Students demonstrate the scientific method by conducting an ice cube melting experiment. They make predictions and observations, and conclude what factors make ice melt more slowly or quickly than normal.

Fourth graders find the volume of cubes and cylinders. To determine volume, they fill large cubes with centimeter cubes. They discuss the formula used to find the volume of a cube. Students explore why the solution to the volume of a...

Investigate rational exponents in this math lesson. Scholars make conjectures about the relationship between rational exponents and radicals. They then use their Ti-Nspire to simplify rational exponents.

Seeking to derive the formula for the volume of a square pyramid, geometry learners construct six square based pyramids that, when pieced together properly, form a cube. Two short videos demonstrate the relationship...

A change is coming. Pupils use unit cubes to investigate how changes in the length, width, and/or height affects volume and surface area. They extend the results to write and test predictions on the effect of changing multiple sides on...

Crawl into the world of the darkling beetle with this scientific investigation. Watch as the insects move through the larval, pupal, and adult stages of life, recording observations along the way. Discuss the necessities of life as young...

Explore early algebra by participating in a pattern identification activity using a random assortment of different household materials. The class creates, completes, and analyzes different patterns with the help of leggos, buttons,...

Students consturct cube trains and use them to measure the length of selected objects in their classroom. They first "guess" with their eyes and then hold up a cube to check their guess.

Eighth graders calculate surface area of 3-D shapes. In this geometry lesson plan, 8th graders analyze cubes and prisms by finding their area and surface area. They compare the data of these two shapes.

Agriculture is truly a math-based profession! Help the dairy farmer determine the supplies needed to complete his barn. Using given dimensions, learners build equations and use units to determine the correct amount of materials.

Will it sink or will it float? Learners predict the outcome as they drop random objects into a container of water. Then, they keep track of the results and record the data in a t-chart to draw a final conclusion.

Who doesn't like building blocks? In the task, pupils use a given diagram of a tower to determine the number of needed blocks. Using this information, pupils then develop a function rule relating the height of the tower to the number of...

Middle-schoolers still enjoy playing with bubbles! In this series of eight laboratory activities, science learners explore convex and concave surfaces, angles, gas laws, buoyancy, density and more! 

Here is a great learning task that focuses on the development of areas in computational fluency including strategies in mental math. Young learners are guided through a list of addition expressions that help them visually understand the...

Third graders study the three states of matter and identify the physical changes that take place between them. There is an initial teacher-led demonstration followed by a meaningful whole-class inquiry. These two activities should lead...

Students participate in a series of hand-on, online, and multimedia activities to examine 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional shapes. They describe common geometric solids. They construct rectangular prisms using straws and ribbon.

Upper graders explore the topic of volume. In this math lesson plan, pupils count volume in cubic units, multiply to find volume, estimate volume, write a multiplication sentence to find the volume, and make a cost analysis of different...

An 80-page resource provides four lessons and all associated worksheets to teach middle schoolers about expressions and equations. The lessons are hands-on, using games, "integer chips," a balance and cubes, and cut and paste activities....

Sixth graders explore geometry by utilizing colored cubes in class. In this volume lesson plan, 6th graders identify the different shapes they can create using their colored cubes and identify the formula for finding volume. Students...

First graders explore physics by participating in a class experiment. In this flight instructional activity, 1st graders create a spinner using construction paper and snap cubes which fly when spun right in class. Students make...

Students explore patterns by participating in a sorting activity. In this pattern identification lesson, students collaborate in a group and share their footwear in order to categorize each other's shoes based on similar characteristics....

Students discuss caves. In this science lesson, students experiment with how dissolution, a chemical weathering process, leads to the formation of caves. Once the cave is finsihed students draw a picture or describe in writing what it...

Sixth graders develop a rule for finding the volume of rectangular solids using colored cubes. They investigate the properties of solid figures and find the volume of an object by counting units. Students fill spaces with standard-sized...

Most middle schoolers probably feel that quilting is at best an activity left to their grandmothers. This instructional activity uses the Zome modeling system to get them to realize how shapes in quilting are really tessellations and...