math problem solving task cards

K-5 Math Centers

K-5 math ideas, 3rd grade math, need help organizing your k-5 math block, 25 awesome task card ideas teachers love.

Raise your hand if you’re always looking for different and fun ways for your kids to practice and review what you’ve taught. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s talk task cards.

What are Task Cards?

Task cards are alternatives to worksheets. They usually contain one task or question per card. This is what makes them very versatile. You can use them to play whole group interactive games, put them in centers, or even differentiate by giving specific cards to identified students as extra practice.

Why Flip and Go Math Task Cards?

I specifically designed my Flip and Go Math Task Cards to easily fit into any K -5 classroom. You’ll find that they:

• contain a wide variety of question types (i.e. multiple response, fill in the blank, true/false, and more)
• are easy to assemble
• include recording sheets and answer keys for self-checking
• are enlarged for ease of student use – I like to include clear math models and visuals
• are grade-level appropriate, hitting critical standards per grade

They are a “go-to” resource for many teachers like you.

Here are a whopping 25 ways that you can use them in your classroom.

Let’s get to it!

How to Use Task Cards in Your Classroom: 25 Task Card Ideas

1.  Early Finishers – Since kids work at their own pace, task cards are the perfect solution for your early finishers. Store them in a bin labeled “Early Finishers” and tell your kids to pick up a set when they need it.

2.  Lesson Warm-Up or Hook – Your lesson hook should only be a couple of minutes.  Choose only one task card and depending on your purpose, use it to introduce a new topic or quickly review a trouble spot for the whole group. 

3.  Friendly Classroom Competitions – OK. This is one of my favorites. All you need are task cards, a large dry erase board, and a timer. Split your class into 2 teams. Call on one representative from each team to come up to the board. Read and show them both the card. Set the timer and let both students write their answers on the board. The student(s) that get it correct win a point for their team.

4. Morning Work – Project one of the task cards on your whiteboard and have students complete it at their desks. Make it accessible to your kids by choosing a topic that you have already taught.

5.  Scavenger Hunt – These are super fun for elementary students. Choose several task cards to use in your scavenger hunt. Number and place them in different parts of your room by taping them on the wall, doors, etc.  Next, give your students a recording sheet with the same numbers on a clipboard. Kids “hunt” and solve as many cards as they can within a certain time limit.

Looking to up your task card game?  Pick your grade level below.

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6. Parent Room Volunteers – We love involved parents volunteers and task cards are a great way to get them involved. Give them the cards and the answer key and let them support a small group of kids.

7. Formative Assessment – Make sure students fill out a sheet to record their answers and then check them using the answer key. This way you can see what your students know and what areas they need extra support.

8. Playing SCOOT – This whole group activity is a fun way to review with your entire class. Place the cards on different desks and students rotate to answer questions on each card. Each rotation should last 1-2 minutes. Use a signal to rotate (i.e. chime, buzzer, etc.).

9. Homework – Ever have a parent that wants extra homework for their child? No problem. Let them take home a set of math task cards.

10.  Math Centers – This is definitely a teacher favorite and I agree. Math task cards are a simple center fix when you are looking for activities to place in centers. Easy to set up and engaging for kids!

11. Small Group Instruction – Do you teach a small group? Bring out the cards. Model how to solve a problem using a think-aloud. Next, work on a similar problem together. Finally, have your kids do one independently and explain their thinking.

12. Substitute Plans – It’s always good to have easy-to-implement yet meaningful activities for a substitute teacher to manage in your classroom. Task cards get a thumbs up for being sub approved because of their simplicity.

13. Math Discussions – When teaching a whole group lesson, project the cards on your whiteboard so that everyone can see them. Give students wait time to think and then discuss the problem. Ask questions like: “How would you solve this?” “Does anyone agree or disagree?” “What’s another way to solve this problem?”

14. Quiz-Quiz-Trade – Get kids up and moving with this one. It’s also an excellent way to prepare for testing. Give every student a task card. Each card should have a sticky note with the answer on the back. Students pair up and answer each other’s questions. Then switch cards and find someone new.

15. Spiral Review – Mix cards that have different skills in them so that your students will continuously review older topics.

16. Hallway Practice – As educators, we’re always trying to find ways to maximize time. Carry a set of task cards with you while your kids are in line. This way you can do a quick review while keeping your kids occupied during a bathroom break or waiting for an assembly to start.

17. Back Up Activity – Ever have that dreaded moment when your interactive whiteboard stopped working or your specials got canceled? Have no fear! Bring out your task cards and do ideas #3, #8, or #14 on this list.

18. Reviewing for State Tests – Flip and Go Math Task Cards are excellent for test prep because of the variety of question types (i.e. True/False, Multiple Response, etc.)

19. Lesson Closure Activity – Wrap up your lesson and do a quick assessment using a card of your choice. Ask a couple of questions to see how much your students understood the concept.

