Balanced Assessment
Dot Patterns
Use geometric patterns to teach your class how to write functions. The assessment task has scholars consider a pattern of dots to draw the next picture of the pattern. Pupils then analyze the pattern, which helps them develop a function...
Balanced Assessment
Stick Patterns
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but these sticks will make me smarter. Pupils examine arrays of sticks to determine the next array in a pattern. They use the number of sticks added to each previous array to determine a recursive...
Noyce Foundation
Toy Trains
Scholars identify and continue the numerical pattern for the number of wheels on a train. Using the established pattern and its inverse, they determine whether a number of wheels is possible. Pupils finish by developing an algebraic...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Shelves
Don't leave this task on the shelf — use it is assess middle schoolers understanding of patterns. Participants try to discover a pattern in the number of bricks and planks used to make shelves. They then match descriptions and equations...
Illustrative Mathematics
Triangular Tables
Somewhat of a puzzle, this problem gets pre-algebra preteens to write an expression representing a seating chart using triangle-shaped tables. This single task is an applicable lesson for meeting sixth grade Common Core math standards....
Illustrative Mathematics
The Djinni’s Offer
The djinni in this resource offers gold coins. Learners use the properties of exponents to make their decision as one offer increases exponentially. This makes a great group project. As the commentary suggests, start by having groups...
PBS
Working with Coordinate Planes: Assessments
It's time for scholars to show what they know about coordinate planes with a collection of three assessments. The exams' objectives include plotting points on a single grid, measuring using the distance formula, and identifying points on...
Virginia Department of Education
Equation Vocabulary
You'd feel bad if someone called you by the wrong name — and equations are no different. Young mathematicians learn the vocabulary associated with equations and expressions identifying these components in sample equations.