Week 4 - Stations Galore!

The 8th graders spent the week rotating through several stations. Each station was set up to be interactive and hands-on. The stations included the real number system, square roots, and ordering rational numbers. Setting up stations was a breeze thanks to the rolling tables. Additionally, having the large mobile whiteboards on wheels helped to divide the stations and display directions. We also used the verb boards as dividers by snapping them into the tables.

Students enjoyed moving from station to station with transition music (Justin Timberlake). Using music makes station rotation fun (they dance and sing) and provides a clear time frame… when the music stops they know they are to be at the station and reading directions. Since we did these stations as a culminating activity to our unit, students were self-sufficient and we were able to walk around and monitor groups as needed.

Students estimating square roots with a number line. 

In 7th grade, students continue working on integer operations with models and word problems. Students participated in blending learning lessons where they were able to work at their own pace to complete notes and practice problems with direct, immediate feedback. Afterwards, we played games to reinforce integer rules. Once again we were able to move the tables to the sides of the room and utilize the floor to play with integer rules. To prepare for a quiz on Friday, the students did a QR code hunt around the room on Thursday. Students were able to use the ipads/ipods to complete the code hunt. Having the thread system in the floor, with the ability to plug in devices anywhere in the room, made it convenient to have the technology located in the middle of the room.