20. Independent Practice – Have kids use task cards to practice a skill or concept you just taught at their seat.

21.  Partner Work – Let students work in pairs. Each child should have a recording sheet but answer the same card. After answering the same question, they can discuss and check their answers using the key.

22. Create Your Own – As simple as it sounds. Let your kids create their own tasks cards. Add them to the original stack so that their classmates can solve them.

23. Choice Activity – If you use choice boards or choice menus in your classroom add tasks cards as one of the choices.

24.  Numbered Heads Together – This is another one that my students LOVED! It’s a variation of Idea #3: Friendly Classroom Competitions. Instead of one large dry erase board, you’ll need small ones for every student.  Divide your class into groups of 4-5 students. Assign each student in each group a number from 1 – 5, depending on the group size.

Project and read a task card on your whiteboard. Give students a few minutes to solve the problem by themselves on their dry erase boards. Next, give them time to discuss their answers with their teammates.  When time is up, call a random number from 1-5.

For example, if you say “Number 2s stand up!” all of the students that were assigned the number 2 in their group stand up and show and explain the group answer. The student(s) that have great math reasoning to support their answers get a point for their team. This activity builds teamwork and communication skills.

25. Intervention – Last but definitely not least task cards can be used to differentiate by assigning problems. If you have one or two students that need extra practice in one area, take a recording sheet and highlight only the numbered task cards that you want them to work on.

Hopefully, this has given you several good ideas of how you can use Flip and Go Math Task Cards with your students. Don’t forget to check out your grade level below.

• Read more about: K-5 Math Ideas

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17 Ways To Use Math Task Cards in The Classroom

• April 13, 2022
• Differentiation Corner

Tired of boring math worksheets? Let’s talk about task cards. It’s no wonder teachers are falling in love with math task cards. If you know me, you know I love to get kids engaged in learning! Task cards are such an easy way to get kids practicing content specific math skills. Keep reading to find out how to use task cards in the classroom and ideas for task cards games ! 

What are task cards? Math task cards are a set of cards that have questions or tasks written on each of them. Generally, each deck of cards are designed to focus on a concept or skill. They can be wonderfully creative teaching tools! Looking for how to specifically teach two step story problems?

What do you do with task cards in the classroom?

1. whole group.

I put them under my document camera or project them on my interactive whiteboard. Kids can show me their answers on their individual white boards. Or we can just work through the problem together as part of the lesson while I model my thinking process and problem solving aloud for them. When I do this, I usually pick a more challenging card to work through. I might even choose one card for each type of math problem represented in the task card deck.

2. Math Centers & Rotations

This is definitely the most popular way to use math task cards in the classroom and I totally see why! You can print and laminate these once and use them year after year. Most task cards come with an answer key so students can check their work. Teachers can be sure they are practicing the math concept correctly. You can also write answers directly on the back of each card. Task cards are an easy way to fill a math center with a review activity. 

3. Task Cards for Differentiated Instruction

Using different sets of task cards for meeting the needs of small groups of students is a great way to differentiate math instruction! Sometimes within a deck of math task cards there are different types of questions or math problems with different levels of difficulty. You can sort through them and compile specific cards from the same deck or even combine cards from different decks of task cards to create the perfect blend for your students. 

4. Exit Tickets

I love to give one final math task card at the end of the lesson or at the end of small group work. Sometimes each student gets their own task card, and sometimes I put one card under the document camera. Each student gets a sticky note or a small sheet of paper to record their answer. I can see right away who has it and who needs more practice. Easy formative assessment to create my small groups! I can also differentiate the exit tickets if I hand out cards individually. Struggling students will receive an easier math problem, and my enrichment group will receive a challenge math task card. 

5. Early Finishers Activities

I don’t know about you, but my group of students never finish independent work at the same time. Ever. I have a small shelf of math task cards at the front of my classroom where students can choose a set of task cards to complete while they wait on their classmates. I have an answer sheet laminated for them to record their answers with a dry erase marker. This cuts down on me running to the copier daily. I rotate the cards as we move through math units. For this to be successful, students need to know the routine and expectations . Where should they get the task cards? How will they record their answers? Where will they turn in their work when they’re done?

6. Formative Assessments

When students are recording their answers and you are checking their work, you are collecting data. Teachers use this to guide their instruction in so many ways. Who needs extra support? Who needs enrichment? Are there certain areas where all students are strong? Take notes on which students struggle in a specific area so you can support them in later lessons.  Are task cards formative assessment? YES.

7. Emergency Sub Plans

We’ve all been there! Creating meaningful sub plans when you don’t feel well is such a pain. Task Cards to the rescue! Just plug in small group math task cards into your lesson plans and your students are engaged in review activities.

8. Spiral Review

Mix up several math task card decks with different skills. Your students will constantly be reviewing previously taught math concepts. You will be able to switch cards from time to time to keep the deck updated and fresh . Students will never notice if you end up repeating some cards from the beginning of the year in December. 

