Video Library - Resources for the Algebra 1 Classroom
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VirtualNerd
There are many tutorial videos available from VirtualNerd, part of the Pearson family, about Algebra 1 topics (and other math courses as well). They are posted at the VirtualNerd website as well as on YouTube The videos are short so that students can take breaks to really process the information before moving on. The videos are recorded in small chunks rather than one long lesson. This particular video reviews like terms that students should be familiar with from pre-algebra, but they may need a refresher in order to successfully apply the rules in Algebra 1. |
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Jo Boaler
Sometimes, it isn't the Algebra content that my students struggle with, but it is the motivation to try the work. Some students always think that mathematics is difficult. Other reach a stumbling block in Algebra because of the abstract nature which requires a new method of thinking that they have not practiced before. The mindset and motivation to continue working through a challenge can be just as important as the content itself. That is what many of the videos from Jo Boaler at Stanford University convey. |
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Khan Academy
There are thousands of tutorial videos available from Khan Academy. They cover basic arithmetic concepts up to advanced calculus topics including many types of application. Students and parents both enjoy having this resource available to clarify when homework does not make sense. This video gives an introduction to the topic of slope that is incorporated in almost all of the graphing that is done in Algebra 1. |
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Graphing Story
Many students struggle to see a connection between Algebra and their everyday world. This video is just one example of a graphing story where students watch an everyday occurrence and then attempt to graphically represent what happened such as elevation over time. |
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Math Songs
My students get a kick out of hearing some of their favorite, popular songs with a mathematical twist. The teachers at Westerville South High School have put some good videos and raps together to deliver Algebra 1 content in a fun fashion. |
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Pixar
Students think that the math classroom is an isolated area and that the topics learned inside will never be applied outside in the real world. This video does a good job helping students to see that mathematics shows up in some unlikely places and that is why we need to practice so much Algebra. |
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Real Life Math
I show this video to get my students thinking. We use some of the ideas as a discussion point to make connections from small ideas into larger topics. For example, I have my students develop an algebraic expression or equation to represent the number of tiles on the floor of the classroom and then use that to estimate the number of tiles on the floor of a larger building or structure when we study proportions. |
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Memorizing Formulas
Some formulas are easier to remember than others. Many of my students find that music or a rhythm helps them to remember so of the more difficult formulas. This video puts the quadratic formula to to tune of Pop Goes the Weasel. |
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Bill Nye the Science Guy
Many students enjoy returning to their childhood with the familiar face of Bill Nye the Science guy. In this case, Bill is helping student to create an equation and solve for an unknown. |
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Regression and Predictions
Sometimes, it can be hard to make a prediction about large scale items. This video take a mundane activity, such as paper folding, and has students try to guess how many folds are required to reach as far as the moon. Many student guesses are very far off and they are suprised to see the final answer. It makes a good jumping off point to turn into a regression equation and make some of our own predictions. |
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Self-Created Videos
I have recently started creating my own videos for students to watch as a tutorial when learning new material or as a way for students to check their answers after the work is complete to help them identify errors. |