Math is hard to teach when students stop paying attention. Long lessons don’t always help. Worksheets make students bored. Many don’t ask questions or try.
Desmos can help. It gives you a new way to teach math. Students learn by doing, not just listening.
You don’t need to be a tech expert. If you can open a website, you can use Desmos.
What is Desmos?
Desmos is a free math tool you can use online. It started as a graphing calculator. Now, it also has full lessons you can use with your class.
These lessons are called Desmos classroom activities.
Students don’t just get answers. They move sliders, draw graphs, watch animations, and answer questions. This helps them see how math works.
Why Use Desmos?
Desmos helps students:
- Understand math by seeing it
- Try things and get feedback
- Talk about ideas
- Learn by exploring
It also helps you:
- See what students are doing in real time
- Spot mistakes early
- Ask better questions
- Lead stronger class discussions
What Makes Desmos Special?
Most online math tools ask for answers. Desmos asks for thinking. It lets students show what they understand.
Here’s what you get:
- Interactive graphs
Students move things and see changes live. - Real-time dashboard
You can see what each student does, while they do it. - Pause feature
You can stop the activity and talk to the class at any time. - Class discussions
Students answer open questions, draw pictures, or match ideas. You can show answers to the whole class. - Custom tools
You can change any activity. Add new screens or remove parts that don’t fit.
How to Start Using Desmos
You don’t need to create your own lessons. You can start with what’s already there.
Follow these steps:
- Go to teacher.desmos.com
- Click on the Activity Library
- Search by grade or topic
- Click Assign to get a class code
- Share the code or link with your students
- Use the teacher dashboard to watch progress
You can pause the activity, show student work, or talk as a group at any time.
Best Desmos Activities for Each Grade Level
Here are good Desmos activities to try. These help students think in new ways.
Grades 6 to 8
- Marbleslides
Students change graphs so marbles hit stars. It builds graph skills and keeps students interested. - Polygraph
Students play a game like “Guess Who” using math shapes or graphs. It helps them ask clear questions. - Tile Pile
Students build shapes and compare area and ratios. It helps them see how size and number relate.
Grades 9 to 10
- Function Carnival
Students watch a short video and draw what happens on a graph. Then they check and try again. - Linear Systems
Students solve systems of equations using graphs. They learn how lines meet and what that means. - Card Sorts
Students match graphs, equations, and stories. It helps them connect math ideas in different forms.
Grades 11 to 12
- Transformations of Functions
Students see how changing numbers in equations changes the graph. - Rational Functions
This activity covers hard topics like asymptotes and discontinuities with easy steps. - Derivatives in Calculus
Students use graphs to learn about slope, rate of change, and tangent lines.
How to Make Your Own Desmos Activity
You can make your own lesson if the built-in ones don’t match your needs.
Start small. Even a short activity can be powerful.
Here’s how:
- Choose a math goal
What should students understand at the end? - Pick the best tools
Use graphs, sliders, questions, or drawing tools. - Break the idea into steps
Don’t do too much at once. Keep it simple. - Ask open questions
Let students explain their thinking. - Test your activity
Click through it like a student. Fix anything that’s not clear. - Share it
You can keep it private or share it with other teachers.
Desmos has a tool called Activity Builder. You use it to make your own slides and questions.
How to Use Desmos Without Student Devices
If your school has few computers or tablets, you can still use Desmos.
Try these options:
- Project the activity
Show it on your screen. Ask students to help make choices. - Use Desmos as a demo tool
Show graphs or animations during your lesson. - Print screens
Take screenshots and make handouts if needed.
It’s not as strong as full use, but it still helps.
Read: Desmos Classroom Student: Easy Guide to Join and Learn Math
Using Desmos for Homework
Desmos is great for homework. Students can finish activities from home, and you can check their work later.
Here’s how:
- Assign an activity as usual
- Share the code or link
- Students log in and complete the task
- You check their work in the dashboard
They don’t need an account to join, but having one helps them save progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Desmos free to use?
Yes. You don’t need to pay for anything.
2. Do students need accounts?
No. They can join with a code. But accounts help them save work.
3. Does it work on phones and tablets?
Yes. Desmos works on most browsers and devices.
4. Can I see student work as they do it?
Yes. Use the teacher dashboard to see answers in real time.
5. Can I use it with Google Classroom?
Yes. Share the link or code in your Classroom post.
6. Can I change activities?
Yes. You can copy and edit any activity.
7. What if students don’t finish?
They can come back later. Work saves automatically if they’re logged in.
Conclusion
Desmos classroom activities help students understand math in a simple, visual way. They don’t just watch or guess—they try things, see what happens, and learn by doing. As a teacher, you can guide stronger discussions, spot confusion early, and keep students engaged without spending hours planning.
You don’t need to create your own lessons. You can start with one free activity today. Visit teacher.desmos.com, pick a lesson that fits your topic, and try it with your class.
Desmos gives you the tools. Your students bring the thinking. Together, math becomes clear.
