Activity:
4-day unit where students write and perform Formulas in a Christmas Caroling setting.
This activity works best if the students write their own carols.
Day 1:
At the beginning of the unit, teach the quadratic formula to the tune of Jingle bells.
Then tell the students to divide into groups to write their own formula carols. Groups of 5 or 6 work best. Write group names on the board. As soon as a group decides on a formula and coordinating carol they must write it on the board to call dibs. Once a carol and/or formula is on the board no other group can claim it.
Teacher contacts other teachers to set up a caroling schedule. Keeping the carols to 5 minutes helps everyone have fun. Send a mass email – you will be surprised at the teachers who are interested.
Day 2:
Students submit their carols for approval. The teacher types up the carols and makes copies for all the groups. (This helps keep all the carols g-rated and school appropriate.) Once a group’s carol is approved those students can begin practicing their carols and assembling their caroling books. This is done by taping the carols – in performance order – into red and green folders. One folder for every three students works well.
Day 3:
Group practice takes this whole day. The idea is to have every student sing all the carols. The more practice students have the more likely they will be to participate in the actual caroling. Some carols are better suited for small groups, especially if they are difficult carols; ie, congruency statements sung to Carol of the Bells…really! Allowing one or two of these actually keeps the caroling more interesting.
Instruct students to bring their Holiday spirit for the next day. Wearing Santa hats, red and green t-shirts, crazy socks…anything to help keep it fun.
Day 4:
Go Caroling! Sing your creations and wish everyone a Super Nerdy Holiday! =)
This is such a fun activity! I have done this for 3 years and now we can’t make it to all of the classes who request us to come. In fact- this year we may put together a few “rap formulas” to usher in Spring Break. A request from our administration, if you can believe it!
Core connection:
Utah State Math Core – Geometry - 2007 edition:
Objective 1: Describe the properties and attributes of lines and line segments using
coordinate geometry.
- Verify the classifications of geometric figures using coordinate geometry to
Findlengths and slopes.
- Find the distance between two given points and find the coordinates of the
midpoint.
- Write an equation of a line perpendicular or a line parallel to a line through a
given point.