Idea: How to Engage Your Students at the Start of Any Lesson

Image Credit: Mashup Math MJ

Capturing your students’ interest and curiosity during the first few minutes of class is the key to keeping them engaged for your entire lesson.

But not all math warm up activities are created equally.

Math teachers miss out on activating their students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills when they assign routine, lower-level practice problems during the first five minutes of class.

However, when you use the right mix of fun and though-provoking math warm up activities to start your lessons, student engagement spikes, as your kids will constantly be wondering about what is coming next.

You probably already have some awesome math warm up activities—like Which One Doesn’t Belong? and Think-Notice-Wonder—in your tool belt. But if you’re looking for another great strategy for mixing up your instruction and engaging your students, then get ready for:

Two Truths and One Lie!

I recently started using Two Truths and One Lie (2T1L) activities, where students are presented with three mathematical statements (only two of which are true) and they have to identify which statement is a lie and justify why their choice is correct. The results? Pretty amazing. 2T1L taught me that my students love to argue and state their case (in small groups or to the whole class).

In short, 2T1L is a fun way to spark deep mathematical thinking and open discussion at the start (or end—2T1L activities make great exit tickets) of any lesson.

Image Source: Mashup Math ST

What topics/grade levels are 2T1L activities best suited for?

2T1L activities can be used for all grade levels and topics. The graphics should be topic/lesson specific and can include graphs, charts, and diagrams.

Here are some grade-level specific samples:

Imagine how your students would react to starting class with one of the following activities.

• What kind of creative and mathematical thinking would spark?

• What kind of small or large group discussions would occur?

• How would a spike in engagement effect the remainder of the lesson?

▼ 3rd Grade ▼

▼ 6th Grade ▼

▼ 4th Grade ▼

▼ 7th Grade ▼

▼ 5th Grade ▼

▼ 8th Grade ▼

Are you ready to give it a try?

Here are a few more free samples that you can download and share with your kids (right-click to download each graphic and save it to your computer):

• 3rd Grade: Sample A | Sample B

• 4th Grade: Sample A | Sample B

• 5th Grade: Sample A | Sample B

Looking for more for grades 3, 4, & 5? Download your 101 ‘Two Truths and One Lie!’ Math Activities for Grades 3, 4, & 5 eBook!

• 6th Grade: Sample A | Sample B

• 7th Grade: Sample A | Sample B

• 8th Grade: Sample A | Sample B

Looking for more for grades 6, 7, & 8? Download your 101 ‘Two Truths and One Lie!’ Math Activities for Grades 6, 7, & 8 eBook!

Looking for more?

You can now share 101 Daily Two Truths & One Lie! Math Activities for Grades 3, 4, & 5 OR Grades 6, 7, & 8 with your kids with our brand new PDF workbooks!

---

Read More Posts About What’s Trending in Math Education:

Do you have experience using 2T1L activities with your math students? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below!

(Never miss a Mashup Math blog--click here to get our weekly newsletter!)

By Anthony Persico

Anthony is the content crafter and head educator for YouTube's MashUp Math and an advisor to Amazon Education's 'With Math I Can' Campaign. You can often find me happily developing animated math lessons to share on my YouTube channel . Or spending way too much time at the gym or playing on my phone.

How to Use 'Which One Doesn't Belong?' Math Activities to Boost Engagement

How to Use ‘Which One Doesn’t Belong?’ Activities to Boost Student Engagement in K-8 Mathematics

This simple activity gives students to engage with mathematics without the fear of being incorrect.

Which One Doesn’t Belong? math activities encourage deep mathematical thinking. (Image: Mashup Math via Getty)

When students see mathematics as a black and white subject where every problem has only one correct solution, they can easily become frustrated and fearful of making mistakes.

But what would happen if students could engage with mathematics without the fear of being wrong? For example, consider the question, “What is ten minus seven?”. While it’s important that students know that the answer to this question is “Three,” it’s arguable more important (and more beneficial to their learning) that they also be able to answer a question like “Why does ten minus seven equal three?.”