9. Standardized Test Prep with Task Cards

Test prep is easy with math task cards! There are a variety of question types , like: true/false, multiple choice, short answer, etc. Use a different set of cards each day, or mix up different task cards. Your students can review so much content in a short amount of time. Need more test prep ideas for math ?

10. Interactive Notebooks or Math Journals

Print each math task card out in black and white on regular paper. You can even shrink them down in your printing settings if they’re too large! Students tape or glue them into their math notebooks. Students can take notes on or around the card while you teach the math lesson. 

11. Small Group Math Intervention

Honestly, task cards can seem more fun and motivating than other math intervention strategies and activities. They are most definitely less overwhelming than worksheets as they have only one math problem at a time. Math teachers can really target specific skills by selecting the most relevant task cards for struggling students to work through. 

12. Parent Helpers or Classroom Volunteers

We love our classroom volunteers! But sometimes it’s just one more thing to come up with an activity for them to do with our students! The answer is TASK CARDS! Just put them in a basket with the answer key and a list of students or small groups of students that struggle with that math skill or concept. 

13. Partner Game

Math task cards are great because they can be turned into games! Partners sit facing each other with a white board and a marker. The teacher reads a task card and students answer it on their boards. When the teacher calls out a signal word, like GO, the partners show each other their answers. They can keep track of points or not. It’s up to you and how competitive your class is.

14. Scoot Game

I’ve also heard this called “Around The Room.” Put the math task cards on each desk or around the classroom. Each student needs a recording sheet and a clipboard or whiteboard for something hard to write on. Students “scoot” to different math task cards when they hear a timer or the teacher say “Scoot!” or “Rotate!” or as they answer each math question. You can assign a time limit per card to keep things moving, or you can let them have as much time as they need. This gets them up and moving! 

15. Scavenger Hunt

Talk about fun! Tuck math task cards in places around the room and have students hunt for them. Tape them on walls, doors, bookshelves, the pencil sharpener, etc. Students will have to be careful to record their answers on the correct number on the recording sheet. Give students a time limit to see how many they can find and solve. Want to mix decks? Just renumber the cards using small sticky notes to match a recording sheet! Easy Peezy!

16. Board Games

Math task cards will work with almost any board game students are familiar with! Connect Four, Checkers, Candy Land, Sorry, Chutes and Ladders, tic tac toe, Jenga, etc. will all work! Students just have to answer a task card math problem before making a move or taking a turn! The rest of the group must check the answer key or agree with the answer before a turn can be taken. 

17. Whole Class Games

Easy: Split your math class into 2 teams. Call one team member up to the board at a time, set a timer or not, and have them work a task card – the same one, or different ones. Assign 1 point for the first correct answer.

Medium: Split your class into four or five teams. Each team gets a white board and a marker. Display one task card at a time under your document camera or on your SMART Board. Set a timer and let teams work together to solve the math task card. When the timer goes off, the teams hold up their answers. Teams with correct answers receive points. You can also decide if you’d like to award partial points for partially correct answers or multi step problems. 

Difficult: Jeopardy! Separate your math task cards into different categories ahead of time and assign point values. Write the points on the back of the cards. (You can use different math task card decks or just one. By this point, you know I like to mix ‘em up!) Next, tape all of the cards on the wall in a grid with the points values showing and category names labeled above each column. Divide your class into teams. On a turn, the team selects a category and a point value. The team gets a fixed amount of time to answer the math question. If they are incorrect, you can allow other teams to steal the points.

BONUS: Terrific Task Card Tips

• Laminate them so students can write directly on them with dry erase markers! Plus, they will last much longer.
• Photo boxes are the perfect size for organizing and storing task cards. I have also used Sterilite 3 drawer units, zip lock baggies, pencil boxes and recipe card holders.
• Group task cards together by skill and concept. I tried to keep my task cards in the order that I taught them. That ended up not working for a number of reasons. (changed curriculum, reviewing skills, student needs, ect.)
• Label your cards. Even if they don’t come with a label, you can jot down the name of them on a piece of paper or index card and tape it to the container. You’ll thank me later!
• Self Correcting or Self Grading Task Cards or Boom Cards are really cool ! I may be a little obsessed with them. I’ve made 119 decks so far. Here’s why I love them . Check out the teacher’s guide for Boom Cards . Grab a free set of math task cards for BOOM while your over there reading!

Are you already in love with task cards? What would you add to this list?

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5 Simple Ways to Try Math Task Cards

If you are anything like me, you have piles and piles of math task cards in your classroom. They can be handwritten ones, they can be TpT resources or even TpT Freebies! But the question is, how do you use them in your classroom? Here are a few of my favorite ways to implement math task cards in my classroom.

Mini-Lesson

These are great to have on hand to do some quick practice, to pick problems to use for your lesson, or to give to ALL students and have one or two students to explain how they solved them. I will keep them handy to help review old skills and I will add one or two new problems from that days’ lesson to introduce them to the new skill. They will all attempt it, then we talk about various strategies to solving the problem, then we fix our math notebooks to make sure we picked an accurate way to solve the problem that we will then practice throughout the rest of the day.

