Build a definition of congruence from an understanding of rigid transformations. The lesson asks pupils to explain congruence through a series of transformations. Properties of congruence emerge as they make comparisons to these...

Sharpen your pencil and grab a ruler, it's time to draw some quadrilaterals! Given the definition of a parallelogram, rectangle, and rhombus, learners draw examples and nonexamples of each figure. The three definitions are...

Introduce the concept of exponential functions with an activity that extends the definition of exponents to include rational values. Start with a doubling function at integer values of time, then expand table to include frational time...

Learners investigate the intervals represented by a function in this calculus lesson. They decide what interval of the function will be positive, negative or zero. They are then given graphs of functions and asked to analyze it.

A great idea for showing language arts pupils the universality of themes, even in the real world! Have class members choose an idea-noun (peace, justice, war, love, etc.) at the beginning of the year or semester. They complete weekly...

Put together the pieces and model a parabola. Learners work through several examples to develop an understanding of a parabola graphically and algebraically. 

Formalize the notion of a function. Scholars continue their exploration of functions in the second instructional activity of the module. They consider functions as input-output machines and develop function rules for selected functions.

Challenge your class to construct a definition for trapezoids. Looking at four examples and four non-examples, students individually create definitions and use them to classify an unknown shape. Allow for small group and whole-class...

Students create a Hexaflexagon using a formula. In this calculus activity, students apply the definition of delta epsilon as it relates to limit to create a shape using creases. They relate the same rule to triangles and investigate angles.

High schoolers explore an application of definite integrals. They graph three functions that go through the same three points. Learners use the symbolic capacity of their calculators to find the shortest path through the three points and...

Twelfth graders define limits and use the delta epsilon definition to solve limits. In this calculus lesson, 12th graders investigate the x and y axis using delta epsilon limits. They learn a song to help them remember the definition.

Transform your scholars into mathematicians as they develop their own geometric definition. The task asks individuals to compare cylindrical objects and create a definition for the disc-ness of each object. They may use any method and...

Creating a definition may be easier than it sounds! Give your classes experience creating their own definition. Scholars examine the meaning of the compact-ness of a scatter plot and create their own definitions based on measurements. 

Discover the results of reflecting an image. Learners use transparency paper to manipulate an image using a reflection in this fourth lesson of 18. They finish by reflecting various images across both vertical and horizontal lines.

Uncover the properties of translations through this exploratory lesson. Learners apply vectors to describe and verify transformations in the second installment of a series of 18. It provides multiple opportunities to practice this...

Examine the process of rotating images to visualize effects of changes to them. The fifth lesson plan of 18 prompts pupils to rotate different images to various degrees of rotation. It pays special attention to rotations in multiples of...

Students compare the colloquial definition of temperature with the scientific definition. They, in groups, then explore the changes of water under different temperatures and calculate and compare their findings on three different...

Students discover the role of a watershed. In this geography instructional activity, students are shown a diagram of a watershed and discuss the definition of a watershed. Students demonstrate the role of a watershed by using an umbrella...

Learners practice using a protractor and ruler to draw various points and lines. Using a computer, they draw the points and lines in the program and describe the differences between their drawing and the computer's drawing. They complete...

This collaborative activity investigates the meaning of a trapezoid and a parallelogram. It begins by presenting two different definitions of a trapezoid. Learners are to reason abstractly the difference between the two definitions and...

What is family? Challenge your scholars to write an encompassing definition of what this word means to them. After reading "It May Be a Family Matter, But Just Try to Define Family," class members discuss the emotional issues surrounding...

Learn transformations through constructions! Pupils use perpendicular bisectors to understand the movement of a reflection and rotation. They discover that the perpendicular bisector(s) determine the line of reflection and the...

Study the importance of word choice in informational text. Middle and high schoolers locate unfamiliar words and phrases in newspaper articles of their choosing, and use online word sites to explore the definitions and histories of each....

Traveling through space is an amazing experience, but it definitely takes a toll on the body. After reading an article and watching a brief video, learners perform an experiment that simulates the effects of zero gravity on the...