Curated OER
Using Algebra to Explore Problem Space
Students apply their knowledge of math by rewriting word problems using equations. In this word problem activity, students build upon previous knowledge as they set up the correct steps to solve word problems. This activity is full of...
EngageNY
Applying Tangents
What does geometry have to do with depression? It's an angle of course! Learners apply the tangent ratio to problem solving questions by finding missing lengths. Problems include angles of elevation and angles of depression. Pupils make...
Illustrative Mathematics
Dividing by One-Half
Understanding when to divide by two or one-half can be confusing. Here is an activity that gives four different scenarios. It is up to your number crunchers to decide if they divide by two or one-half. The easiest way to approach the...
Curated OER
4 Step Approach to Problem Solving
Students explore problem solving. In this middle school mathematics lesson, students investigate the four-step approach to problem solving. Students solve word problems by employing the four-step process and express...
Curated OER
Fantastic Fraction Fudge
In order to create some tasty fudge, learners must adapt a recipe. Using a recipe for fudge, ingredients must be correctly converted using fractions. If one fraction is incorrect, the fudge will reveal it! Although you will only make one...
EngageNY
Unknown Angle Problems with Inscribed Angles in Circles
We know theorems about circles—now what? Class members prove a theorem, with half the class taking the case where a point is inside the circle and half the class taking the case where a point is outside the circle. The lesson then...
Curated OER
Jon and Charlie's Run
Let's use math to solve an argument. Jon and Charlie are debating about who can run farther, but who is right? That's what your class will figure out as they apply their understanding of fractions to this real-life situation. A simple,...
Curated OER
Bye, Bye, Bye, Fraction Phobia!
Young mathematicians utilize video, the internet, and hands-on learning experiences in order to recognize that fractions aren't as "scary" as they first appear, and that we use them every day in our lives. The hands-on activities in this...
Steven's Institute of Technology
How Does Your Garden Grow?
What to do, bunnies are getting into the garden and eating all the carrots! After reading the story Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! the class works together to design a device that will keep those bunnies out of the garden. They get together in...
EngageNY
Deriving the Quadratic Formula
Where did that formula come from? Lead pupils on a journey through completing the square to discover the creation of the quadratic formula. Individuals use the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations and compare the method to...
EngageNY
Using Trigonometry to Determine Area
What do you do when you don't think you have enough information? You look for another way to do the problem! Pupils combine what they know about finding the area of a triangle and trigonometry to determine triangle area when they don't...
Illustrative Mathematics
Banana Pudding
Making banana pudding despite misplacing your one-cup measuring cup is easy as long as you can find your quarter-cup measuring cup! This real-life activity provides a good opportunity for learners to interpret division of a whole...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Stamp Collection
By using language like "half of the stamps," children are exposed to patterns in arithmetic that requires solving a two-step word problem. This type of language opens a new door for transitioning learners toward understanding fractions...
Illustrative Mathematics
Half of a Recipe
Kids love to cook! What is a better place to learn mixed numbers than with a recipe? It is up to learners to decide how they want to divide this recipe in half. They may choose to model the mixed number and then divide the model by two....
Curated OER
Himalayan Herds: Fractional Exponential Growth
Young scholars solve problems by identifying exponential growth and decay and differentiating between patterns, relation and functions. In this algebra lesson, students apply concepts of exponential growth to solve problems.
Noyce Foundation
Fractured Numbers
Don't use use a fraction of the resource — use it all! Scholars attempt a set of five problem-of-the-month challenges on fractions. Levels A and B focus on creating fractions and equivalent fractions, while Levels C, D, and E touch on...
Curated OER
Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages Got You Down? "Tri" This!
Students explore number sense by creating a math presentation in class. For this parts of a whole lesson, students define and discuss the relationship between fractions, decimals and percentages before completing a problem worksheet in...
Education Development Center
Word Problem with Rational Numbers—Balancing Bars of Soap
Here's a resource teachers won't want to wash their hands of. Given a task where a full bar of soap is on one side of a balance and 3/4 of a bar of soup and a 3/4-ounce weight is on the other side, young mathematicians must determine the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Painting a Room
This real-life math problem concentrates on developing the understanding of dividing a unit fraction by a whole number. It allows students to draw out a solution to aid their thinking. The well-written answer sheet describes common...
Curated OER
Graphs and Functions
Middle schoolers describe plotting functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane. They solve functions on paper and using an online tool to plot points on a Cartesian coordinate plane creating lines and parabolas.
Curated OER
Fraction Action
Students solve problems with fractions. In this algebra lesson, students review the names of fraction and equivalent fractions. They review multiplication and how to find the inverse of a division problem.
Curated OER
Tax, Tip and Discount Word Problems
Pupils solve problems involving tax, tips and discounts. In this algebra lesson, students convert between percents and decimals. They calculate commission using conversion from percents and fractions.
Curated OER
Using Tiles to Solve Word Problems
Students solve problems using equations. In this algebra lesson, students identify the correct symbols and steps when solving word problems. They graph their lines and analyze the slope using tiles.
Curated OER
Get a Half Life!
Eighth graders use M&M's to experiment with data. They use a graphing calculator to determine the best equation for their data; linear, quadratic or exponential. They analyze the data to find the half-life of their M&M's.