Picking one or two of these problems as your “math talk” problems can be a great way to talk about brainstorming various ways to come up with the correct solution to the same problem. I usually try to pick a more challenging problem for this, and then give students time to work either independently or with a small group to come up with your solutions, then we talk as a class about all the solutions that we can use.

Small Group

I love using task cards in small group because it is a great way for all students to be practicing the same skill while working on different problems that are already prepped for you. I will give each person a card, and then when they finish either I select a new one for them or I allow them to select their new problem. When they finish their problem, they just give me a quick and silent thumbs up, then I check their work and allow them to move on to the next one.

Independently to Work on Specific Goals

If the whole class has gotten a topic, and one or a few students are stuck, having task cards on hand for them to keep practicing is a great way for students to get to mastery. I will either have them practice during an independent workshop, OR I will have them practice for a warm up at my back table. This is a great way to teach students to be self-monitoring their work. I tell them what they need to work on and check back in frequently, expecting them to come tell me when they think they have finally mastered that skill.

Write the Room

If your whole class needs review or is working on the same skill, it can be fun to hide the task cards around your room and have the students find and solve them. I always make it a rule that no more than one person can be at a task card at a time, that way they are not talking to each other or cheating. Sometimes, if it is a newer skill we might work in partners. Students LOVE this and always have so much fun finding the cards and solving them.

Center Based

After we have learned a skill, I will add task cards into student choice bins either for centers or early finishers. I am always surprised at how many students self-select to use task cards rather than other more hands on centers. This is when I will encourage students who are struggling with a skill to pick something they need to work on rather than working on what is easy.

Grab and Solve

Either at my back table or at their own tables, put all the task cards either in a bin or spread out, and have students grab, solve, check and then move on. Sometimes, I will be the one checking, or you can teach them to have their neighbor check it for them.

Task cards are a great way to have quick enrichment activities on hand. After we finish proving we have mastery of the grade-level task, I can easily just whip out task cards with enrichment problems on them for my group to work on. I usually just keep these with my small math group materials, and we will do one to two problems a day. The kids get SO excited about solving these problems.

Test Review

Task cards can be a great, quick, test review. There are many ways to use them, but you can project them whole group, give think time, then talk about solutions to quickly review many skills at the same time with your students.

Around the World

Task cards are a quick way to play the game around the world with your students. Students go “Around the World” trying to solve problems faster than their neighbor and one “winner” will emerge. Students LOVE this game, however, you do need to think about how to differentiate this game for your struggling learners so that they do not feel on the spot and so they have a fair advantage compared to your other learners. I usually will only play this game toward the end of a unit.

To keep it easy, I just keep one task card recording sheet in a sheet protector in my students’ desks for the year. This alleviates the need to make ANY copies what-so-ever and then my students know exactly where their answers should go. Snag my free task card recording sheet here !

The first time we use task cards, we always practice whole group so that students know exactly how to use them. We practice going in and out of order, and talk about the importance of putting the correct answer in the correct box. Depending on what the task card is asking them, we always talk about showing all of our work. Whether it is on scrap paper or in their math notebooks, they HAVE to show their work so that if it is incorrect, they can go back and fix it without starting over.

Keep answer sheets handy for quick checks. This will make grading their work so much easier, especially if students are working on different task card sets.

I store all of my task cards with my centers by unit and slowly introduce new task cards as we learn new skills in our classroom. To read more about how I structure my math block, you can read my blog post all about it here.

Are you looking for some math task cards for second grade math?

• Place Value to 1000 Task Cards
• Adding and Subtracting to 1000 Task Cards
• Halloween Challenge Task Cards
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• Christmas Challenge Problems
• Second Grade Review Task Cards

Many of these tips can be used for ELA too, however, I find myself using task cards much more during math than ELA.

Emily - The Mountain Teacher

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{FREE} Pythagorean Theorem Word Problems Task Cards

Probably one of the most important formulas for students to know, remember and feel confident using is the Pythagorean theorem. I always like to introduce it in a fun, hands on way to make sure kids understand the meaning before I present a formal definition. But then, kids need lots of practice. And since mindlessly solving problems for a or b or c with no context gets tedious and boring, why not practice with these Pythagorean Theorem Word Problems ?

*Please Note: This post contains affiliate links which support the work of this site. Read our full disclosure here .*

This set of problems can be used in a lot of different ways and will give your kids a context for using and applying the formula.

If Pythagorean theorem is still new for your kids, you may want to start with these introductory lessons .

These real life examples provide further context and give space for kids to draw pictures and show their thinking.

Once they feel more confident, this set of Pythagorean theorem word problems task cards can help reinforce their understanding. Plus, it provides an opportunity to practice critical thinking and problem solving !

