Students investigate apples. In this reading comprehension lesson, students read a book about apples then compare and contrast, make graphs, distinguish between fact and fiction and work in groups. Students work in groups...

Teach your readers to be critical thinkers. A strategy is outlined that can be used to compare and contrast entities. An example lists four states. The learner removes one state that "does not belong" in the list for some reason, and...

Looking for a fun and interactive way to explore bovine biology? Learners read a brief informational text (included for printing) before participating in several cross-curricular activities. First, grab their attention with a hilarious...

Students examine fabric. In this Applied Science lesson, students look at the fibers of fabric through a microscope. Students compare and contrast a variety of fibers.

Learners explore, discover, compare, and contrast arithmetic and geometric sequences in this collaborative, hands-on activity. They build and analyze growing patterns to distinguish which kind of sequence is represented by a set of data...

Learners explore fall leaves. In this leaf lesson, students collect leaves to investigate. Learners also measure, compare and contrast, draw and look at leaves through a magnifying glass. Students sing songs and use movement in this...

Build a solid foundation on which to develop future concepts. Through a guided exploration, learners compare and contrast the characteristics of points, lines, planes, rays, and segments. They measure lengths and practice notation for...

Inquiry-based learning and investigations form the basis of a deep understanding of quadratic functions in a very thorough unit plan.  Learners develop recursive and closed methods for representing real-life situations,...

How can you tell if number relationships are proportional? Mathematicians investigate proportional relationships. They compare and contrast functions and graphs to determine the characteristics of proportional relationships, as well as...

Explore linear and nonlinear models to help your class build their function skills. In a continuation of the previous lesson, learners continue to analyze and sketch functions that model real-world situations. They progress from linear...

Who knew there were so many fun educational opportunities featuring pasta? Scholars read a brief informational text about the history of pasta (note that "macaroni" is spelled two different ways, so address this if kids are reading...

Exploring families of functions allows students compare and contrast properties of functions.  Students discuss properties that include symmetry, max and min points, asymptotes, derivatives, etc.

Although this is a science lesson, it can be adapted to help meet Common Core standards in math as well. Starting scientists describe physical properties of objects and explore three forms of water. To address the Common Core, they can...

Math rocks! Cavern design teams determine the rankings of rock types based upon desirability points. The points are connected to the properties of the rocks and their usefulness in building a cavern. 

How does a bank make money? That is the question at the based of a lesson that explores the methods banks use to calculate interest. Groups compare the linear simple interest pattern with the exponential compound interest pattern. 

Students graph equations using the y-intercept. For this algebra lesson, students investigate functions based their slope and y-intercept. They learn to analyze graphs by comparing the y-intercepts of the graphs.

Students compare the costs of two cellular phone plans and determine the best rate. They use a table and a graph of points plotted on a Cartesian plane to display their findings. Students write an equation containing variables that could...

Learners explore linear, quadratic, and exponential functions in this activity that makes use of TI Navigator and TI Plus calculators. Using the technology, learners compare and contrast the three types of functions given in...

Human graphs, anyone? Did you eat fruit today? What is your favorite costume? Have your K – 6 learners graph the responses. Early elementary grades may count and compare while upper grades compare responses of different groups or make...

Lead the class in a review of the basic concepts and procedures involved in measuring length, weight, and volume. After whole group instruction, small groups and individuals practice measuring by completing a variety of fun activities...

Create a linear versus exponential debate. An exploratory lesson asks scholars to analyze population data and determine the best type of function to model the pattern. The data represents populations from five continents.

All work and no play makes for a boring classroom! Bring back memories by analyzing the patterns of a tether ball. Given the dimensions of the ball, pole, and rope, young scholars must determine how many times the ball will wrap around...

Students solve exponential and log functions. In this algebra instructional activity, students graph natural log and logarithmic functions. They compare and contrast between logs and the exponential graphs. 

Via the concrete setting of estimating the population of the US, your algebra learners are introduced to a logistic growth model. Comparing and contrasting logistic, exponential, linear and quadratic models, to see which fits the data...