These type of open-ended questions encourage deep mathematical thinking and reflection, and, since there are multiple different ways to answer them correctly, students can interact with math without the fear of making mistakes. Rather, they can think about mathematics creatively and in ways that make sense to them on a personal level.

“Open-ended math questions shift the focus from finding final answers to actually understanding whatever concept students are currently learning,” says Mashup Math founder Anthony Persico, who believes that “giving students opportunities to think about mathematics without the fear of making mistakes boosts overall engagement and participation, which encourages deep understanding and growth.”

When teachers incorporate open-ended follow-up questions in their daily lesson plans, they place a greater emphasis on thinking and learning and rather than only being concerned with whether or not students can get correct final answers to problems.

So, how can you add more open-ended math questions into your daily lessons?

Using post-it notes is a great strategy for assessing student thinking, especially when using WODB as an exit ticket. (Image: Mashup Math ST)

Which One Doesn’t Belong? Math Activities

We are all familiar with the concept of “Which One Doesn’t Belong?” (which we will abbreviate as WODB going forward). You are given a set of objects or images and you are tasked with figuring out which one of them is not like the others.

In the case of WODB math activities, students are given a set of our different numbers or images and they must determine which one of the four does not belong and then justify why their response makes sense.

How Do WODB Activities Work?

Whenever you are aiming to boost student engagement, whole-class participation, or just to mix up your instruction, simply share a four-quadrant WODB graphic that requires students to observe and reflect upon four different numbers or graphics. They will then apply their mathematical and reasoning skills to decide which of the four items does not belong and also justify why (either verbally or in writing) their choice is valid.

Since WODB activities do not have a single correct answer, students will have to organize their thoughts and provide a justified response.

Unlike typical multiple choice questions, WODB activities do not have a single correct answer. These graphics are designed to be interpreted in a variety of different ways in order to spark deep mathematical thinking and discussion (in small groups, whole class, or both).

Here's an Example:

Consider the graphic above where students have to select which of the following numbers does not belong with the other three: 11, 22, 44, and 110.

Student A says: Since 22, 44, and 110 are all divisible by two, they are all even numbers. This means that 11 does not belong because it is not divisible by two. 11 is an odd number and does not belong.

Student B says: 11 does not belong because it is a prime number. The other three numbers are not prime numbers.

Student C says: 44 does not belong because it is the only number that is divisible by 4. You can technically divide the other three numbers by 4, but the result would have a remainder, so 44 does not belong.

Student D says: The number 110 does not belong because, although it is divisible by 11 like the other numbers, it is the only three-digit number.

Notice that every student’s answer makes sense and is backed up by deep mathematical thinking. Student A and Student B both determined that 11 does not belong, but for very different reasons, while Student C chose 44 and Student D chose 110.

As teacher, you can steer this discussion in a variety of directions by asking follow-up questions like:

What justification could you use to say that 22 doesn’t belong?

What other justifications could student A have used to decide that 110 does not belong besides the fact that it is the only three-digit number?

How can students A and B both be correct?

How can students B, C, and D all be correct even though they each chose different values?

Another example of how teachers can record student responses to WODB activities. ((Image: Mashup Math ST)

What topics and grade levels are WODB activities best suited for?

WODB activities can be used for all grade levels and topics. The graphics can be topic/lesson specific or broader and more open-ended. Remember, the idea is to spark enough student thinking, interest, and curiosity at the beginning of your lesson to last for the entire class!

Are You Ready to Try WODB Activities with Your Students?

Below you will find links to download free ‘Which One Doesn’t Belong Sample Activities” that you can share in your upcoming lesson plans. All of the activities are samples from the WODB activity libraries available on our membership website.

Which One Doesn’t Belong? Numbers

Click the image to preview each sample activity and click the text link below to download your free sample worksheet.

Sample A (Grades K-2)

View fullsize

Worksheet Download

Sample B (Grades 3-5)

View fullsize

Worksheet Download

Sample C (Grades 6-8)

View fullsize

Worksheet Download

Which One Doesn’t Belong? Pictures

While numbers are a great way to introduce your students to WODB, you can also include pictures, charts, graphs, and all kinds of math-related graphics.

