Alabama Learning Exchange
Systems on a Mission
Solve systems of equation problems using four different methods: elimination by addition or subtraction, graphing, elimination by multiplication, and substitution. Middle schoolers are then given a series of "missions" to complete.
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Equivalent Algebraic Expressions
This online worksheet can be printed, projected on the board, or used as example problems for the class to solve. They write equivalent expressions for a set of given equations, 14 total. This page contains an answer link and links to...
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Anything I Can Do You Can Do Better
Students complete a two-week unit involving design and construction concepts. They watch a PowerPoint presentation about geometric shapes, draw the fourteen shapes incorporated in bridge construction, and in small groups design, build,...
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Sizing Up the Supersize Croc
Students examine and compare traits of humans and crocodiles. In this crocodile lesson students use a ratio to estimate the height of a person and compare that to a crocodile.
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Don't Crack Humpty
Students investigate the engineering design process and the relationship between distance, time, and speed. Using a generic car base, small groups design a device that will protect an egg on or in the car as it is rolled down a ramp at...
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Polymer
Learners investigate polymers by completing 3 experiments. In this polymer lesson plan, students mix plastic with acetone, they create polyurethane foam, they make slime and build a polymer model once their polyurethane foam is set. ...
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They're Everywhere! They're Everywhere!
Learners gain an appreciation of the polygons and polyhedrons around them that make their world one of order and strength. They build polygons and polyhedrons, and then construct airplanes out of polygons.
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A Geological Puzzle
Students compare and contrast the various types of rocks on each continent. In groups, the calculate the rock ages and types to determine if the continents, in their opinion, were joined at one time. They develop two imaginary...
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Flambe Elements
Eighth graders discuss atoms and electrons as well as atoic structure. They view atomic structure via the computer. Students watch a demonstration in which the teacher demonstrates glass tubing turning yellow in a Bunsen Burner flame....
Michigan Sea Grant
Fish Identification
Using a dichotomous key, pupils identify characteristics of fish who live in the Great Lakes and explain how these features help them survive. In small groups, class members discover what features scientists consider important and...
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Candy Land
In this activity students pretend that they have been hired by a candy manufacturer to design a box for a new product they are beginning to market. The manufacturer has pre-determined the volume of the candy box. It is the students' job...
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Planet Paths: Studying Planetary Orbital Paths
Learners define and identify planetary orbit, ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola, and simulate Kepler's Second Law. They explore interactive websites demonstrating orbital motion and complete modeling activities.
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There's Gold in Them Thar Ratios
Students draw a model of the bunny problem which generates the Fibonacci Sequence, spirals generated from golden rectangles and golden triangles; identify the golden ratio in the human body, and find the Fibonacci numbers in nature.
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Rectangles and Trapezoids in the Coordinate Plane
Students determine the missing vertices of quadrilaterals. In this rectangles and trapezoids instructional activity, students examine the characteristics of quadrilaterals. They identify the missing vertices of a quadrilateral on a...
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My Perfect Partner
Students explore gender roles by describing an ideal partner. In this human characteristic lesson, students create a chart which describes the positive and negative aspects they seek in a partner of the opposite sex. Students demonstrate...
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Is the Hudson River Too Salty to Drink?
Students explore reasons for varied salinity in bodies of water. In this geographical inquiry lesson plan, students use a variety of visual and written information including maps, data tables, and graphs, to form a hypothesis as to why...
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Squares, Square Roots, and Exponential Expressions
Students explore the concepts of square roots and exponential expressions. In this square root and exponential expression instructional activity, students complete an investigation called Building A Square Patio. Students use color tiles...
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Math: A Geometric Neighborhood
Students, as a final project, draw a picture of their ideal neighborhood on a sunny day. In addition to the sun, their drawings include homes, trees, streets, and selected objects. Each object in their drawing has a written description...
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Density of a Sinker
Eighth graders determine the density of a sinker by first finding the mass and then the volume using a graduated cylinder. Students must write the procedure they use to find the volume of the sinker then apply their data to follow-up...
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Slope Right Up
Students use triangles to find the length and slope of each side. After connecting the vertices, they add points based on their specific instructions. They use the Pythagorean Theorem to complete a worksheet to end the lesson.
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Oil Spill
Pupils use one of four absorbent products to separate as much of the oil and water mixture they are able to do. The purpose of this task is for students to collect and analyze data for the purpose of determining which absorbent is best,...
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Geometry and Measurement
Students view a right triangle displayed by the teacher. Students measure legs and the interior angles of the triangle. They look for a pattern or relationship between the legs and angles. Students use pegboards and string to create more...
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Chemical Changes
Eighth graders observe two types of interactions in a sealed plastic bag. One bag contains baking soda and water, and the other baking soda and vinegar. They determine what evidence indicates that a chemical change is occurring.
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The Miracle Fish: Learning to Design an Experiment
Students develop procedures to explore the behavior of fish. In this scientific experiment lesson students from a hypothesis, write a question, identify different variables and controls in their experiment.