–>Pssst! Do your students need help breaking down and solving word problems? You might like this set of editable word problem templates ! Use with any grade and any type of word problem:

Pythagorean Theorem Word Problems Set:

This download includes a set of 6 task cards . Each card includes a word problem that requires kids to use the Pythagorean theorem to solve.

Some of the problems ask for the length of one of the sides of the given right triangle, while a couple of the problems are actually two-step problems . This means using the Pythagorean theorem is a necessary step, but doesn’t provide the final answer.

Also included is a recording page . On this page, kids have space to draw a picture (ideal for these types of problems) and show their thinking. Then there is space for them to write the final answer.

Finally, there is a teaching tips page with examples and ideas for how to use the task cards, plus an answer key , making this super easy on you, the teacher!

To Prepare the Task Cards:

First, print the page of task cards . I suggest printing on card stock and laminating them for durability.

Cut out the cards, then print a recording page for each student.

Now you’re ready to decide how to use them!

How to Use the Pythagorean Theorem Task Cards:

Task cards are a fun way to practice because they can be used in whole class or small group games, or as individual review.

To play as a whole class or small group, use them in a game of scoot . This means each card is at a different “station” around the room.

Kids then (probably in small groups of 2-3) make their way around the room, solving each problem. You set a timer for each station and then call out, “Scoot!” to let kids know it’s time to move to the next problem.

You could also include the entire set as a single math station . Then when kids get to the station, they work through as many task card problems as they can, recording their answers.

This could also be used with small groups who need more review or intervention with you, or as individual practice at home as homework .

However you work the problems into your math routine, I hope it helps your kids see the benefits of math in real life !

Want to grab this free set of Pythagorean theorem word problems? Just click the link below to grab them in my shop!

{Click HERE to go to my shop and grab this set of Pythagorean Theorem Word Problem Task Cards!}

More pythagorean theorem resources:.

• Proving the Pythagorean Theorem with LEGO Bricks
• Real Life Pythagorean Theorem Practice

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10 Innovative Ways to Use Middle School Math Task Card Activities

Looking for some fresh, fun, and engaging activities to use in your math classroom? How about some ideas that don’t require hours of prepping? If the idea of low prep, amazing math activities has you nodding yes – then keep reading. This post is for you! Today we are diving into the world of math task card activities and how you can use them in your classroom.

These cards teach math, but they also turn the whole experience into a social affair. Imagine tackling those tricky math concepts together, sharing a few “aha” moments, and doing it all in a less intimidating way.

We’ll explore why they’re awesome for leveling the math playing field in middle school. Hopefully, this will make learning math enjoyable for our kids and less stressful for us!

Awesome Benefits of Math Task Cards

Imagine walking into your next math class prepared with these math task card activities that hold the key to turning math stress into math success. Here’s the lowdown on why they’re basically the superheroes of the classroom.

First off, math task cards are extremely versatile, as we will see. From an individual assignment to a whole class game – task cards can be used in so many different ways.

Did you know that having task cards on hand can save you lots of time {and brain power}? Task cards can save you time planning and prepping your classroom activities. Ever tried to come up with an impromptu example problem only to have your brain just cease to function? That doesn’t happen with task cards. It’s like having your own skill-specific problem bank right at your fingertips.

While we’re at it, go ahead and say goodbye to math-induced cold sweats! Task cards create a laid-back, approachable atmosphere. They help make the trickiest concepts seem less intimidating. They present problems in bite-sized pieces, making it easier for the lightbulb to flicker on. Plus, they are customizable! You get to pick and choose what concepts you want your students to tackle.

Using Footloose Math Task Card Activities in Your Classroom

Through my years of teaching middle school math, I have created math task cards and added fun twists to them! One version I have made is called Footloose, where I had my students get up out of their seats and move around the room, solving math problems!

In a nutshell, you’ve got 30 numbered task cards, each with a unique question. I scatter the cards around the room. Sometimes, they’re taped up, sometimes they’re chilling on the chalkboard ledge. The magic unfolds as students embark on a quest to find answers, jotting down their work on the grid or a separate piece of paper. Working one card at a time, the room turns into an organized hub of focus and effort.

To learn more about Footloose math task cards, make sure to read Elementary and Middle School Task Card Review Activity for Any Subject Footloose . There just might be a free game you can download in that post!

Truth or Dare Math Task Cards

Then, I decided to flip the script on middle school math by combining Truth or Dare with math task cards! I use the thrill of this classic game in the world of equations and numbers. Each set has 30 problems and a mix of Truth and Dare cards.

Truth cards throw in True or False questions, while Dare cards up the ante, demanding more calculation or explanation for those coveted extra points. The suspense is real because they won’t know the point value until they pick a card!

How does the math Truth or Dare unfold? Students, grouped and prepared with sets of Truth and Dare cards, dive into solving problems, earning points along the way.

Discussions spark, answers are debated, and points are tallied. It transforms regular math practice into a lively and engaging experience, adding a touch of fun with the unexpected twist of Truth or Dare in the math realm.

