The Worst Best Idea Ever

In PLC the other week, we were planning a few activities for our Expressions & Equations unit. I found this activity where students were supposed to sort note cards with equations and the steps to solve them. I didn't want to write out that many note cards, but I liked the concept of the assignment.

Then, my brain went into creative mode, which is rare. I decided I would make cards with several equations on them and little pieces for students to use and identify the steps to solve the equations.

As I created all of the items, I realized this was a really bad idea, but I was too far in to turn back.

I made a class set (30) of these cards and strips of the steps to solve them. 

Then, I labeled the back of all of the steps so if I found random pieces on the floor, I would know which card it went with and put velcro on the back of all of them, which involved cutting the velcro strips in half. Thankfully Stephen helped with the cutting part! I'm too controlling and picky to allow 7th graders to help with putting this together.

Next, I had to peel of the sticky part of each piece and place it on the board, two per equation. I did allow one student to help with this.

After Stephen and I got done cutting enough for 15 of these boards, I decided that was enough and students would work in pairs. It took me, with the two helpers, close to, if not more than, 8 hours to complete this project. 

The whole time I kept thinking what a terrible idea this was and why was I wasting so much time!?

 The kids did a great job with them! I gave them a good talking to about how long I spent making these and made them promise not to destroy them.

It was a fun, hands-on activity to practice the steps for solving equations, but it sure did take A LOT of time! They are safely stored now and I might consider bringing them back out for EOG review, but these are supplies I will be holding onto tightly!

My PLC thought I was crazy when I showed them this and I agreed! :)