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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Math Name Tag: An Introduction Project for the First Day

In this project the students will introduce themselves to teh class by using a creative display of magazine cutouts, pictures, and drawings on a math symbol that represents who they are.

A lesson plan for grade 8 English Language Arts and Mathematics

By Kim Byrd

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Learning outcomes

The students will:

  • review operations of real numbers and all mathematical symbols.
  • create a “Math Name Tag” by decorating a math symbol with their name and other items that will help others to understand who they are.
  • write a paragraph that includes as many math facts they can think of in their life.
  • write and solve three real number math problems using the math facts from their life.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

2 Hours

Materials/resources

  • construction paper (all colors)
  • glue sticks
  • magic markers
  • scissors
  • magazines
  • pictures
  • glitter, etc.
  • large index cards

Technology resources

None.

Pre-activities

The students should:

  • cut out pictures of items from magazines that represents themselves.
  • bring pictures from home of family, pets, etc. that are important to them.

Activities

  1. The students will take two pieces of different colored construction paper. Out of one piece of paper, the student will cut the shape of a math symbol that most closely represents “who” they are.
  2. The symbol should be placed on the other piece of construction paper for the background of their name tag.
  3. The students should decorate their math symbol with their name, and other items cut from magazines, etc. that will help the class to understand who they are.
  4. The students are to write on a large index card, a paragraph that includes all the math facts they can think of in their life. For example: number of family members, their age, address, telephone #, time you leave for school, bus #, shape of favorite food, etc. Complete sentences must be used.
  5. On the back of the index card, the students are to write and solve three real number math problems using the math facts in their life. The student should staple this to the bottom of their nametag.
  6. The student is required to present their nametag and read their paragraph of math facts to the class.

Assessment

The students will present their “Math Name Tag” to the class. Points will be earned in the following areas:

  • Creativity & Originality 20 points
  • Class Presentation 30 points
  • Written Paragraph 30 points
  • Neatness 20 points

For a total of 100 points.

The project counts as a quiz grade in the first grading period.

Supplemental information

Examples of past students’ name tags will be shown to the class for ideas.

Related websites

N/A

Comments

This project is a great way for students to review math symbols and operations with real numbers as well as introduce themselves to their class. It also helps the students realize how much math is a part of their lives.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

English Language Arts (2004)

Grade 8

  • Goal 1: The learner will use language to express individual perspectives through analysis of personal, social, cultural, and historical issues.
    • Objective 1.01: Narrate a personal account which:
      • creates a coherent, organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.
      • establishes a point of view and sharpens focus.
      • uses remembered feelings.
      • selects details that best illuminate the topic.
      • connects events to self/society.
    • Objective 1.03: Interact in group activities and/or seminars in which the student:
      • shares personal reactions to questions raised.
      • gives reasons and cites examples from text in support of expressed opinions.
      • clarifies, illustrates, or expands on a response when asked to do so, and asks classmates for similar expansion.

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 8

  • Goal 1: Number and Operations -The learner will understand and compute with real numbers.
    • Objective 1.01: Develop number sense for the real numbers.
      • Define and use irrational numbers.
      • Compare and order.
      • Use estimates of irrational numbers in appropriate situations.