Click the image to preview each sample activity and click the text link below to download your free sample worksheet.

Sample A (Grades K-6)

View fullsize

Worksheet Download

Sample B (Grades 3-8)

View fullsize

Worksheet Download

Sample C (Grades 5-8)

Worksheet Download

---

WAIT! Do you want over 100 topic-specific WODB activities for grades 1-8? 🙋🏻‍♀️

Click the link below to download our best-selling PDF workbook 101 Daily 'Which One Doesn't Belong?' Activities for Grades 1-8.

---

More Math Education Resources You Will Love:

Free Printable Math Puzzles for Middle School Students

Are you looking for some fun, printable math puzzles for middle school students?

These 5 math puzzles will engage your students and get them thinking creatively and visually about math topics including fractions, areas models, the order of operations, and even algebra!

So, can your middle schoolers solve these fun middle school math puzzles? Let’s get started and find out!

---

Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #1

This first math puzzle for middle school challenges students to use their knowledge of the order of operations to find the value of each symbol (the hamburger, the taco, and the pizza) and the ‘?’ in the puzzle below.

Solution: Pizza = 3, Hamburger = 2, Taco = 8

---

Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #2

The second math puzzle is a Multiplication Table activity where students have to use their knowledge of multiplication and multiplication facts to find the value of each symbol in the grid below.

Solution: Volcano = 1, Statue of Liberty = 3, Rocket = 6, Race Car = 2, Ferris Wheel = 18

---

Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #3

Our third math puzzle for middle school students is a math logic puzzle that challenges students to use their number sense to recognize numerical patterns to solve the puzzle.

Solution: Multiple solutions exist using each value only once.

---

Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #4

The next middle school math puzzle is an area model problem where students have to find the value of each symbol to complete the area model and determine which two numbers are being multiplied together.

Solution: Pretzel = 8, Mustard = 3, Chocolate-Covered = 50, Salt = 40, Sticks = 24

---

Math Puzzles for Middle School Students #5

The final math puzzle for middle school students is a fraction model puzzle where students are tasked with using their knowledge of fractions to find the value of each symbol.

Solution: Pink = 16, Chocolate = 8, Purple = 2, Ice Cream Cup = 24, Ice Cream Cone = 3

---

Are you looking for more daily math challenges and puzzles to share with your kids?

My best-selling workbook 101 Math Challenges for Engaging Your Students in Grades 3-8 is now available as a PDF download. You can get yours today by clicking here.

---

Read More Posts About What’s Trending in Math Education:

10 Awesome Math Project Ideas for Grades 1-8

Fun Math Projects for All Grade Levels

Are you looking for fun math project ideas for your students?

Math Projects for Middle School, Elementary School, and High School Students.

The following list of math project ideas are perfect for keeping your students engaged during the final weeks of the school year (or at any other time as well). These activities can be adapted to all grade and ability levels and are included in our 21 Time-Saving Strategies, Activities, and Ideas All Math Teachers Should Know.

Having students work on fun math projects (and math art projects) is a great way to keep their attention and break up the monotony of the normal classroom routine.

The following math project ideas for elementary school, middle school, and high school students can all be modified to appropriately challenge and engage your math students based on their interests and skill/ability levels. We highly recommend that you differentiate whatever math project you choose to best meet the needs of your students.

Now, are you ready to learn about some fun math projects that you can use to engage your students this school year?

(Do you want free K-8 math resources and activities in your inbox every week? Click here to sign up for our free math education email newsletter)

---

1.) The Ultimate Paper Airplane Competition

Grade Levels: Grades 1-8+

Description: Working individually or collaboratively, students must construct a paper airplane that is best suited for distance, accuracy, and hang time. This project involves a research phase, experimentation, data collection, analysis, and a presentation. This project is great for the end of the school year when the weather is nice and students can test their paper airplane performance outdoors.

