Students use Cuisenaire rods to explore common denominators. In this fractions lesson, students build Cuisenaire representations of fractions, then find their equivalent counterparts to find the common denominator.

Subtracting fractions with unlike denominators can be overwhelming, but in this task, 5th graders work systematically to break down the procedure through three questions. The first two questions ask for pictures to be drawn along...

There's a fine line between a numerator and a denominator! Learners find common denominators in order to add and subtract rational expressions. Examples include addition, subtraction, and complex fractions.

Using a real-world example, this problem illustrates the thought process that learners need to engage in to understand adding mixed numbers with common denominators. First by looking at estimation, and then by drawing models that...

Explore a basic pattern to practice writing expressions. In collaborative groups, learners examine a contextual pattern and write an expression to model it. The task encourages groups to describe the pattern in multiple ways.

Learners investigate the derivative of a function.  In this calculus activity, students explore the derivatives of sine, cosine, natural log, and natural exponential functions.  The activity promotes the idea of the derivative...

Sixth graders connect numerical expressions to geometric area. They first complete an assessment task requiring them to identify area models for numerical expressions. Learners then participate in an activity to match area models to...

What do fractions and rational expressions have in common? Everything! Learners use common denominators to solve rational equations. Problems advance from simple to more complex, allowing pupils to fully understand the material before...

Get an up-close-and personal look at the sun from the safety of your classroom with this fun science application. Offering numerous activities, images, and videos, the resource supports children of all ages as they learn about the sun.

Is it possible for a rectangle to have the same area and perimeter? If you disregard units, it happens! In a challenging task, groups work to determine the rectangles that meet these criterion. The hope is that learners will naturally...

Build a solid understanding of rational number relationships by asking class members to use various skills to order decimals, fractions, and numeric power expressions. Using the resource, they find that the fractions do not have an...

Looking at numerous examples of triangles, each with different properties, geometers develop their understanding of congruency. They use the notation of a counter-example to disprove certain conjectures and prove geometric theorems and...

Interpreting algebraic expressions is a fundamental skill in beginning algebra. This lesson approaches the task in numerous ways. First, learners assess their understanding with a short worksheet on converting between words and...

It's scary how fast bacteria can grow — exponentially. Class members solve exponential equations, including those modeling bacteria and population growth. Lesson emphasizes numerical approaches rather than graphical or algebraic.

Log the resource on logarithms for future use. Learners review and explore properties of logarithms and solve base 10 exponential equations in the 12th installment of a 35-part module. An emphasis on theoretical definitions and...

What do Sherlock Holmes and geometry have in common? Why, it is a matter of deductive reasoning as the class learns how to justify each step of a problem. Pupils then present a known fact to ensure that their decision is correct.

Back to the basics: learning how to add numbers. The 17th installment of a 35-part module first reviews addition techniques for rational numbers, such as graphical methods (number line) and numerical methods (standard algorithm). It goes...

A mixture of quinoa and corn is for dinner in this collaborative task that sets up nicely as a system of linear equations. Your supper guests discuss numerical precision and percentages as they formulate a plan of how to solve the problem.

Traditional calculus problem made simple. In the high school assessment task, learners determine the minimum surface area for a can of a given volume using algebraic and numerical methods to solve the problem. No calculus...

High schoolers plot particle sizes of common airborne materials on a log scale. They read an article on particle size and its relationship to the ability to pass through the lungs, into the bloodstream, and eventually into the cells...

After completing an assessment task where they express numbers as the difference of squares (i.e., 9 = 5^2 – 4^2), class members note any patterns that they see in the problems.

Young scholars define properties of fractions and solve for them. In this algebra lesson, students rewrite fractions from mixed numbers to improper fractions. They reduce fractions using the GCF and convert the denominators correctly...

Students study data on the nutritional value of Burger King meals in order to discover its nutritional value and also to compare the meals, using mathematical computation, to the recommended daily diet. In this data handling lesson,...

Students visit numerous places to help in their understanding of Ecology. In this biology lesson plan, students will learn about characteristics and how to identify numerous plants and animals. This lesson allows for many field trip...