You can even use these digitally! Head over to my blog post, Math Task Cards with a Twist – Print and Digital Truth or Dare , to learn more about how to bring Truth or Dare math task cards into your classroom! While you are there don’t forget to download the free Truth or Dare game.

10 More Uses for Math Task Cards

Just in case you thought these task cards were only good for games of Footloose and Truth or Dare – that is not the case. This next section will highlight just how versatile these cards are. You will be amazed at how many creative ways you can use task cards in the classroom to keep your math practice fresh and engaging.

1. Math Scavenger Hunt

Have you ever thought of unleashing a math scavenger hunt with your middle schoolers? All you have to do is hide math task cards around the room and send students off to find them. Each card holds a challenge or a problem to solve. You can get as creative with this as you want! They can simply search the room for the hidden cards, or you can create clues that direct them as they complete each card.

Now, why should you give this activity a shot? These task cards spark collaboration, ignite critical thinking, and hone those problem-solving skills. It’s students working together to conquer math challenges. It’s more than a lesson. Who wouldn’t want to be a math detective for a day?

So, grab those task cards, scatter them strategically, and let the math scavenger hunt begin!

2. Math Task Card Activities: Relay Races

Let’s kick it up a notch and infuse some adrenaline into your classroom. It’s time for math relay races! Imagine students geared up in their relay race stance, eyes on the prize, and math task cards strategically scattered across different stations. Remember, it’s not just about running but also about solving. Each team member grabs a card and solves the math challenge correctly. Then, like passing the baton in a relay race, hands it off to their teammate to signal to them to grab the next card to solve.

Why should you dive into this relay madness? Well, beyond the burst of energy it injects into your class, it’s a powerhouse of learning. Think teamwork, quick thinking, and friendly competition all wrapped up in a math-filled relay package. It’s about strategizing as a team, passing on the baton (or, in this case, the task card) seamlessly, and racing to be the first team to conquer all the cards.

3. Gamifying Math Task Card Activities

Let’s turn up the heat on your next math review with a dash of gamification! Choose your favorite board game or whole class game and exchange the game cards with task cards. You can also turn your favorite sporting events into class games using task cards as questions. Students will love that they get to play games in class and they won’t realize just how much they are learning.

Break down the monotony of traditional reviews and transform your classroom into an arena of friendly competition. Give your students a taste of victory and the thrill of earning points for their problem-solving skills.

To add an extra layer of excitement, consider offering small incentives for the group with the highest total points. Whether it’s a coveted “Math Wizard” certificate, a fun classroom privilege, or a round of applause, these incentives can ignite the competitive spirit and make the math review an unforgettable experience.

With gamification, you’re creating an immersive and thrilling adventure where every correct answer brings them one step closer to victory.

4. Task Card Tic-Tac-Toe

Add a dash of strategy to the classic Tic-Tac-Toe by switching out X and O for solutions! Students will receive the familiar tic-tac-toe grid, but they won’t be using the typical Xs and Os. In this task card activity, your students will write down the solutions to math problems from the task cards.

Before beginning their first round, each partner chooses a color to help remember who wrote which solution on the game board. Once the colors are chosen, they will receive a stack of math task cards that align with the focused math skill. From there, the competition begins! They take turns drawing a task card and solving the problem on the task card. Once the solution has been discovered, the student who solved it chooses where to write the solution on the Tic-Tac-Toe board. Ultimately, the partners play until one of them has written three of their solutions in a row of three across, up and down, or diagonally.

They can play as many rounds as time allows. You can even extend this activity by having them explain their thinking on how they solved their problem to their partner.

Have a class that thrives on competition? Play tic-tac-toe as a relay game . Instead of the fast-paced running relay, teams will have to solve an equation together and get it checked before earning the right to move their X or O.

To make smaller teams have multiple games going at one time all using the same problems. Position yourself in the middle of the classroom with each of the teams around you. You will orally give a problem or project it on the board. When a team solves the problem they will get your check before sending a team member to their game board to play. In the picture below you can see how to set up for a whole class game using 8 teams and 4 tic-tac-toe boards. This same idea could be easily adjusted to fit the number of teams you need based on your number of students.

5. Interactive Math Journals

Pull out those notebooks with a touch of interactivity! In this math task card activity, students will use task cards and dive into the world of creativity and learning. For each card, your kiddos will solve the problem and turn their math journals into a vibrant canvas. They get to illustrate the problem, pen down the solution, and even sprinkle in a personal reflection on the concept.

So, why should you dive into the world of interactive math journals? Well, it’s not your run-of-the-mill note-taking. This activity goes beyond the routine by making learning a hands-on, artistic experience. Students jot down solutions, and they craft a visual representation of math concepts from the task cards. Each page tells a story of problem-solving, creativity, and a dash of self-reflection. It’s not just a one-time activity. These journals become a treasure trove of knowledge, a go-to resource for future reference.

