Students can review concepts taught in the previous class by making videos for each other. Place the students in groups of four to six (depending on class size) and give each one a math concept. Ask them to review the concept and then make a digital video in which they demonstrate to their classmates how to master the problem, concept or task. For example, one group might be asked to review geometry sines and cosines. One group member could introduce sines and cosines. Another group member could do a demonstration on the blackboard and another could provide the solution. This project is fun because students can tap into their knowledge of math and technology. They can even use their cell phone to make the video and project the video on the class overhead.
Bring together the eclectic worlds of art and math. In this activity, students should draw a picture using only a combination of straight lines (horizontal, diagonal or vertical). Then they should find the equation of each line as well as the measure of the angle where any two lines intersect. The students should find the equation of each line by selecting two points on the line and using the formula for finding slopes (m= y2-y1/x2-x1). The students can find the degree of each angle by using their compass. This activity will help students see how art and math are connected in the real world, such as in architecture.
In an advanced algebra unit, have students break into small groups and develop their own word problems using real-life events, such as the school mascot, the names of people in their class and the things that interest them. In order to make sure these problems are at the 10th-grade level, the teacher should assign a math concept to each group. Remind the students they will be graded on the sophistication and class relevance of their problem. Collect all the word problems, proofread them for accuracy and grammar, copy them onto one page and then distribute them at the next class as a pop quiz or extra credit.
Engage the students in a round of math "Jeopardy." Choose the math concepts you would like the students to review. Mix some easy concepts with difficult concepts to make the game exciting and also appropriate to different ability levels in the class. (Everyone should be able to play -- not just the straight "A" students.) Once you have the categories, develop the "Jeopardy" questions and assign points. When the next class begins, have the students break into small groups of four (with a mix of "A," "B" and "C" students in each). Inform the students of the different categories and point levels. Give them all a buzzer and begin the game.