Always, Sometimes, or Never: Critical Thinking Activities for Algebra
This set of activities offers a variety of challenging statements on topics in Algebra. Students have to determine whether each statement is "always true," "sometimes true," or "never true," which requires a deep understanding of the material.
Sets (topics) included:
- Linear Equations
- Polynomials
- Roots & Powers
- Quadratic Equations
Two versions are included in each set -
Version 1 (Worksheet) - Students determine whether each statement is "always true," "sometimes true," or "never true." They color each one accordingly and end up with a design that can be checked quickly for accuracy (but cannot be easily predicted by students).
Version 2 (Sorting Activity) - Students can work alone or in pairs or small groups. Students sort the statement cards into the correct category on the sorting mat ("always true," "sometimes true," or "never true"). This works great as a learning station. You can print the cards on colored cardstock and laminate them to re-use each year.
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Reviews from other teachers:
- I put students in groups of 3 to discuss each. All students were engaged the entire time. Great activity.
- Students love these as early finishers, math competition prep, lunch bunch challenge. They collaborate to prove the statements to each other.
- My students enjoyed this activity and really had to think about these statements.
- I've been looking at the Always, sometimes, and never. I think this is the best one.
- My students didn't mind doing this.
- Great activity, the students had to actually think about their answers!
- This was actually REALLY challenging for my students, and I love that but think it might be a better fit for honors kids than it was for my CP kids. It's a great critical thinking activity and I will continue to use it.
- I used this with 8th grade GT math students. It definitely made them think and kept them engaged. Great resource!
- Students have to justify their answers. We also turn misconceptions into math talks.
- Great critical thinking Very excited to use this as a resource in my class this year.
- Wonderful review activity for my Algebra 1 students! It really got them thinking and defending their answers!
- good discussion starter between students and very cumulative
- Really helped reinforce some of the linear equations ideas that my kids were struggling with! Tested their knowledge! Fun and useful assessment.
- I love the a-s-n activities! I used this with my Precalc kids, and they even struggled with the always and sometimes statements.