Teaching math with a tissue box assists in reinforcement of knowledge, facts, and ideas in any math subject area or concept. Using a readily available cubed tissue box provides endless possibilities for teaching and learning math.
Students use critical thinking skills as they learn to research, ask questions, and develop a better understanding of math. This strategy is linked with writing in mathematics as method of assisting students with internalizing math concepts.
The advantage of using cubed tissue boxes in math is twofold.
- First, tissues are a necessary item in classrooms for all those running noses and using empty tissue boxes supports recycling.
- Second, the geometrical shape allows for stacking boxes used in math learning activities to make connections within a concept or with other concepts in math and other subjects. Teaching science with a box provides examples how this strategy is used in science and used to make connections with math.
How to Use Boxes for Mathematics
Since tissue boxes are a cube, their six sided shape provides a uniform size and shape for displaying information. Students prepare their work using construction paper, word processing computer programs, art/paint computer programs, or other materials for attachment to the boxes.
Once students prepare their materials, they glue materials to the appropriate side of the tissue box. It is important to allow students to be creative when completing math boxes.
The following are recommended uses for each side of the six sides of a tissue. Students select which side of the tissue box is the top.
- Top: The math concept or idea the box provides information about.
- Bottom: Student name and resources used in research of the math concept or idea.
- Side 1: A brief description, including facts about the math concept or idea.
- Side 2: A visual arts representation of the math concept; such as a diagram, picture, collage, etc.
- Side 3: Pictures of how the math concept or idea is applied to everyday life.
- Side 4: How the math concept or idea is connected to with other subjects; such as other math areas, science, history, etc.
Sample Use of a Math Box
Beginning Algebra (MS)
Students are assigned or allowed to select a mathematical model to represent beginning algebra concepts. An example:
- Top: Graphing Linear Equations
- Bottom: Student name, textbook, and the website – Purple Math (also the URL)
- Side 1: A linear equation in two variables is an equation that can be written in the form: Ax + By = C, where A and B are not both 0. If you subtract 5x from both sides, then you can write the given equation as -5x + y = -3. Since it is in the standard form, Ax + By = C, then you have a linear equation. If the equation is graphed, you end up with a straight or linear line.
- Side 2: Student provides a visual of a graph with a linear line plotted on a graph, along with the “equation” and “T-chart” used to plot the slope.
- Side 3: Student provides a picture collage of linear slopes in geometric shapes in man-made and natural structures.
- Side 4: Motion in Science – the steeper the linear slope, the faster the speed.
Other Sample Uses of Math Boxes
Geometric Shapes (Upper E/MS)
Students are assigned a specific two dimensional (square, circle, pentagon, etc.) or a three dimensional (cube, cone, cylinder, etc.) geometric shape. When complete, the math boxes are stacked in the classroom or other location according to the relationship between two and three dimensional geometric shapes.
Problem Solving (E/MS/HS)
Students are assigned a mathematical problem, with the same set of problems assigned in each class section in middle and high school. Every class section’s math boxes are displayed in the classroom. Typically few students will solve a math problem exactly the same way. This strategy allows students each section to visualize in concrete manner that there is more than one way to solve the same problem.
Making Connections
Through the completion of math boxes, students develop a better understanding of math concepts. It is important for students to internalize how their math concept interacts with or is dependent on other concepts. Ten math teaching in elementary school provide additional strategies for assisting elementary students with learning math.
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