Here is a lesson that starts with having geometers translate points using compass directions into an accurate picture of the problem. Then they must use their knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem or similar triangles to solve. This makes...

Birthdays are a time for celebration, and now they're a time for calculation! An AP calculus lesson uniquely explores relationships between a polynomial function and its derivative. Learners create a cubic function based...

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...

Investigate the components of vectors and vector addition through geometric representations. Pupils learn the parallelogram rule for adding vectors and demonstrate their understanding graphically. They utilize the correct notation and...

Don't let your class's heart rates rise as you introduce them to differentiation ... an inquiry-based lesson helps them keep it in check! The second lesson in a three-part series asks learners to analyze the rate of change of different...

Learn through constructions! Learners examine a translation using constructions and define the translation using a vector. Pupils then construct parallel lines to determine the location of a translated image and use the vector as a guide.

Programming a robot is a mathematical task! The activity asks learners to examine the process of programming a robot to vacuum a room. They use a coordinate plane to model the room, write equations to represent movement, determine the...

How many sides does that polygon have? Building directly from lesson number eight in this series, learners now find the area and perimeter of any polygon on the coordinate plane. They decompose the polygons into triangles and use Green's...

Use everything you know about quadratic equations to solve polynomial equations! Learners apply the Zero Product Property to factor and solve polynomial equations. They make a direct connection to methods they have used with quadratic...

Anyone can draw a square, but can you CONSTRUCT a square? Here is a resource that challenges math scholars to create steps to finish their own construction. They test their ability to read and follow directions to complete a construction...

In order to learn about the Pythagorean Theorem, young mathematicians investigate relations and patterns between different sides of a right triangle to look for possible relations among the squared sides. Once they have established the...

From derivatives to antiderivatives and back again. Building on the second instructional activity of the three-part series covering functions, learners explore the concept of an antiderivative. They connect the concept to the graph of...

Learners find the surface area and volume of the solid figures by measuring the length and the height of each face and base. They use concrete models to derive formulas for finding perimeter, circumference, area, surface area, and volume...

Eighth graders compare the volume of three cylinders constructed from the same size sheet of paper. They use concrete and graphical models to derive formulas for finding perimeter, circumference, area, and volume of two and three...

Discover an inverse variation pattern. A simple lesson plan design allows learners to explore a nonlinear pattern. Scholars analyze a distance, speed, and time relationship through tables and graphs. Eventually, they write an equation to...

Using Cabri Jr. students construct a circle and determine the equation of the circle they drew by finding the center and the radius. Students use the distance formula to derive the equation of their circle.

Learners explore the necessity for standards of measurement and measure length, volume, mass and angles. In this measurement lesson plan, students use their hand and foot to measure objects in the room. They compare their measurements to...

Pupils read about the history of paper production and make their own recycled paper. In this paper making lesson, students follow the directions to make paper from recycled paper. Pupils also learn about making paper from live plants.

What does it take to build a stable arch? Pupils apply vectors and physics as they examine arched bridges and their structural integrity. They use vectors to represent the forces acting on the stone sections and make conclusions based on...

Classmates apply midpoint concepts by leapfrogging around the complex plane. The 12th lesson in a 32 segment unit, asks pupils to apply distances and midpoints in relationship to two complex numbers. The class develops a formula to find...

Shuffle 'em up and deal! Learners practice operations with polynomials using cards they pass around the room. The activity works with pairs or individuals, so it offers great flexibility. This is the fifth installment in a series of 42...

Congruence and similarity apply to functions as well as polygons. Learners examine the effects of transformations on the shape of parabolas. They determine the transformation(s) that produce similar and congruent functions.

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...

Examine the process of rotating images to visualize effects of changes to them. The fifth activity of 18 prompts pupils to rotate different images to various degrees of rotation. It pays special attention to rotations in multiples of 90...