Illustrative Mathematics
Points equidistant from two points in the plane
Young geometers apply their deductive reasoning skills and knowledge of proving triangles congruent in a task that asks them to prove if a point lies on the perpendicular bisector of a segment, then it is equidistant from the endpoints...
Curated OER
Charity Fair
What is the probability of picking the same color ball out of three identical barrels? If you wanted to design a game that made money, how could you structure a game and what would you charge for each chance? How much should you pay a...
Illustrative Mathematics
Identifying Graphs of Functions
Match the graph with its function in an exercise that focuses on variations of the graph of y = e^x. Learners are given four graphs on the same set of axes and four functions, all involving e^x. The task is to match each...
Curated OER
Stochastic and Deterministic Modeling
Explore the difference between stochastic and deterministic modeling through programming. First have the class write algorithms for relatively simple tasks using pseudocode. Use the Python 2.7 program app to simulate Mendel's Pea Pod...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Division
When you divide two integers you can get a decimal form of a rational number that repeats. How do you interpret that number in real-world situations? Her is an example question: What does 2.6666666666 mean in terms of an amount of...
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Temperatures
Which is colder -12 or -18? Temperature is natural real-world application of ordering rational numbers. It's also fun to talk about the lowest recorded temperature on Earth. Take the time to discuss this inquiry with your class.
Illustrative Mathematics
Find the Angle
This a fun problem for young geometers to play with while gaining important insight into deductive reasoning. Some will find the answers very quickly, others might take a less direct path, but all will use their knowledge of the sum of...
Illustrative Mathematics
Box of Clay
What happens to a volume when you scale the dimensions of a rectangular prism? In this problem, a box of clay is increased in each dimension, with the intent to see if learners can generalize the result. The addition of...
Curated OER
How many movies can you see in one day?
For kids who love movies, figuring out a schedule for the maximum number that can be seen in one day is not only a good demonstration of Common Core mathematical practices, but also a highly motivating activity. Robert Kaplinsky...
Curated OER
Proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem
Working individually and collaboratively, geometers gain a clear understanding of the Pythagorean theorem. They create, explain, and compare proofs of the theorem. Proofs involve areas of trapezoids, squares, and triangles, congruent...
Curated OER
Connecting Algebra and Geometry Through Coordinates
This unit on connecting algebra and geometry covers a number of topics including worksheets on the distance formula, finding the perimeter and area of polynomials, the slope formula, parallel and perpendicular lines, parallelograms,...
Curated OER
Unit Squares and Triangles
This is an interesting geometry problem. Given the figure, find the area of a triangle that is created by the intersecting lines. The solution requires one to use what he/she knows about coordinate geometry, as well as triangle...
Curated OER
Interpreting Statistics: A Case of Muddying the Waters
Is river pollution affecting the number of visitors to Riverside Center, and is the factory built upstream the cause of the pollution? Let your class be the judge, literally, as they weigh the statistical evidence offered by the factory...
Curated OER
Complex Distance
Have learners graph complex numbers to gain a visual and mathematical understanding of the distance and the midpoint between two complex numbers. This lesson is short, but to the point, and addresses an important complex number...
Shodor Education Foundation
Algorithm Discovery with Venn Diagrams
Here is a lesson that takes an interesting approach to analyzing data using box and whisker plots. By using an applet that dynamically generates Venn diagrams, the class forms a strategy/algorithm for guessing the rule that fits...
Curated OER
Fred's Fun Factory
Round and round and round she goes. Where she stops, nobody knows. This activity uses a common arcade game of chance, the spinning wheel, as a platform for computing expected values, interpreting results, and applying this knowledge to...
Curated OER
Solving Linear Inequalities
Walk the class through the steps of how to evaluate linear inequalities in one variable and graph the solution set. Define and discuss key vocabulary terms, then have individuals work problems of varying difficulty. Included are word...
Curated OER
Foxes and Rabbits 3
Use realistic data to find trigonometric models that best fit the populations of foxes and rabbits in a national park. Included are detailed explanations of the answers and process. This is a follow-up exercise to the lesson listed in...
Curated OER
Foxes and Rabbits 2
Explore the relationship between the population of foxes and rabbits in a national park using trigonometric models. Plot data and find the appropriate trigonometric functions. Two questions require interpretation and explanation of...
Curated OER
Modeling: Having Kittens
Cats can't add, but they do multiply! Determine the number of descendants of a single cat given specific facts about cats and kittens. The lesson focuses on developing strategies for problem solving using both individual and group work....
Shodor Education Foundation
An Introduction To Quadrilaterals
Young geometers investigate and apply properties of quadrilaterals. After a review and discussion of key terms, young scholars use a computer applet to explore four-sided figures and classify them according to their attributes. The...
Curated OER
Largest Hamburger Ever?
If a 150 lb. person can comfortably eat and digest a 1 lb. burger, then how large would the person be who can comfortably eat and digest a 350 lb. burger? For a burger that size, it would take either a large person or a class of really...
Curated OER
Extending the Definitions of Exponents, Variation 2
Introduce the concept of exponential functions with an activity that extends the definition of exponents to include rational values. Start with a doubling function at integer values of time, then expand table to include frational time...
Curated OER
Breakfast Before School
Are the events "I eat breakfast" and "I am late for school" independent events? Assess learners' understanding of independence in a simple context with this short worksheet. Use as an opener, as part of an assignment, or discuss together...