Carolina Oliver-Barone

Lesson Plan:
Factor by Grouping

Grade Level and Course:
9
th
Grade. Algebra

Objective:
Students will be able to factor polynomials and solve polynomials using factor by grouping
method.

CCSS:
HSA.SSE-A-2 Use the structure of an expression to identify ways to rewrite it. For example,
see x4 - y4 as (x
2
)
2
- (y
2
)
2
, thus recognizing it as a difference of squares that can be factored
as (x
2
- y
2
)(x
2
+ y
2
).
HSA.SSE-B-3 Choose and produce an equivalent form of an expression to reveal and explain
properties of the quantity represented by the expression. *
HSA.SSE-B-3A Factor a quadratic expression to reveal the zeros of the function it defines.

Resources and materials:
Calculators (one for each student)
Worksheet #1 (one for each student)
Do now problem/exercises, written on SmartBoard

Procedures:
1. As students enter the classroom the will take a copy of worksheet #1, and a
calculator.
2. 5-min. Do Now: Find the zeros of the polynomials Teacher will set up the exercise
on the SmartBoard prior to the beginning of class (see attached). Before 5 minutes
are up, the instructor will call up a volunteer to answer the question.
3. 10-min. The teacher will discuss the factor by grouping method and will solve at
least 3 problems on the board. The teacher will ask the students to take notes of the
steps needed to do this.
4. 20-min. Students will work on the worksheet problems while the teacher walks
around to answer questions and offer assistance if needed. After 15 minutes
students will get together in groups of three to check up on their answers.
5. 10-min. Students will stay in their groups for the final activity. Students will have to
write instructions for factoring by grouping for a student who was absent. The
teacher will walk around the classroom, listening to the students, to do an informal
assessment of the students understanding of the topic.
6. Homework: A rectangular prism has a volume of 36x
3
+ 51x
2
+ 18x. Factor to find
the possible expressions for the length, width, and height of the prism.
Answer: 3x,(4x 3),(3x 2)


Technology:
The instructor will use the SmartBoard throughout the lesson. The students will work with
TI-83/84 calculators to find out and check that the zeros they found were correct.

Extension:
More advanced learners can research why the method of factoring by grouping works.

Modification:
Students that are below level can check their answers by multiplying the factors. Peers can
also help each other if necessary. Some students may benefit from the use of the calculator
to check their answers and their graphs.

Assessment (Informal Assessment):
Under procedures, step #5. The teacher will walk around the classroom listening to the
students while they discuss in groups how to write instructions for factoring by grouping
for a student who was absent. The teacher will look for students understanding of the
topic, ability to communicate, and general collaboration in their group setting.

Rubric for Informal Assessment (based on 7 point scale):

POINTS TOPIC EVIDENCE SCORE
0, 1, 2
or 3
Understanding of the
topic
0. Student does not engage in the activity.
1. Student briefly engages in activity and
makes random comments that reflect
low understanding.
2. Student engages in activity and makes
some comments, which reveal some
understanding.
3. Student is fully engaged and his/her
understanding of the concept is very
high.

0, 1, or 2

Communication skills 0. Student does not communicate properly
and it is hard to follow his/her thinking
process.
1. Student communicates with his/her
peers but lacks proper vocabulary.
2. Student is able to communicate properly
and uses the appropriate vocabulary.

0, 1, or 2

Collaboration 0. Student does not collaborate with
his/her peers to complete the activity.
1. Student collaborates sporadically and
gets distracted from time to time.
2. Student is fully engaged, collaborates,
and leads the activity.