University of Colorado
Distance = Rate x Time
Every year, the moon moves 3.8 cm farther from Earth. In the 11th part of 22, classes use the distance formula. They determine the distance to the moon based upon given data and then graph Galileo spacecraft data to determine its movement.
Illustrative Mathematics
Building a General Quadratic Function
Rewrite a quadratic function to easily see the transformations involved. The instructional task takes a general quadratic function and rewrites it into a form that shows the translations and scaling of the parent quadratic function. The...
Illustrative Mathematics
Kimi and Jordan
Kimi and Jordan have taken summer jobs to supplement their weekly allowances. Kimi earns more per hour than Jordan, but Jordan's weekly allowance is greater. This activity asks students to determine how the incomes of the two workers...
Illustrative Mathematics
Exponentials and Logarithms I
This task focuses on using the verbal definition of the logarithm to understand that a logarithm is an exponent. Learners complete six computational exercises using the inverse properties of logs and exponents and answer two discussion...
Illustrative Mathematics
Graphs of Quadratic Functions
The equations look different, but their graphs are the same. How can that be? This activity leads your mathematicians in an exploration of three different forms of the same quadratic function. After comparing the equations, their graphs,...
Curated OER
Carbon 14 Dating in Practice I
Analyzing and evaluating exponential functions will help your archaeologists find the amount of Carbon 14 remaining in a plant in this real-life task centered on carbon dating. Learners will also be introduced to the concept of...
Curated OER
Building a General Quadratic Function
Learners rewrite a general quadratic function by completing the square to see a new form of the function that more easily identifies the x-coordinate of the vertex and the two roots of the function.
Curated OER
Basketball Rebounds
Your young basketball players will build a table and develop a general formula for a decaying exponential scenario involving the rebound distance of a bouncing ball. Using a CBR and graphing calculator can make this even more hands-on...
Curated OER
In the Billions and Exponential Modeling
Modeling population growth gives learners an opportunity to experiment with real data. Comparing the growth rates in this real-life task strengthens learners' understanding that exponential functions change by equal factors over equal...
National Gallery of Canada
Self-Portrait, Mirrors and Metamorphosis!
Using M.C. Escher's Hand with Reflecting Sphere as inspiration, learners create their own set of self-portraits using various reflective surfaces. The instructional activity begins with a discussion about portraiture and ends with a...
Curated OER
Snail Invasion
Exponential growth is modeled by learners as they analyze and interpret the data presented in this real-life scenario centered on the destructive invasion of the Giant African Land Snail. Learners get a touch of history and practice...
National Gallery of Canada
Taken Out of Perspective
Art does not always have to look perfectly realistic. Play with proportion and shape by stretching images. Pupils study works of art by Picasso, Cézanne, and Monet before selecting a photograph to adapt. They use a distorted grid to...
Buffalo State
A Five Day Approach to Using Technology and Manipulatives to Explore Area and Perimeter
Young mathematicians build an understanding of area and perimeter with their own two hands in a series of interactive geometry lessons. Through the use of different math manipulatives, children investigate the properties of rectangles,...
NASA
Creating a Space Exploration Infrastructure
What will it take to explore space? Teams of pupils determine the needs of a lunar outpost and research the required systems. The pupils then learn about the past space exploration vehicles. The third and final lesson challenges project...
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Rational and Irrational Number
Algebra learners must know how to use rational numbers to approximate irrationals. This resource asks participants to decide which number is larger without using a calculator. It makes a great exercise to use as a five-minute transition...
Illustrative Mathematics
Which Function?
Learners are given a graph of a parabola on a coordinate system, but intercepts and vertex are not labeled. The task is to analyze eight given quadratic functions and determine which ones might possibly be represented by the graph. The...
Illustrative Mathematics
Pizza Place Promotion
The longer you wait to try the new pizza place, the more it's going to cost you! This real-world problem about how the cost of pizza varies with respect to time is a good example of how piecewise functions are used to describe...
Curated OER
When 1 is 2: The Art of Alighiero e Boetti
Students observe the duality in the art of Alighiero Boetti. Students discuss the life of Boetti. They examine the duality that exists in ourselves. Students produce two creative writings about duality in life.
Illustrative Mathematics
Springboard Dive
Dive into this problem that illustrates a real-world application of the quadratic formula. Learners are given an equation that represents the height of a diver above the water t seconds after leaving the springboard. The task is to...
Curated OER
A Trip to Colonial Virginia
Students consider prices while planning a trip to Colonial Virginia. For this budgeting lesson, students construct an itinerary of events for a vacation. Students are responsible for working within the approved budget.
Curated OER
Meet the Neighbors: Planets Around Nearby Stars
Students explain why a transiting planet causes a periodic dimming in the light from its parent star. They determine the radius of a planet, and its orbital distance, by analyzing data and manipulating equations. Students compare the...
Curated OER
Part-Part-Whole
First graders work with partners, using cubes to make addition sentences. In this math lesson, 1st graders separate cubes into 2 parts and discuss the relationship to addition sentences. Students practice separating cubes. Students make...
Curated OER
A Journey Through The Seasons
Second graders demonstrate creative movement, singing in canon or rounds, and playing instruments while taking "a musical journey through the seasons" in this second grade General Music instructional activity. Songs and discussion...
Curated OER
Singing In Canon
Third graders analyze and discuss the four seasons and how each can be represented in song form. This lesson plan is intended for the third grade Music classroom but could be adapted for any elementary grade. State and National...