Math Stars
Math Stars: A Problem-Solving Newsletter Grade 6
Think, question, brainstorm, and make your way through a newsletter full of puzzles and word problems. The resource includes 10 different newsletters, all with interesting problems, to give class members an out-of-the box...
Curated OER
Investigation-How Many Toothpicks?
Seventh graders use toothpicks to investigate a series of designs and identify patterns. Data is organized and analyzed using tables and graphs, and students make generalizations using algebraic expressions.
Curated OER
Toothpick Triangles
Students draw a chart (included in the lesson) to use with their investigation. They review terminology of triangles and receive toothpicks to use in the lesson. Beginning with three toothpicks, students form a triangle. They complete...
101 Questions
Toothpicks
Analyze patterns and build functions. Young scholars work on their modeling skills with an inquiry-based lesson. After watching a video presentation of the problem, they write functions and make predictions.
Curated OER
Toothpick Tops
Pupils assembly tops and name them 1 - 12 so that they can compare their results. They guess which top they think will spin the best and then record data on "Toothpick Top" table. Using a stopwatch or clock to measure and record the spin...
Curated OER
Skate Borders
Elementary schoolers explore how making different rectangular shapes with the same perimeter has an affect on the area of those shapes. Learners use the worksheet embedded in the plan to design their own skateboarding track. They use...
Curated OER
How Many Toothpicks?
Students investigate different geometric patterns. In this geometry lesson, students create different shapes using toothpicks. They create different patterns and designs and complete a charts using different measurements.
Curated OER
Measuring the Egyptian Way using the Pythagorean Theorem
Students measure using the Pythagorean Theorem. In this geometry instructional activity, students solve right triangles using the properties of the Pythagorean theorem. They apply the same knowledge to solving story problems.
K20 LEARN
Didn’t We Already Learn That Pattern? Functions/Arithmetic Sequences
Just how many toothpicks does the pattern take? After watching a video of someone building a pattern with toothpicks, groups create methods to find the number of toothpicks needed to accomplish that task. Groups either use explicit...
North Carolina State University
Shapes
Expose youngsters to 3-D objects in a hands-on learning activity involving marshmallows and toothpicks. Engage your young mathematicians by introducing them to 3-D shapes by means of a story book. Explore 3-D shapes by manipulating...
Virginia Department of Education
Square Patios
Build a patio from toothpicks and marshmallows to analyze functions! Learners look for patterns in the data as they create different size patios. As they discover patterns, they make connections between the different representations of...
Curated OER
Measuring Real Stuff
Looking for a good lesson on measurement? This one could be for ytou! Learners select and use appropriate nonstandard units to measure and compare lengths and weights of real-life objects. They use problem-solving skills to design a...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Geo Shapes
Invite your first graders to compose and decompose two and three-dimensional figures with this fun, hands-on lesson. They investigate and predict the results of putting together and taking apart two-dimensional shapes with rubber bands...
Curated OER
Modeling the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Learners construct a model of an electromagnetic spectrum using play-doh and string. They use exponents and plot the radio/microwave, infrared, and visible bandwidths of the spectrum.
Curated OER
Migrating Math
Pupils practice estimating distance traveled while walking. Also can be used to introduce backpacking/hiking or as a daily warm-up. Measure the blacktop/cafeteria/playground, then determine how many times around make a mile.
Curated OER
Using Concept Maps to Design 3D Spheres
Young scholars create three dimensional shapes using concept maps. In this geometry lesson, students investigate the impact of mental schemas on humans. They collect data on this topic and plot their data on a coordinate plane.
Curated OER
Solid Figures
Students investigate solids. For this geometry lesson, students use toothpicks and gum drops to solve problems. They create visuals to help them see what is happening to the shapes.
Curated OER
Use of Microscopes and Creation of Slides
Students explore the use of microscopes and the creation of slides. They practice using, adjusting and viewing with a microscope. they view slides of familiar substances such as blood and fibers. In addition, they create slides using...
Curated OER
Toothpick Breakdown
Fourth graders model the activity of an enzyme acting on a substrate and observe relationships. Have students place toothpicks in a pile. One member of the team should break as many toothpicks as possible, in 10 seconds.
Curated OER
Heredity Mix 'n Match
Students randomly select jelly beans that represent genes for several human traits such as tongue-rolling ability and eye color. Then, working in pairs (preferably of mixed gender), students randomly choose new pairs of jelly beans from...
Curated OER
Biology: Understanding Cellular Organelles
Students distinguish the differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells. Using microscopes, they examine a variety of plant and animal cells. Working in groups, they draw and label plant and animal cells and show the mathematical...
Virginia Department of Education
Growing Patterns and Sequences
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...
North Carolina State University
Construction
Engineering design projects serve as great opportunities for collaborative problem solving. In this case, students work in small groups designing, building, and eventually testing a structure that meets a teacher-specified objective. It...
Curated OER
Marshmallow Towers
Students explore geometry by completing a marshmallow activity in class. In this architecture lesson, students identify the jobs of civil engineers and architects while identifying different geometric shapes as well. Students utilize...