As students get older, the math classes can move away from hands-on activities and manipulatives. However, with our new 7-12 curriculum, we have several opportunities to learn in different ways. Illustrative Mathematics has been a big change for us as teachers and for students as we manage the new math standards and curriculum this year. It has been a challenge at times but it has also been fun to explore different ways of learning.
In our second unit for 8th Grade Math, we were learning about similar triangles and how they had congruent angles. Using spaghetti noodles, students created similar triangles of all different sizes to show that the angles being congruent was enough to prove that two triangles were similar.
Other resources we use frequently in class include Desmos (technology based learning), Khan Academy, matching and sorting activities, Kahoot!, Quizizz, or Blooket reviews. Students enjoy having options to help them learn in their own styles.