Education Development Center
Language of Algebra
Don't rush into algebra, let learners visualize, guess, and predict their way to a successful math career. The introductory unit incorporates beginner algebraic concepts with shapes instead of variables. Young mathematicians use a...
Curated OER
Deciphering Word Problems in Order to Write Equations
Help young mathematicians crack the code of word problems with this three-lesson series on problem solving. Walking students step-by-step through the process of identifying key information, creating algebraic equations, and finally...
Rice University
Prealgebra
Pre-algebra—all wrapped up in one place. The eBook contains everything needed to teach a typical Pre-Algebra course. Concepts in the course build upon previously learned concepts, allowing mathematicians to see the connections between...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan 3: Order of Operation
Order of operations is foundational for the future study of algebra. With ample time for instruction and independent practice these activities will help your class improve their understanding of this important concept. Includes the...
National Security Agency
Growing Patterns: Practical Pattern Problems
Your learners explore growing patterns by describing, extending, creating, and evaluating practical pattern problems in this three-day collaborative unit. Beginning with concrete patterns and function tables to extend and...
Curated OER
Multiplication and Division Equations
There is only one introductory algebra word problem here and an explanation is detailed below. Because of this format, consider projecting it as an all-class warm up. Learners examine a scenario where Sam can fill a box in three minutes,...
Curated OER
Chess Lesson Plans
Students discover the game of chess. For this critical thinking lesson, students learn the rules for each chess piece and the game as a whole. Students use critical thinking, problem solving, logic, and reasoning skills to improve their...
Curated OER
Algebra: What's My Rule?
Students apply higher level thinking skills to determine rules for sorting and classification. In this pre-algebra lesson, students nominate classmates who they think satisfy the unspoken "rule" established by the leader. As students are...
Curated OER
Code Cracking
There is nothing more engaging than cracking a secret code! Middle schoolers will replace letters with numbers to solve problems. This game will help them to begin to understand algebra questions by finding the value of missing numbers....
Curated OER
Measurement and Algebraic Thinking
Comparatively speaking, does a bug travel farther than a human in 10 seconds? Get a bug and measure how far it travels in 10 seconds. Have a human team member run for 10 seconds and calculate the distance ran. Answer the question,"Who...
Curated OER
Lively Math
Scholars realize the importance of reading and correct interpretation when engaging in mathematical problem solving. This begins with the understanding of vocabulary and the translation from numeric to algebraic and algebraic to numeric.
PBS
Add, Subtract and Multiply Fractions
Your future chefs will appreciate this comprehensive lesson where learners practice operations on fractions using pizza and soup analogies. Learners begin with a pizza analogy that requires the learners to multiply a whole...
Curated OER
Commutative, Associative, and Distributive Properties
Pupils explore the concepts of commutative, associative, and distributive properties. In this beginning algebra lesson, students discuss the terms "commute", "associate", and "distribute" and how they correlate with the related...
Curated OER
Basic Algebra and Computers: Spreadsheets, Charts, and Simple Line Graphs
Students, while in the computer lab, assess how to use Microsoft Excel as a "graphing calculator." They view visual representations of line graphs in a Cartesian plane while incorporating basic skills for using Excel productively.
Curated OER
What's My Function?
Fifth graders utilize input/output tables to help them solve algebraic equations. They incorporate patterns, number sequences and relations to represent and analyze mathematical problems and number relationships using algebraic symbols.
Curated OER
Modeling the Solar System
Students build a scaled model of the solar system. In this space science lesson, students arrange them according to their distances from the sun. They analyze each planet's unique features such as density and relative gravity.
Curated OER
"If You Hopped Like a Frog" by David M. Schwartz
Students search for and generalize an algebraic pattern. They make and analyze a coordinate graph.
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Using Math with Sale Papers
Fifth graders estimate their results and then prove through calculations. In this math lesson plan, 5th graders solve problems using multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction. They also use mental math to solve their problems.
Illustrative Mathematics
Watch Out for Parentheses 1
Parentheses are an important tool in the algebraic toolbox in regard to the structure of the algebraic equation. They are the beginning of the standard order of operations rule, the P in PEMDAS. The central question...
Curated OER
Pumped Up Gas Prices
Learners calculate gas prices. In this transportation instructional activity, students tally the mileage and gas costs of their car for one months. They figure out how much was spent on gas and create a graph showing average gas prices...
Curated OER
Pass the Pencil
Students work as a team to complete a variety of algebraic equations. Variables are assigned to students who are to substitute values to help their team solve the equation.
Curated OER
Decoding Machine
Young scholars are introduced to the concept of variables and their uses. In groups, they are given a code in which they must find the value of the missing words. To end the lesson plan, they find the value of words over ten letters long...
Curated OER
Beat the Wheel
Students recall basic multiplication facts by writing answers on a wheel form, competing against other teams to finish the wheels. They review multiplication facts on a Spinning Wheels Web Lesson.
Curated OER
Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree…You Might Become Famous
Students explore Newton's laws using CEENBoTs. In this physics lesson plan, students collect data and create tables and graphs. They calculate speed, acceleration and forces using mathematical formulas.