How to Engage Middle School Math Students with Math Sorts
A Middle School Math Activity That Students Will Love
Math sorts are definitely not a new math activity and have been very common at the elementary level. However, I decided to add a twist to these math sort activities so that they would be more engaging for my middle school math students. I have used these with 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade math students and all levels were a hit. Along with scavenger hunts, these math sorts are one of those math activities that are weirdly engaging for students. Here is how they work and what you can do to get them started with your students!
How You Can Use These Math Sort Activities
Each student, or group of students, is given a math sort that includes 20 problem cards and 4 answer cards. They spread the four answer cards in front of them. As they complete a problem on one of the problem cards, they sort it under the correct answer. For example, if their answer is 16, the sort that card under the answer card with 16 on it. Eventually, they will end up with 5 cards under each of the four answer cards. The best part of my math sorts, is each one includes 4 different sorts within it. For example, this Mean, Median, Mode, and Range Sort includes 4 different sorts all related to that topic (80 total problems). This means you could give four different groups all a different sort related to the same concept.
So What is the Fun Twist With These Sorts?
What is described above is a basic math sort, which is still pretty engaging for middle school math students. However, I decided I wanted to add an extra element of fun with these sorts. Once a student or group has all 20 cards sorted under their answers, they will then flip over all of the problem cards. The back of each card has a letter on it. Each set of 5 cards under each answer card now must be unscrambled to form a funny word. Combine the four words and they will get a funny phrase, like “plump, angry, cruel, llama!” Below are the current math sort activities I have available for 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade math. Enjoy!
Tips for Using Math Sorts
Here are a few tips if you are using these math sorts for the first time with your students.
If you are using them in groups, think about making it a competition between groups! Each group gets a different sort and they see who can sort the problems and unscramble the words first.
Consider having students help prep the sorts. If you are just using these for the first time, there is some cutting involved. Consider having your students help out with some of the cutting out of cards for the first time.