Preparing lesson plans

I am rewriting my lesson plans to utilize technology better.  One of the things I've done is to look at what I usually teach and divide the topics into units and not as a weekly thing.  Next I am breaking down the units into the concepts they really need to know to move on in Math vs trying to get through the chapters in the book.  Once I identify the concepts, I figure out what they should already know.  For instance in algebra 1 and 2, students will be using fractions with variables.  I know they struggle with finding LCM and GCF using only numerical denominators.  In order to find the LCM and GCF, they need to know prime factoring.  So my first unit in algebra 1 will be a review unit to cover prime numbers and prime factorization, LCM, GCF, expressions, and order of operations.  Simultaneous to breaking down things, I have been checking the iTunes Store for apps that can easily reinforce these concepts.  I am also going to set up work in Subtext and a couple other apps to ensure that they actually read material associated with the topic.  I want to make sure that any technology I use will further their understanding of math.  Tomorrow, I am going to review a nice game on finding primes.

Factoring and Showme or educreation

I was able to use the venn diagram today to show my students to find the LCM of an algebraic fraction.  It worked beautifully and helped several of my students understand finding the LCM of this type of fraction.  They could find LCM's for numbers but had trouble extending their knowledge to an algebraic fraction.
I am thinking of having the students make a presentation showing how to use the venn diagrams for finding the LCM of algebraic fractions.  I am thinking of having them use showme or educreation which is what I'm familiar with.  I am going to research apps tonight to see if there is an app that would make more of a podcast type presentation with video/sound/etc. 
This might help them connect with their prior knowledge.  If anyone has  suggestion on apps that would be good for this type of presentation. I'd love to hear from you.

learned something new today

I actually learned how to use the Venn Diagram for Lowest Common Multiples. When you are finding LCM of two numbers, you write what is common to both numbers into the overlapping section, the remaining factors in the circle for the number then multiply the factors together.



As you can see the factors for the LCM are 7 x 2 x 11 x 2 x 2 if you read left to right.  This is a way for my students to see the difference between GCF and LCM and they have trouble telling the two apart.
This could easily be done on doodle buddy or SAS Gloss or some other program which would allow them to use their fingers.
I am thinking that you could have a venn diagram in pdf form and send it to the kids so they use annotation to do the work.  Opens up some new possibilities.