The Launch Tab is designed to help teachers start class with clarity. Instead of jumping straight into student work, teachers can now model, anticipate thinking, and set up discussion before students begin.
Why Teachers Use the Launch Tab
Teachers use the Launch Tab to:
model strategies before independent work
anticipate student thinking and misconceptions
introduce key vocabulary and concepts
support classroom discussion and sense-making
preview the structure and difficulty of assignments
Best practice: Use the Launch Tab before students begin the assignment to model, preview, or activate prior knowledge.
What’s Included in the Launch Tab
The Launch Tab automatically generates instructional supports based on the assignment content.
Example Problems
Magma automatically generates 3 example problems aligned to the assignment.
These examples help teachers:
model problem-solving strategies
clarify expectations
guide whole-class discussion
Examples always match the assignment structure and difficulty level.
For example:
assignments with mild, medium, and spicy problems will display one example of each level
assignments with only mild problems will display three mild examples
Key Vocabulary
The Launch Tab also includes automatically generated vocabulary support.
For each assignment, Magma creates:
4 vocabulary cards
Each card includes:
a key math term
a student-friendly definition
examples connected to the assignment concepts
Teachers can use these cards to:
introduce important vocabulary
build shared understanding
encourage discussion before independent work begins
Lava prompts may also appear to encourage students to share their own examples and thinking.
Scrap Paper
The Scrap Paper tool provides a blank drawboard for live instruction and quick modeling.
Teachers can use:
writing tools
drawing tools
manipulatives
to demonstrate strategies and work through ideas with the class.
Scrap Paper is especially useful for quick demonstrations without needing to enter Solve Mode or open a specific problem.
How to Use the Launch Tab
Teachers commonly use the Launch Tab to:
model example problems
preview assignment expectations
introduce vocabulary
facilitate discussion
demonstrate strategies on Scrap Paper
build readiness before independent practice
Important Notes
Example Problems and Key Vocabulary are generated automatically.
Instructional supports always align to the assignment content and difficulty level.
Scrap Paper is temporary and does not save work.
The Launch Tab replaces the previous Instructions Tab experience.