EngageNY
Recursive Formulas for Sequences
Provide Algebra I learners with a logical approach to making connections between the types of sequences and formulas with a lesson that uses what class members know about explicit formulas to develop an understanding of recursive formulas.
Balanced Assessment
Stick Patterns
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but these sticks will make me smarter. Pupils examine arrays of sticks to determine the next array in a pattern. They use the number of sticks added to each previous array to determine a recursive...
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...
Kenan Fellows
Dinner Party: Using Pattern Trains to Demonstrate Linear Functions
Nothing fancy here ... just your run-of-the-mill Algebra party! Learners explore the patterns of linear functions while designing seating arrangements for a dinner party. Comparing the number of tables to the perimeter of the combined...
Mathematics Vision Project
Quadratic Functions
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, then apply these...
Curated OER
Amazing Fibonacci
Students integrate the patterns of Fibonacci into music. For this geometry lesson, students apply the concepts of recursion, pattern and Phi or Golden Ratio to composing and playing music on various instruments. They lesson is co-taught...
Curated OER
Susita's Account
Your algebra students double their money monthly in this task based on a checking account balance. Learners write an equation to model the situation and then use their model to answer contextual questions.
EngageNY
Algebraic Expressions—The Distributive Property
Do your classes truly understand the distributive property? Use a demonstrative lesson to represent the distributive property in various ways. Learners solidify understanding by creating a geometric pattern for distributive property, and...
Curated OER
Matchstick Math: Using Manipulatives to Model Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions
Playing with matches (unlit, of course) becomes an engaging learning experience in this fun instructional unit. Teach pupils how to apply properties of exponential functions to solve problems. They differentiate between quadratic and...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 1: Sequences
Sequences are all about recognizing patterns. A module of 11 lessons builds pupils' understanding of sequences through pattern analysis. The practice connects the analysis to linear and exponential equations. This is the first module in...
Curated OER
Curses and Re-Curses! It's Happening Again.
Students study basic recursion by exploring patterns in the data they generate from two simple probability-based experiments. In the first, students flip a coin to discover how many times they must flip it before it lands on "heads."...
Shodor Education Foundation
An Introduction to Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences
Help your class look for patterns as they create their own arithmetic and geometric sequences. Engage learners with an introductory discussion on sequences and use the applet to let them explore how sequences are formed. Teachers might...
Curated OER
Tower of Hanoi Lesson Plan
Young scholars investigate the Legend of the Tower of Hanoi and complete mathematical problems related to the legend. They play the Tower of Hanoi game online in order to discover the number pattern involved. They solve problems using...
Curated OER
The Mandelbrot Set
Students explore the concept of Mandelbrot sets and Julia sets. In this Mandelbrot and Julia set lesson, students use a function integrator applet to investigate two-variable function iterations. Students use Julia set and Mandelbrot set...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 3: Polynomial Functions
An informative module highlights eight polynomial concepts. Learners work with polynomial functions, expressions, and equations through graphing, simplifying, and solving.
Curated OER
Investing
Students collect data on investments and draw conclusions. In this algebra lesson, students analyze exponential graphs as they relate to money. They discuss the cause of an account balance being high or low.
Curated OER
Rotation Sensor Challenge
Students participate in a challenge to construct a rotation sensor with the highest degree of accuracy and repeatability. They conduct computer analysis of their sensor using repeated trial.
Curated OER
The Mandelbrot Set
Students explore the Mandelbrot Set. They are introduced to the concept of a complex number and function in order to motivate the discussion of Julia and Mandelbrot sets. Students investigate fractals and how they are built.