Click here to learn more about the Ultimate Paper Airplane Competition Project

Math Project Ideas: The Ultimate Paper Airplane Competition. (Image: Mashup Math FP)

---

2.) Dream Home Design Project

Grade Levels: Grades 1-8+

Description: For this fun math art project, students are tasked with designing the floor plans for their dream homes and backyards by applying math skills including measurement, scale, area, and perimeter. Students can use graph paper and markers or digital tools like Google Sketchup to create their home’s blueprints, calculate the cost of building materials and furniture, and design the layout of their houses interior and exterior.

You can modify the project based on your students’ grade, skill, or ability level as well as your access to resources. You can also have students design a city, amusement park, dining hall, etc.

Math Project Ideas: Dream Home Design. (Image: Mashup Math FP)

---

3.) Math Riddles, Puzzles, and Brain Teasers!

Grade Levels: Grades K-8

Description: Spend a day having your students work on super fun and challenging math riddles and brain teasers. I like to print out the activities and post them around my classroom and/or in the hallways and have my students travel from station to station attempting to solve each brain bender!

Here are a few links for access free grade and topic-specific math riddle and brain teaser worksheets:

• 10 Free Math Brain Teaser Worksheets for Grades 4-8

• 17 Math Puzzles for Grades K-8

• Free Math Puzzle Worksheets for Grades K-8

Math Projects for Middle School Students: Puzzles, Riddles, and Brain Teasers

---

4.) Play Math Jeopardy!

Grade Levels: Grades 3-6

Description: Are your students ready to play Math Jeopardy? These fun interactive Jeopardy games include a hidden Daily Double question as well as a Final Jeopardy video question.

Click the links below to play Math Jeopardy for the following grade levels:

• 3rd Grade Math Jeopardy

• 4th Grade Math Jeopardy

• 5th Grade Math Jeopardy

• 6th Grade Math Jeopardy

Math Project Ideas: Math Jeopardy!

---

Do you more FREE K-8 math resources and activity ideas in your inbox every week?

---

5.) Budgeting Your Dream Vacation

Grade Levels: 4-8+

Description: For this project, give your students a budget that they have to spend on their dream vacation for just themself and a friend. Students will have to research the cost of travel, lodging, meals, and leisure activities to cover a 7-10 day vacation to a location of their choosing.

Math Project Ideas: Budget and Plan Your Dream Vacation. (Image: Mashup Math MJ)

---

6.) Build a Fraction Kit

Grade Levels: 3-8+

Description: Building a fraction kit using colored construction paper is one of the best ways to help your students to understand math concepts related to fractions, including simplifying fractions, equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions.

Click here to for step-by-step instructions on building a fraction kit

Image via www.mashupmath.com

---

7.) Math Card Games!

Grade Levels: 3-8+

Description: Spend a day having your students engage in fun math games that require only a standard deck of playing cards to play. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Mean, Median, and Mode Card Game

• Go Fish: Math Edition

• 28 Math Playing Card Game Ideas

Math Project Ideas: Play Math Card Games. (Image: Mashup Math FP)

---

8.) Create Your Own Math Board Game

Grade Levels: 2-8+

Description: For this math project, students are tasked with creating their own math-related board games based on an assigned topic/skill or one of their choosing. To complete this project, students must choose a concept, plan their game, create a game board, design the game pieces, uses spinners or dice to determine how players will navigate the board, test and revise the game, and present their final product to the class.

Math Project Ideas: Create Your Own Math Board Game! (Image: Mashup Math FP)

---

9.) History of Math Research Project

Grade Levels: 1-8+

Description: For this project, students will research and present on a famous individual or civilization and their contributions to the field of mathematics. Here are a few great resources for inspiring students to learn about some lesser know mathematicians and their amazing contributions to mathematics:

• Who Invented Math? A Short Math History Lesson for Students

• 11 Famous African American Mathematicians

• 11 Famous Women Mathematicians

Math Project Ideas: Make a presentation about a famous mathematician like Sir Isaac Newton. (Image: Mashup Math MJ)

---

10.) Stock Market Project

Grade Levels: 4-8+

Description: For this financial math project, students must build their own 10-stock portfolio using a $10,000 budget. Students must research and analyze publicly traded companies and their stock performances to make their picks. They can invest in companies that they are familiar with such as Netflix, Facebook, McDonalds, and more!

