Coloring in the Secondary Math Class
Note: When this post was first published, all links pointed to free resources. Some may now lead to paid products. Use this quick link to browse free resources for teaching exponents with coloring: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/browse/math/free?search=free%20coloring%20exponents
If you are looking for a way to practice a newly learned math skill that integrates some art, a coloring activity is perfect! While some older students do not wish to color, you would surprised to find how many still do! Aside from providing extra math practice, coloring can be calming. I’ve also heard that coloring activities make great emergency sub plans 🙂 They are a great resource to add to your teacher toolkit, even at the middle and high school level!
I typically like to turn my coloring activities into a partner activity with two columns. Students work their own questions, then compare answers to determine how to color the picture. Combining extra practice with collaboration and coloring is like a triple win!
Here are some of my most popular coloring activities:
Exponent Rules Coloring Activity: Students solve the problems in their column, then compare answers with their partner to determine how to color the heart. I usually taught Exponent Rules around Valentine’s Day, so this picture was perfect. However, it can be used at any time of the year! If you teach exponent rules (including negative exponents) or are looking for a refresher for older students, this is a great resource.
Area and Circumference of Circles: This is the perfect Pi Day activity! While not a partner activity, students find the area and circumference of the circles, then find their answers to determine how to color the pi symbol. It makes for such a gorgeous display once they are finished.
Multiplying & Dividing Fractions Coloring Activity: There is never enough fractions practice, am I right?! This particular resource is a partner activity so it will have that extra collaboration feature. The coloring page also lets students show off their love for math!
Transformations Coloring Activity: Students practice applying reflections, translations, dilations, and rotations with this partner coloring activity. It’s also a partner activity!
Congruent Triangles Coloring Activity: Here’s a favorite for the high school geometry students! With this activity, students must match how the triangles are congruent (SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS, or HL) with a valid congruency statement. They color the dinosaur using their chosen answers.
You can find all of my coloring activities here!
Most all of my coloring pages are designed by Jenny Knappenberger of Art with Jenny K. I highly recommend checking her out! Her art resources can be used with students of all ages 🙂