National Geographic
Measuring Elevation Past and Present
After viewing a short video about a climb up Mount Everest, high schoolers read about triangulation for measuring distant elevations. Have your class work in groups to construct an inclinometer and then use it to measure the height of...
Curated OER
Mt. Whitney to Death Valley
This is an intriguing problem that brings together real-world data, technology, and mathematical problem solving. If visibility wasn't an issue, could you see from the highest point in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney, to the lowest...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Sorting Equations of Circles 2
How much can you tell about a circle from its equation? This detailed lesson plan focuses on connecting equations and graphs of circles. Learners use equations to identify x- and y-intercepts, centers, and radii of circles. They also...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Attitude Determines Altitude
A fabulous lesson plan which combines mathematics with space science. Middle schoolers work in cooperative groups in order to research early astronauts and their accomplishments. They look at a variety of rocket and space shuttle...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Identifying Similar Triangles
Math whizzes work with angle sums and exterior angles to figure out the measure of other angles. This particular publication provides comprehensive support in the form of an anticipatory activity, questions designed to prompt discussion,...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Jane's TV
Jane wants a new television, but she's not sure what size to buy! Your middle schoolers can figure it out when they apply the Pythagorean theorem. Produced especially for meeting Common Core standards in geometry, this activity appeals...
Curated OER
Quadratic Equations with the CBL 2
Learners practice generating parabolas with a motion sensor while determining the vertex form of the equation. They compare it to the regression equation from the calculator onto a data mate software. Each student completes several...
Curated OER
Teach Surface Area and Volume in the Most Engaging Way!
Build a Zarcon-proof home as a math activity that will provide tremendous advantages for engagement, for differentiation, and for mastery of concepts. This activity focuses specifically on surface area and volume using mathematical...
Curated OER
What a Square
Students examine the painting "Old Man With A Gold Chain" by Rembrandt. They identify geometric shapes in the painting, measure these shapes and compare the relationships of these measurements.
Scientific American
Life-Sized Drawing
Ocean explorers or mathematicians research the wreck of the CSS H.L. Hunley. They investigate the actual dimensions of the Hunley using math and measuring skills. Afterward, they sketch a large scale drawing of the submarine outdoors on...
Curated OER
Brain Train
A lengthy presentation on geometric reflections is here for your young geometers. Learners consider a shape, then must choose between four reflections to find the one that is a true vertical, horizontal, or diagonal reflection of the...
Curated OER
Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem Using Transformations
Middle and high schoolers construct a triangle using Cabri Jr. They construct squares on each of the legs and hypotenuse of the triangle. Pupils show that the area of the squares on the leg equal the area of the square on the hypotenuse.
Curated OER
Hey, Pythagoras! Help Me Understand Your Theorem!
Learners explore the Pythagorean Theorem. For this math lesson, pupils solve problems using the Pythagorean Theorem. They select the appropriate numbers to substitute in the formula to solve problems.
Curated OER
Getting It Right! An Investigation of the Pythagorean Theorem
Learners construct a variety of right triangles using a right-angled set square, cutting corners from pieces of paper or cardboard, and using dynamic geometry software. They measure the sides of these various right triangles and record...
Discovery Education
Exploring Geometry
Middle schoolers construct a three-dimensional model of a city using both similar and congruent figures and geometric transformations. City must have at least ten buildings with each building labeled and may be constructed out of paper...
Curated OER
Coordinate Plane Transformations
Geometric transformations are explored by high schoolers. They will create a set of instructions for plotting coordinates representing an original transformation of a real-world figure. These instructions are shared with middle...
Curated OER
Escher-Esque Tessellations
Middle and high schoolers participate in a seven-part lesson creating Escher-Esque tessellations. They demonstrate their knowledge of geometric transformations after viewing a PowerPoint presentation, conducting Internet research, and...
Illuminations
Circumference and Areas of Circles
Middle and high schoolers listen to a scenario about a puppy and use the scenario to develop formulas in order to find the area of a circle. In this circumference lesson, pupils understand how to find the radius, diameter, area of a...
Curated OER
Discovering Pi/Welcome to Pi Day
Students explore pi. In this circle measurement lesson plan, students define and identify radius, diameter, circumference, and perimeter. Students work in groups to measure several plastic lids and record their findings. Students compare...
NTTI
Line 'Em Up!
Coordinate planes and Cartesian graphing systems are the focus of this math lesson. Learners use video, internet activities, and engage in hands-on activities in order to explore coordinate planes. The materials needed for this lesson...
PBS
Plotting Pairs of Coordinate Points in all Four Quadrants to Construct Lines
Here is a instructional activity on coordinates that has pupils view three Cyberchase video clips illustrating the definition of "point" and "line." Along the way, learners will discuss what characters from the videos do, and where...
Discovery Education
Architects in Action
Hands-on and real-world applications are great ways to teach mathematical concepts. Creative thinkers examine how ratios are used to create scale models of buildings and structures. They practice working with ratios by looking at a map...
Curated OER
Geometry Practice: Classifying Solids #2
For this solids worksheet, students identify the characteristics of solids. They name solids and determine the number of faces. This three-page worksheet contains seventeen problems. Answers are listed on the last page.
Curated OER
Number Sense and Numeration: Multiples, Factors and Square Roots
A great resource for any math teacher covering multiples, factors or square roots; this learning exercise walks young mathematicians through the logic behind factoring and square roots with a systematic set of problems which gradually...