Rene Descartes Lesson Plans

Students explore linear graphs, the parabola and the rectangular hyperbola.

Students become interactive participants in introductory and practice activities involving positive and negative numbers. After watching a video, students play games together which help them use positive and negative numbers effectively.

Sixth graders graph growing patterns using ordered pairs on a coordinate grid. They read The Fly on the Ceiling, a Math Myth.

Students discover the concepts of latitude and longitude. They practice using the coordinates to locate places on a map. They also examine the role of the sun and moon in dealing with latitude and longitude.

Students build number sense and algebraic knowledge through the use of Pascal's Triangle and multimedia aids. Emphasis is placed on technology-based activities, geometric and exponential patterns, and small, cooperative learning groups.

Sixth graders become members of the BSI in this research simulation. They apply for Biographical Scene Investigator membership, investigate an individual, keep an evidence notebook and write an investigator's report.

Seventh graders compare and contrast the Italian and Harlem Renaissance periods. Classmates examine the life of historical individuals and assess their contributions and impacts on the respective eras. Students role play individuals from each era, comparing their lives. Pupils discuss the artistic, social and political changes that developed in the two very different eras.

Young scholars explore the Cartesian coordinate plane and plot points on the graph. They interpret coordinates for a point from the graph and give the ratio of rise over run for slope.

Fifth graders locate points on a coordinate plane. Through lecture and observation, they discover the parts of the coordinate plane and how to plot an ordered pair. Students locate x and y values in an ordered pair.

Students rewrite and discuss Newton's four rules of reasoning in their own words. They distinguish the differences between observation and interpretation. Students perceive that perspective (in time and space) affects observations and interpretations of the significant scientists.