Spicing up the Secondary Math Classroom: #5 - Math Libs

Posted by: All Things Algebra

This is the fifth post in a series I created called “Spicing up the Secondary Classroom.” The focus of this post is my very popular Math Libs! But these Math Libs are very different than the sweet ones you find here on KidCourses. They are designed for upper level students (grades 7-10), and involve stations in the classroom that allow for MOVEMENT! Which in my experience, always leads to a better lesson and more learning.

My Math Libs are ones in which students solve math problems first, then look up their answer on a solutions card in order to fill in a funny story. These stories are most always about a teacher or administrator in their building doing silly things! You are able to edit all the story elements to make them even more personal for your students.

I have two versions of this activity in my store-

Version 1) Each station has several problems for students to choose from. Kiddos love this version because each group will get a unique story to share.

Version 2) Each station only has ONE problem. This means there is only one final story at the end and not multiple answers. Many teachers like this version because they are easier to grade!

Here is Station A from my Multi-Step Equations Math Lib. This is a version where each group will get a different story because it depends on which problem they choose at each station. Station A has teacher names, which you can replace to ones within your own building.

The other stations give more pieces to the story, such as “doing what?”, “with who?”, “where?”, etc. Here is the recording worksheet. Students fill in their “math lib” on the back as they move through the stations.

Most all my math libs are around 10 problems. Students appreciate this because it doesn’t seem too long or repetitive. Basically I just hang the stations up, give the students a recording sheet, and they are on their way!