Host a design challenge of Olympic proportion! Junior engineers build their own bobsleds using simple materials. The activity focuses on kinetic and potential energy and how the center of mass affects motion on a downhill track....

The brother-sister pair Carlos and Clarita need your class's help in developing their new pet sitting business. Through a variety of scenarios and concerns presented to the siblings, the learners thoroughly explore systems of equations...

If members of your class wonder where they can use the math they learn in middle school, let them discover the answer. Learners apply geometry concepts of scale and measure to calculate the costs of framing a house addition.

Students graph linear http://www.lessonplanet.com/review?id=180542equations. In this problem solving lesson, students calculate slope and plot ordered pairs on a coordinate grid. Using a real-life example of a walk-a-thon, students...

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...

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...

Students write the algebraic equation to determine the number of weeks money must be saved to purchase a yo-yo. In this algebra lesson plan, students create a pattern of one penny surrounded by six pennies. They continue the pattern and...

Make the most of your prom—with math! Pupils write and use a quadratic model to determine the optimal price of prom tickets. After determining the costs associated with the event, learners use a graph to analyze the break even point(s).

Students create a cookbook.  In this recipe and writing activity, students brainstorm the skills necessary to follow a recipe, watch a cooking show and write down a recipe used.  Students use a word processing program to write...

Young scholars investigate geometric shapes by creating figures on a plane. In this polygon lesson, students complete a worksheet based on the angles in a power polygon. Young scholars identify the different types of polygons and define...

Students research loans. In this financial instructional activity, students explore the benefits and drawbacks of applying for a pay-day advance loan. Students compare different programs and calculate interest owed. Multiple resources...

Sixth graders identify the major obstacles in farming in Mesopotamia. They work together to design and build a model that solves these problems. They write a short essay that describes the problems and their possible solutions.

Young cartographers in groups hide treasure at school and then create a map to find it using pattern blocks and tiles. They make paintings with clues to create a visual representation of the location of their treasure. Groups present...

Students explore math functions by completing worksheets in class. In this word problem lesson, students read the story A Remainder of One and practice solving division problems from the story. Students complete a worksheet which...

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 study math. In this real-life problem solving instructional activity, students work on their skills dealing with time and money. They work in small groups on various time and money word problems and by the final day they have a...

Students work in small groups to solve the problems presented. The main project, mapping the classroom, use these discussions to collaborate in creating a tangible demonstration of their understanding.

Get your class to use the scientific process to solve a scientific problem. They utilize the Natural Inquirer magazine to identify a research question which they write an introduction to and collect data to answer. They use graphs,...

Are we there yet?  Young trip planners learn about their state and plan a trip. They will select sites to see in three cities in their state, and record associated costs in a spreadsheet. While this was originally designed as a...

Students explore inventions. In this physical science invention lesson, students work with a team to create an invention using everyday materials.

Sixth graders investigate metric measurements. In this metric measurement lesson, 6th graders explore mass, capacity, and length. Students examine graduated cylinders and balance scales to obtain measurements. Resources are provided.

Students create graphs and tables, as well as interpret and make inferences from the data shown to determine when and where graphs and tables are most useful.

Young scholars research an element from the Periodic Table in groups of two and incorporate several forms of technology. Students must select a form of presentation of their researched information, which is guided by a rubric. Young...

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...