How many nurses does it take to support one doctor? A project-based activity asks learners to analyze state data to answer this question. Classes create polynomial functions from the data of doctors and nurses over a seven-year...

Examine trends in student-to-teacher ratios over time. Building from the first task in the two-part series, classes now explore the pattern of student-to-teacher ratios using a non-linear function. After trying to connect the pattern to...

Predict the future of education through a mathematical analysis. Using a project-based learning strategy, classes examine the pattern of student-to-teacher ratios over a period of years. Provided with the relevant data, learners create a...

Examine ratios and proportions in several real-world scenarios. Children will calculate unit rates, work with proportions and percentages as they plan a party, purchase produce, and take a tally. This lesson plan recommends five...

Would your ideal science lab be filled with bubbling beakers and zapping Tesla coils? Or would it contain state-of-the-art computer technology and data analysis? Dream big with an innovative lesson that connects math and language...

How much land does a parcel hold? How much fertilizer does it take for a field of corn? Pupils answer these questions and more as they apply ratio reasoning and unit analysis. 

Students explore graphing. In this graphing lesson plan, students sort Skittles candies and use the color groups to create a bar graph. Rubrics and extension activities are provided.

Eighth graders use ratios and proportions to solve real-life problems.  In this using ratios and proportions to solve real-life problems activity, 8th graders estimate the cost of a road trip.  Students estimate the distance...

How can you measure the height of a tree or telephone pole with only a short measuring tape?  It's not a problem when you start by measuring your shadow and your height to create a ratio to use with taller objects. Additional...

Learners estimate the total number of species in Ecuador using the capture/recapture method. They collect data about each species and act as members of a science expedition to determine the total number of species by using mathematical...

Investigate the growth rates of alien animals. Pupils study fictional animals from another planet to determine how much they grow per year. The investigators plot the growth of their animals over a period of time and then compare...

Students investigate gender bias in the work place.  In this secondary mathematics lesson, students gather research on the current statistics about a profession which focuses on the female//male ratios and the pay scale of the...

Seventh graders study ratios, scale and distances according to a three dimensional model.  For this exploratory lesson students create their own constellation and prepare an oral presentation that describes their model. 

Who knew running a greenhouse required so much math? Amaze future mathematicians and farmers with the amount of unit conversions, ratio and proportional reasoning, and geometric applications involved by having them complete the...

Fourth graders complete a taste test of different sandwiches, rate them, and then put them in a ratio graph. In this ratio lesson plan, 4th graders write what they learned about ratios after this activity.

How much plastic do manufacturers use to create water bottles each year? The class explores the number of water bottles used throughout the years to determine how many consumers will use in the future. Class members compare different...

Students construct a bar graph with a given set of data. They calculate the ratio and percent of the data. Students discuss alternate ways of graphing the data as well as multiple strategies to approach the task.

Students analyze race and gender in the media. In this algebra lesson, students apply their knowledge of percents and ratios to determine the representation of race and gender in the media. They discuss and graph their data.

Sixth graders complete a purchase order. In this ratios and patterns lesson, 6th graders work in groups to complete a purchase order for a grand opening of the school snack bar. Students use rations to figure out the need and quantity...

Just about every public building that your high schoolers are familiar with has an access ramp which complies with ADA requirements. As it turns out, designing such a ramp is an excellent activity to incorporate slope, the Pythagorean...

Ninth graders research weapons of the Aboriginal people and throw a dart with and without the use of an atlatl. In this cross curricular lesson, 9th graders research the weapons of the Aboriginal people. They throw darts with and without...

Students create a mini city using proportions that fit a model human they construct using tin foil. They plan the city including a library, sports arena, living spaces, parks and businesses. When constructing the paper buildings, they...

Sixth graders explore the scientific method by conducting an in class experiment. In this scientific averages instructional activity, 6th graders discuss the concept of the scientific method, and define the different mathematical...

Students map data on employment in wood products manufacturing in Oregon counties. In this Oregon forest lesson, students discover the percentage of people employed in the forest manufacturing industry. Students create a box and whisker...