Making a clear connection to algebra concepts helps learners understand the definition of a derivative. The lesson begins with looking at limits of simple linear and rational functions, and leads to the definition of the...

This textbook takes the learner from the basic definition of slope through derivatives, integrals, and vector multivariable calculus. Each section is composed primarily of examples, with theoretical introductions and explanations in...

Derivatives are useful for many things — they can even keep track of particle motion. An informative lesson plan provides an introduction to the idea of the second derivative in particle motion. Class members determine the...

Local linearity isn't the first thing that comes to mind to start off an AP® Calculus course. A scholarly article discusses one possible beginning to the AP® Calculus course: investigating and introducing derivatives through activities...

The inverse of matter is anti-matter, so the inverse of a derivative is an antiderivative. The lesson introduces antiderivatives and indefinite integrals to the class along with the notation for integrals. Groups work together to find...

Go beyond the basic formulas and uncover the surface area and volume of 3-D shapes with this comprehensive and organized worksheet packet. The problems include the basic formula computations while also challenging your learners to derive...

Make the connection between the distance formula and the equation of a circle. The teacher presents a lesson on how to use the distance formula to derive the equation of the circle. Pupils transform circles on the coordinate plane and...

Finding engaging ways to help your middle schoolers build their vocabulary is not easy to do. The activity presented here offers a great way to motivate them to build vocabulary by making it into a game. Teams of pupils use a dictionary...

Of course, calculus can help you build the largest box possible. Scholars play a digital game to gain familiarity with situations where optimization would be appropriate. After gaining a solid conceptual understanding of optimization,...

A thorough lesson on persuasive writing takes middle schoolers through several activities, including group discussion, collaborative posters, and independent writing. They compare historical speeches and analyze the persuasive techniques...

Knowing the addition formulas allows for the calculations of double and half formulas. The fourth installment of 16 has the class use the addition formula to develop the double angle trigonometric formulas. Using the double formula,...

Show budding mathematicans how to find the sine of pi over 12. The third lesson in a series of 16 introduces the addition and subtraction formulas for trigonometric functions. Class members derive the formulas using the distance...

In the 16th lesson plan in the series of 32 the class uses the concept of complex multiplication to build a transformation in order to reflect across a given line in the complex plane. The lesson plan breaks the process of reflecting...

Happy Pi Day! This collection of games, experiments, and activities leads participants through an exploration of the many aspects and attributes of that mysterious quantity, pi. Activities range from using statistical...

Small groups work through two guided activities to derive the distance and midpoint formulas for the coordinate plane. The activities begin with concrete examples and move to abstract.

Use mathematics to help the football team. Pairs brainstorm how to approach finding a solution to a problem to help the quarterback complete more passes. By researching and collecting data, the teams derive an equation to represent the...

Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution expressly lists powers given to Congress. Over the years, lawmakers have expanded the enumerated powers to include powers implied by the list. To better understand the significance...

Once you find and evaluate your sources, it's time to discern the most helpful information. In a research lesson plan based on questions derived from Temple Grandin's Animals in Translation, practice annotation and taking notes.

To understand an informal derivation of the formula to find the volume of a sphere, young mathematicians investigate the volume of a sphere about the volume of a right circular cylinder. They develop the formula for the volume of a...

There has to be a better way than counting. Pupils find the distance on a number line between rational numbers by counting the number of intervals. Through a discussion, the class sees the connection between absolute value and the...

Fall back and slow down. The fourth lesson in a six-part series on air traffic control leads the class to find the difference in distance traveled based upon the difference in speed. Pupils work through a problem related to walking...

Finding the critical numbers of a function can be extreme. The lesson introduces the Extreme Value Theorem to the class with a graph. Pupils then have an opportunity to practice determining the values using an algebraic function.

Can a sponge cure cancer? Life science pupils visit the drugstore under the sea in the fifth activity of six. Working groups research the topic then get hands-on experience by testing the inhibiting effects of several plant extracts...

Shake up things in the classroom. The unit uses earthquakes to bring a real-life connection to finding arc lengths, logarithms, and equations of circles. Small groups determine whether particular towns would have felt an earthquake after...