Scientific Cards Match Up Activity Topic Index | Algebra Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

This process is used to match up "pairs" of students for further math practice or for a class activity.  Prepare two sets of colored 3x5 cards or colored Popsicle sticks.
  (I was able to purchase 500 colored Popsicle sticks, of various colors, for $1.00 at a local Dollar Store.  With a magic marker, I write numbers, equations, etc. on the sticks to be used for class activities or for forming groups.)

Let one color represent numbers written in standard decimal notation.  Let the second color represent numbers written in scientific notation.  For example:

Store your cards or Popsicle sticks "paired".  Count the number of students in class on the day of the activity, and deal out enough "pairs" to cover your class.  Each student receives one 3x5 card or one stick.  When an odd number of students is present, the teacher may participate, or the student who has no partner is the "lottery winner" and gets to choose the pair with whom he/she would like to work.

The objective is for each student to find the student whose card (or stick) represents the same number that he/she is holding.  That person will be his/her partner for the upcoming class practice or activity.

After the pairings occur, be sure to keep your cards or sticks in "paired" order as you collect them so that they are ready to be used on another day.  Since the students are sitting now in pairs, you should be able to collect your cards or sticks in "paired" order quickly.