

32. "I loved the practice again. I have learned to enjoy factoring and my competitive nature is actually helping me pay attention to my issue with negatives.“

33. "This game was very challenging , which got all of the team members to work together. The problems given were what was needed for our team, we really needed the review.“

34. "What I would tell someone is that although this game may be difficult, it really helps you out . The game gives you the answers, so you see your mistakes within the problem."

37. Student Praise for "Slopes and Ladders"

38. "I liked the process of the game . The game was simple and straight to the point!"

39. "This was the best game ! Once we figured out how to play a lot faster, this game flowed better. It was cool to get into the game and watching people get upset over moving back."

40. "I would describe the game as a fun way to practice the slope formula . It's a good time and can be challenging. I would say that this is a game that not only tests you mentally , but that also allows you to have fun with friends and classmates."

41. "If you really want to get into a game and have fun learning math , play this game! It's really fun watching your friends work hard and then just watch them loose their spot."

44. Student Praise for "Slope Block"

45. "It required us to work in groups in order to learn easier with feedback. It showed or added a fun twist in lieu of taking notes for the entire course."

46. "I liked the practice we got with different problems. It helped getting help from other students in the class."

47. "It allowed you to work with a partner to help solve problem. It allowed someone else to check your work & answers. It made learning this section of slope not only fun but somewhat easier to understand ."

48. "I would describe it as a fun way of doing math . Math is turned into a game , rather than a problem."