6. Bring BINGO into these Math Task Card Activities

Calling all BINGO enthusiasts! Imagine your students with bingo cards spread out in front of them. Instead of the usual numbers, we’re dealing with a deck of math problems. It’s not about shouting numbers but about solving equations. The challenge? As solutions are called out, students scan their cards, marking off the corresponding problems.

You can even do the reverse! A problem from a task card is projected onto the board, and the students are given a certain amount of time to solve the problem and see if the solution is on the card.

So, why should you roll the dice with Task Card Bingo? Well, it’s like your grandma’s highly anticipated Bingo night, but more high-intensity! Students aren’t just waiting for numbers to be called. They’re actively engaging with math problems, scanning their cards like detectives on the hunt. It’s a dynamic blend of problem-solving, chance, and the thrill of shouting “Bingo!” when their card is complete. This activity adds a layer of excitement to math practice, turning it into a game of chance and strategy.

7. Math Task Card Gallery Walk

Get ready to turn your classroom into a vibrant gallery for a math task card gallery walk! Adorn your walls with task cards like pieces of math art. Your students stroll through, not with paintbrushes or the eyes of art critics but armed with pencils and the problem-solving skills of a mathematician. As they navigate the gallery, they’re solving problems and engaging in a dynamic discussion of solutions.

Why should you host a Math Task Card Gallery Walk? Well, it’s not your typical classroom setup – it makes something mundane interactive! Students aren’t confined to desks. They explore, discuss, and absorb math concepts in a dynamic environment. It’s a peer-to-peer learning extravaganza where each task card becomes a chance to work with different problem-solving strategies. The room buzzes with energy as students solve problems and dive into conversations, exchanging ideas and broadening their perspectives.

8. Task Card Entry and Exit Tickets

Let’s chat about an easy way to kick off and wrap up your class with task card entry and exit tickets! At the start of each class, toss up a couple of task cards on the board – consider them your golden tickets. As your students stroll in, their minds are immediately in gear, getting them pumped and ready for the upcoming lesson.

The math magic doesn’t end there. When it’s time to bid farewell to the lesson, math task cards can be used as exit tickets! Throw out a question or problem related to the day’s topic. Watch as your students tackle it before making their grand exit. It’s the final showdown with the day’s key concepts. Plus, it helps you check for understanding and see how well the mathematical seeds were planted in their brains.

This is not just about filling time but about creating a structured and focused math haven. By weaving task cards into your entry and exit routines, you’re ensuring that every minute is a math minute. It’s a consistent practice that keeps those mathematical gears turning, guaranteeing a steady climb up the skills ladder throughout the school year.

9. Math Game Show Using Task Cards

We all know and love TV game shows! Imagine your classroom transforming into a buzzing game show set, and each day’s lesson is an interactive adventure waiting to unfold. Task cards, decked out as game categories, take center stage, setting the scene for a math showdown like no other. My students love it when I turn math class into a game show of practice and review.

Here’s the scoop. Use your math task cards to create a customizable game board by putting them on a wall or board in your room. One side will have the problem face-down. On the side facing up will be different point values (100, 200, 300, 400,), creating an atmosphere of excitement and competition. Split your students into teams and watch as they eagerly choose task cards within their chosen category, solve problems, and rack up points for their team.

Using task cards in this manner is all about practicing and reviewing math concepts. It’s also about injecting competition and excitement into the learning mix. It fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making as students navigate through the challenges. Keep your middle schoolers on their toes with occasional bonus rounds or surprises to keep the energy high.

10. Create Your Own Math Task Cards

Flip the table and allow your students to apply what they are learning and create their own task cards! The key is that they must also provide a card with the solution. This activity is about solving problems and becoming the creator of math challenges. Students dive deep into their understanding of concepts to create questions that test knowledge and spark curiosity.

But. . . they’re not just crafting cards for themselves. Take it a step further and use the student-created task cards in your next lesson. Whether you use them for a game, gallery walk, or as a check for understanding – your students will love seeing their creations as the main activity.

Why should you dive into this create your own task cards adventure? Well, it’s not just about reinforcing concepts. It’s about fostering creativity in the math realm. This activity flips the script, turning passive learners into active architects of math challenges. And. . . there is a different level of thinking and analysis that goes into writing a problem than solving one.

Unleash the Math Magic with These Math Task Card Activities!

What did I tell you? These math task cards make it so easy for you to add lots of creativity and variety to your classroom math activities. Whether you’re utilizing my Footloose task cards in their original form, using them as a check for understanding, or infusing a bit of friendly competition through gamification, the goal remains the same. Engaging students in math practice doesn’t have to be hard or boring.

Ready to Get Started?

You can find a variety of task cards in the Cognitive Cardio Store on TPT . You will find skills and topics you can use all year long. Let’s take a peek at a couple of sets.

Evaluating & Translating Algebraic Expressions Math Task Cards & Extra Practice

I created 30 Footloose task cards that will make practicing algebraic expressions a breeze.

