Yes, you read that right. Speed dating in math class. Here’s a great activity idea for you that can be used infinitely many topics.
The first time I used speed dating was with my Algebra class to practice multiplying polynomials. I’d already taught how to do this, but I was looking for a quick and fun way to get the kids up and moving for some practice. A teacher friend of mine had a bunch of leftover empty nametags and had the idea to put problems in them for her class. I stole her brilliant idea and applied it to polynomials. The kids loved it, and I was amazed at how quickly they were multiplying polynomials in no time. You don’t need nametags to do this activity, but my students loved clipping them to their shirts and whiteboards. Honestly, sometimes it still amazes me what simple things can do for motivation.
Here’s How Speed Dating Works:
- Give each student a card with half of a problem.
- Students find a partner (more ideas for pairing up students below).
- Each pair of students works together to solve the problem created by their two cards.
- Once they agree on the answer, they trade cards and then find a new partner.
- This repeats until you end the activity.
- Students wander around the room while you play music. When the music stops, they pair up with the person closest to them. Once you see that most pairs of students are finishing their problems, start the music again, signaling to students time is up. Students will start wandering around the room again until you pause the music again.
- Set up your classroom in two rows with desks facing each other. Students work with the person directly in front of them. When you signal that time is up, one row of students will scoot one desk to their right and will work with the new partner in front of them. This method works well if you have a group that can’t handle being up and moving.
Your students will have to work together with multiple partners for this activity. Personally, I like to let them choose a partner, work on the problem, then find a new partner, etc. If that is too much freedom for your class (trust me, I’ve been there) then here’s a couple more structured ways to pair up students.
There are so many ways you could use this practice structure. I already have cards made for a few of my favorites below.
Pythagorean Theorem Speed Dating
Each card has a value for either A, B, or C. Students will find a partner with a different letter card (an A can pair with a B or C, but not another A), then they’ll work together to find the missing letter.
I’ve already typed up these cards, and they’re ready to go! You can find them here!
Percent Applications Speed Dating
If you’ve been here long, you know I’ll work in a little financial literacy any time I get the chance. This set of cards will have students practicing applications of percentages including sales tax, coupons, discounts, commissions, markups, and simple interest. You can find this set of cards here.
Operations with Polynomials Speed Dating
This is the activity that sparked my interest in speed dating. Each student is given a card with a polynomial. They pair up to multiply the polynomials together. After they finish working with one partner, they trade cards and find a new partner to repeat the process. I was amazed at how quickly my students picked up the skill of multiplying polynomials by working with 5 or 6 different partners. My neighbor teacher had a bunch of empty name tag holders, so I put the cards inside just to try something a little different. Like I’ve said before, I’m always amazed how something as simple as putting a problem in a name tag holder can change attitudes about an activity. They loved it!
These cards are FREE in my Freebie Library.
Speed Dating Using Ordered Pair Cards
These are the best! You can use these for practice on any type of problem that requires two points. Here are some ideas: practice using the slope formula, finding the equation of a line using two points, practice finding the distance between two points using the distance formula or the Pythagorean Theorem, or practice finding midpoints.
I have 40 cards that are ready for you to print. You can find them in my freebie library.
Speed Dating with any Worksheet
If you’re not into the cards, this activity will work with any worksheet you already have. Give each student a worksheet. They’ll work together on problem number 1 with their first partner, problem number 2 with their second partner, etc. Continue until the entire worksheet is complete!
Looking for more activity ideas?
Check out more activity ideas here!