We recommend showing this short TED-Ed Video How Does the Stock Market Work and using Google to research companies, find stock symbols, and see corresponding graphs and charts.

Math Project Ideas: Stock Market Project (Image Source: Google Stocks)

---

---

More Math Education Insights You Will Love:

---

Search Tags: math art projects, math projects for middle school, math projects, math project ideas, 21st century math projects, middle school math projects, math projects for 5th graders

10 Best Math Movies for All Ages

The 10 Best Math Movies for All Ages

What are the absolute best movies with math as a major theme?

The 10 Best Math Movies for All Ages (Image: Mashup Math MJ)

Are you looking for a list of the best math movies ever made? The following list celebrates math in the movies by highlighting a collection of the best math movies, all of which are appropriate for children and adults alike. In fact, all of the movies on the list are rated PG-13, PG, or G, making them all school appropriate.

(Jump right to the list of the 10 Best Movies About Math)

Seeing math in the movies is more than just entertainment. Mathematics and its applications shown on the big screen can inspire students to consider pursuing careers in STEM, appreciate mathematical concepts and how they apply to real life, and understand how mathematics can be used to solve problems in a variety of circumstances.

The following list of school-appropriate math movies can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. If you are a teacher looking for movies with math a main theme to show in your classroom, there are options on this list suitable for students in elementary school, middle school, and high school, as the parental guidance recommendations range from G to PG to PG-13.

via GIPHY

So, whether you want to give your kids a break from testing, supplement your instruction, or share some well-earned Friday fun time, showing movies about math in class can be an educational and enjoyable experience. 

While it can be challenging to find movies that are directly related to mathematics, there are plenty of creative ways to appropriately show full movies and/or movie clips in your classroom. If you are struggling to find a math movie that is right for your kids, check out the following list, get the popcorn ready, and enjoy!

Wait! Do you want FREE math worksheets, activities, and puzzles in your inbox every week? 💁‍♀️ Click here to sign-up for our free email newsletter

*Disclaimer: You should always get permission from your administration and use discretion before showing any movie or movie scene to your students.

*Copyright Disclaimer: All film poster images beloware scaled-down, low-resolution images used for the sole purpose of providing critical commentary on the film in question or of the film poster itself.

---

1.) Queen of Katwe (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess.

Why? This relatively unknown Disney movie about 10-year-old Phiona and her incredible rise to become a chess master might be my favorite of any of the math movies for kids on this list. If you are looking to open up the possibilities of mathematics to a diverse group of students, Queen of Katwe is an excellent option.

Math Movies for Kids: Queen of Katwe is one of the best PG-rated movies with math as a main theme. (Image: Fair Use)

---

2.) Stand and Deliver (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: Jaime Escalante is a mathematics teacher in a school in a Hispanic neighborhood. Convinced that his students have potential, he adopts unconventional teaching methods to help gang members and no-hopers pass the rigorous Advanced Placement exam in calculus.

Why? Stand and Deliver is an incredibly inspiring true story that is a must-see for teachers and students alike. If you are looking to motivate students of any background and inspire them to reconsider their personal limits and potential for growth and achievement, then showing Stand and Deliver is a no brainer.

Stand and Deliver may be the greatest movie about a math teacher ever made! (Image Source: Fair Use)

---

 3.) A Beautiful Mind (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: After John Nash, a brilliant but asocial mathematician, accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn for the nightmarish.

Why? A Beautiful Mind is more than just an interesting tale about a paranoid mathematician, it shares several examples of how beautiful mathematics truly is and how it applies to our everyday world.

Famous Math Movies: A Beautiful Mind (Image: Fair Use)

---

4.) Flatland (G)

IMDb Synopsis: Based on Edwin Abott's classic novella "Flatland", this is an animated film about geometric characters living in a two-dimensional world. When a young girl named "Hex" decides to "think outside the box" (in a world where such thought is forbidden), her life becomes in danger and it is up to her grandfather to save her life.

