In an era where technology dominates classrooms, there is still something to be said for engaging students in low-tech activities that help develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking. One such area of mathematics where low-tech activities can make a significant impact is the solving of inequalities. Here are 14 low-tech activities to help students master the art of solving inequalities.
1. Inequality Card Sort: Print cards with different inequalities on them. Have students work in pairs or small groups to sort the cards according to the given criteria (e.g., one-step, two-step, or multi-step inequalities).
2. Inequality Charades: Write various inequalities on flashcards and have students take turns acting out the inequality using physical gestures and body language, while their classmates try to guess the inequality represented.
3. Inequality Bingo: Create bingo cards with different inequalities for students to solve. Call out solutions one by one, and students will mark off the corresponding inequality on their bingo card.
4. Human Number Line: Create a large number line on the floor using tape or chalk. Have students stand on the number line representing solutions while they solve different inequalities.
5. Inequality Board Game: Design a board game specifically geared toward solving inequalities. Students can earn points based on correct solutions and progress through the game by becoming proficient at various levels of difficulty.
6. Inequality Jenga: Write various inequality problems on Jenga blocks and have students solve each inequality before they can remove a block from the tower.
7. Four Corners: Prepare four signs marked <, >, ≤, and ≥ and place one in each corner of the room. Read aloud a math problem involving an inequality and ask students to move to the appropriate corner that represents their solution choice (and discuss why).
8. I Have/Who Has Solving Inequalities Game: Create a chain of I Have/Who Has cards with inequality problems and their solutions. Each student receives one card, recites the problem and solution displayed on it, and listens for the next student to continue the chain until all cards have been used.
9. Inequality Collaborative Poster: Have students work together to create a poster with solved inequality problems arranged to form a graphic design or image.
10. Dueling Whiteboards: Pair students with individual whiteboards, and have them compete to solve inequalities quickly and accurately.
11. Inequality Relay Race: Create stations around the room where students solve various inequality problems in relay race style, passing their completed solution off to a teammate for the next step in the process.
12. Carousel Solving: Tape inequality problems around the room on large sheets of paper. Give students a few minutes at each station to write their solution on the paper before moving on to the next problem.
13. Skittle Solving: For each inequality problem, provide students with a small handful of Skittles (or other small manipulative). Students use these colorful items as a tool to help solidify their understanding of solving inequalities.
14. Group Problem Solving: Present groups of 3-4 students with large-print inequalities and give them large sheets of paper or dry erase boards along with markers. Allow each group to work together in solving the inequalities meant for group collaboration.
These low-tech activities not only strengthen students’ ability to solve inequalities but also encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their education and beyond. While technology can be an incredible asset in the classroom, sometimes going back to basics provides an excellent foundation in mathematical understanding.
