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Group Micro Teaching Lesson Plan

Here is the lesson plan for Leah and I's group micro teaching!

Class: Foundations and Pre-calc 10
Topic: Difference of Squares
Erika Thompson and Leah Genge

Subject: Foundations of Math 10: Difference of Squares
Class: EDCP 342A
Date: November 2, 2017
Duration: 15 min
Class Profile
Half the class (~10 students)

Objectives
This lesson will introduce the concept of factoring a difference of squares, equations of the form x^2 - y^2. Teachers will explain why equations of that form can always be factored into (x + y)(x-y), and students will have some time to practice factoring equations of that form.
Curriculum Components
4.2: Relate the multiplication of two binomial expressions to an area model
5.2: Factor a polynomial that is a difference of squares, and explain why it is a special case of trinomial factoring where b =0
5.6: Explain, using examples, the relationship between multiplication and factoring of polynomials.
5.8: Express a polynomial as a product of its factors.

Materials & Equipment Needed
  • Difference of squares visual proof activity sheet
  • Scissors
  • White board, white board markers

Lesson Stages
Learning Activities
Time
1
Hook & Introduction
Visual proof of the difference of squares
  • Students will have a chance to work in groups develop the proof of the difference of squares themselves using the visual proof activity sheet.
  • By computing the length of each side of each different rectangle, and rearranging the rectangles, students will be able to derive the formula by calculating areas.
5 mins
2
Presentation
Discussion of the Visual Proof
  • The class will discuss what they discovered in completing the visual proof activity sheet
Teacher Presentation
  • review: multiplying binomial factors: how you prove it algebraically by expanding out (x+y)(x-y)
  • The teachers will discuss how we can use this proof to factor certain equations.
  • discussion of the use of proving such a claim: speeding up calculations with confidence and certainty
  • The teacher will give examples of different types of equations in which the difference of squares can be useful
  • The teacher will discuss whether there is a similar relationship in equations of the form x^2 + y^2 (there’s not): expanding out (x+y)(x+y) and show how it is NOT x^2+y^2
2 mins


4 mins
3
Practice & Production
  • As a class we will work through several different applications of the difference of squares, including factoring, and rationalizing denominators with square roots
4 mins
4
Closure
  • Teachers will address any questions that remain about the topic


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