Why? This short animated film released in 2007 teaches math concepts through an interesting story driven by fun characters (one of which is voiced by Martin Sheen) living in a two-dimensional world and mathematically inspired world. You can access the movie at flatlandthemovie.com.

Math Movies for Kids: Flatland (Image Source: Fair Use)

---

Released in 2015, The Man Who Knew Infinity is one of the best math movies for middle school students and older. (Image: Fair Use)

5.) The Man Who Knew Infinity (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: The story of the life and academic career of the pioneer Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan, and his friendship with his mentor, Professor G.H. Hardy.

Why? The Man Who Knew Infinity is simply a fantastic story about the rise of a famous mathematician and a beautiful mentorship that allowed him to overcome great odds to change the field of mathematics forever. While the movie is not very well known, it is a must-see for any math enthusiast.

---

Moneyball is another excellent addition to our collection of movies with math a central theme. (Image: Fair Use)

6.) Moneyball (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to assemble a baseball team on a lean budget by employing computer-generated analysis to acquire new players.

Why? You won't find a movie that demonstrates the tremendous role that mathematics plays in professional sports better than Moneyball. Showing the full movie will give your kids a better idea of how mathematics applies to the real world as well as possible career paths, such as becoming a Major League Baseball scout, that require a deep understanding of applied mathematics.

---

Math in the Movies: Is The Martian the best STEM movie ever? (Image: Fair Use)

7.) The Martian (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: An astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

Why? The Martian is probably the best STEM movie ever. There are countless scenes where Matt Damon has to use mathematics and mathematical reasoning to overcome challenges and advance his quest for survival. If you are looking to show your kids that math can take you places, then The Martian is your best choice!

---

Do you want more fun and engaging math resources in your inbox every week?

Join our mailing list to get free K-8 math activities, puzzles, and worksheets in your inbox every week (plus two free pdf math workbooks!) Click here to sign up right now!

---

When in doubt, one of the best math movies to show is Hidden Figures. (Image: Fair Use)

8.) Hidden Figures (PG)

IMDb Synopsis: The story of a team of female African American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.

Why? Hidden Figures is an incredible and inspiring movie that demonstrates the power of mathematics and the fact that the subject is open to individuals of all genders and backgrounds.

---

9.) The Imitation Game (PG-13)

IMDb Synopsis: During World War II, the English mathematical genius Alan Turing tries to crack the German Enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians while attempting to come to terms with his troubled private life.

Why? The Imitation Game is a compelling movie because it tells the story of Alan Turing, a brilliant mathematician who, during World War II, made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and cryptography. The film highlights Turing's ability to use mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills to crack the German “Enigma” code and help the allied powers win WW2. The movie also presents complex mathematical concepts in an accessible way, making it an effective teaching tool for students of all levels.

Math in the Movies: The Imitation Game highlights how mathematics influenced the outcome of WW2. (Image: Fair Use)

---

Math Movies for Middle School Students: Donald in Mathmagic Land (Image: Fair Use)

10.) Donald in Mathmagic Land 

IMDb Synopsis: Donald Duck goes on an adventure in which it is explained how mathematics can be useful in real life. Through this journey it is shown how numbers are more than graphs and charts, they are geometry, music, and magical living things.

Why? Did you really think that this 1959 classic would not be on this list? This timeless gem was made to show kids that mathematics is more than just a set of procedures and rules. Despite its age and short duration (it's only 27 minutes long), it still stands up and is a beloved by students and teachers alike. And did I mention that you can watch the full movie for free on YouTube? 

Did I miss your favorite math movie or TV show? Share your suggestions in the comments section below. Subscribe to our mailing list here to get more free daily resources, lessons, and tips in your inbox every week.

Read More Posts About Math Education:

Search Tags: math movies, math in the movies, movies with math, movies about math, math movies 72, movie on maths, math in movies, math movie, math movies for middle school, math movies for kids , math teacher movie, movie about a math teacher