Teaching Algebra with Manipulatives

Chapter
8
Polynomials
Teaching Notes and Overview
Using Overhead
Manipulatives
Multiplying Monomials
(p. 134 of this booklet)
Use With Lesson 8-1.
Objective Multiply monomials using models.
Materials
algebra tiles*
product mat transparency*
transparency pen*
blank transparencies
* available in Overhead Manipulative Resources
The demonstration is an activity that uses
algebra tiles and the area of a rectangle to
model multiplying monomials. Students need
to know what the 1-tile, x-tile, and x 2 -tile
represent. (2x)(x) is modeled on the product mat
transparency by marking off a length of 2 x-tiles
and a width of 1 x-tile. Using the marks as
guides, a large rectangle is drawn and covered
with x 2 -tiles. Students are asked to state the
area of the large rectangle, namely, 2x 2 . Provide
additional examples showing how to use models
to multiply monomials. Discuss with students
how you can multiply without using models.
Answers
Answers appear on the teacher demonstration
instructions on page 134.
Algebra Activity
Recording Sheet
Investigating Surface Area and
Volume
(p. 135 of this booklet)
Use With Lesson 8-1 as a follow-up activity.
This corresponds to the activity on page 416 in
the Student Edition.
Objective Find the surface area and volume of
prisms.
Materials
scissors
tape
grid paper
Carefully review the directions to Collect Data
at the top of the sheet. Have students work in
groups of two or three to complete the Collect the
Data section. You will need to supply each group
with the materials listed to construct four prisms.
Discuss the formulas for finding the surface area
and volume of a prism. Once the students have
finished making the models, be sure they
understand the expectations for the Analyze the
Data section. You may want to do part of Exercise
1 as a large group. Go over the surface area and
volume of the prism with 2-by-5-by-3 dimensions.
Then discuss Prism A, that is, finding the surface
area, volume, surface area ratio, and volume
ratio. In groups, have them complete Exercises 1
through 5. When the students are ready, discuss
the answers to these exercises.
Extending the Investigation is similar to the
activity with the prism. However, it deals with
the surface area and volume of a cylinder. Review
the formulas and the procedure for Collect the
Data, Analyze the Data, and Make a Conjecture.
Allow time for each group to report on their
results.
Answers
See Teacher Wraparound Edition p. 416.
Algebra Activity
Recording Sheet
Polynomials
(p. 136 of this booklet)
Use With Lesson 8-4 as a preview activity.
This corresponds to the activity on page 431 in
the Student Edition.
Objective Model polynomials using algebra
tiles.
Materials
algebra tiles*
* available in Overhead Manipulative Resources
This activity deals with using algebra tiles to
model polynomials. Point out that a polynomial
Algebra 1—Chapter 8
© Glencoe/McGraw-Hill 129 Teaching Algebra with Manipulatives