In my Evaluating & Translating Algebraic Expressions resource students will be translating algebraic expressions into phrases, turning phrases into algebraic expressions, and even evaluating expressions. In this set, the expressions stick to the basics with the four operations, and there’s a dash of exponents for that extra challenge.

This resource also has a couple of extra practice pages.

Absolute Value Footloose Math Task Cards

With the Absolute Value Footloose math task cards , we’re about to turn absolute value into an engaging time!

In this set, you also get 30 absolute value problems. Students solve each problem and write their answers into the corresponding boxes on their Footloose grids.

Your students will be identifying absolute values, comparing and ordering them with integers, and even applying absolute values to real-life situations.

These are just two examples of the many task card resources you can find. Head over to the Cognitive Cardio Store on TPT to see them all.

Save for Later

Remember to save this post to your favorite math Pinterest board to use when you need ideas for math task card activities!

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Welcome to Cognitive Cardio Math! I’m Ellie, a wife, mom, grandma, and dog ‘mom,’ and I’ve spent just about my whole life in school! With nearly 30 years in education, I’ve taught:

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I’ve been creating resources for teachers since 2012 and have worked in the elearning industry for about five years as well!

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Open-Ended Maths Problems Task Cards

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Are you looking to extend your students’ mathematical thinking? Are you seeking ways to apply maths concepts you have taught engagingly and authentically? Are you after easy yet effective ways to differentiate and assess mathematical understandings? If so, these open-ended maths task cards are the perfect resource for your class.  

With 24 open-ended problems across a range of mathematics content areas, this set of cards challenges students to flexibly combine and apply a range of mathematical skills, with the opportunity to demonstrate multiple answers.

These task cards can be used for independent or guided practice. Selected cards can be used as formative assessment tools within focused units, or the set can be used throughout the year to continue to consolidate prior learning, regardless of your classroom’s current topic.

Designed with four problems per page and with the option of colour or black and white cards, simply print, cut and distribute to students. (They can also be laminated to be used again and again with different students).

Ensure your students get the most out of these challenges and know how to show their best thinking with our Solving Open-Ended Problems PowerPoint. Or you can have all the open-ended challenges in one place in our Open-Ended Maths Problems Booklet.

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5 Unique Ways to Use Task Cards in High School Math

• October 2, 2023

Task cards in math class are a great way to change up your regular routine and get kids moving around the room!

They are perfect for independent or small group work because they have QR codes making them completely self-checking. You’ll be able to pull small groups of students or work one-on-one while the rest of your class is completing task cards (and not pestering you the whole period!).

Task cards can be used for so much more than just stations. In this post, I’ll be giving you five other ways that you can use task cards in your middle or high school math classroom!

Table of Contents

Looking for more high school math activities? Check out these blog posts ↓

• Top 3 Ways to Use Writing Prompts in Math Class
• 4 Must Have Strategies for Visual Learning in Math
• How to Use Real World Applications to Get Your Students Thinking Critically
• 7 Activities for High School Math Centers

Math Centers

When your students are in small groups, give them 10 – 15 task cards and the answer sheet. There are multiple ways that you can structure how your students complete the task cards.

• Have your students work together to complete one problem, then move onto the next.
• Have each student in the group work on one problem independently , then rotate the cards. 

Either way, they will complete as many task cards as they can in the time that they are given. They are also able to check their work on their own and problem solve with their classmates.

PRE-ALGEBRA TASK CARD FAVORITES

Whole Group

One of my all time favorite lessons is presenting a series of problems to my students and having them solve them on individual whiteboards.

The best part about this lesson is it’s completely NO PREP ! All you need to do is grab a stack of task cards for a topic that you are reviewing, have students pass out whiteboards, and you’re ready to go!

Your students will be more engaged because everybody loves writing on whiteboards and everyone is participating.

ALGEBRA 1 TASK CARD FAVORITES

Mix and Match

This is a great strategy for reviewing for a unit test of final exam. You can take a bunch of different task card sets and pull a handful from each. This will get your students practicing different topics within one unit or semester without assigning 50 different problems.

Let me give you an example:

This task card bundle contains adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and rationalizing radical expressions. The week of the radical operations unit test, I decided to mix and match these task cards choosing a few from each topic.

Using this method, my students were getting plenty of practice of all the skills without having to complete all 80 problems.

Small Group

Task cards are the perfect resource for pulling small groups of students who need extra practice with a certain topic. This is similar to the whole group whiteboard lesson.

With small groups, you are able to give your students more direct feedback because there are only a few of them. You’re also able to watch their thought process and see where they may be making mistakes.

ALGEBRA 2 TASK CARD FAVORITES

Google Slides

Add your individual task cards to Google Slides to mimic Boom Cards (but on a budget 😉).

This is a great alternative to stations around the room for an extra rowdy class of teenagers. Some classes just can’t handle getting out of their seats and need this kind of structure. 

With Google Slides, you can still use the resources you have, but it changes things up from a basic worksheet.

Ready to add math centers to your high school classroom? Check out this free guide ↓

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