Curated OER
Subtracting Fractions - Unequal Denominators
Subtracting fractions that have unequal denominators is a tricky process. The lesson utilizes fraction bars as a manipulative, in order to understand subtracting fractions and estimating differences. After completing three activities in...
Curated OER
I Can Build It.....Yes I Can!
Kindergartners listen to a story read by their teacher, then use magnetic shape pieces to construct simple designes. They "build" their own house using pre-cut paper shapes. This age-appropriate lesson would be an excellent choice for...
National Security Agency
Equations and Expressions
Learners demonstrate their knowledge pictorially, concretely, and abstractly in this unit meant to last three hours over three days. Using hands-on activities, manipulatives, real-world applications, and problem solving, learners write...
Illustrative Mathematics
Bowling for Numbers
When do teams want a strike? When they are playing this fun math game modeled after bowling. First, class teams roll four dice to generate the numbers they will use in that round, called a frame, of the game. Next, pins numbered 1...
Curated OER
Get in Shape with Geometry
Using geoboards, computer programs, and hands-on manipulative materials, elementary schoolers engage in a study of two and three-dimensional geometric shapes. This lesson is chock full of good teaching ideas on the subject, and the...
Center for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching
Vectors
Investigate vectors and learn how to use them. Explore why size and direction, as well as knowing speed and distance, are important components of the vector problems you are trying to solve. This is an extensive lesson which includes six...
Curated OER
Rule for Equality of Fractions
Here is a lesson on equality of fractions. Learners use fraction bar manipulatives as the lesson goes along to help them visually understand equivalent fractions. The activities described are top-notch, and there is a worksheet embedded...
Illustrative Mathematics
An Integer Identity
Challenge algebra learners to use the difference of cubes to solve this problem. Once your charges have taken out the factor (a - b), combined the like terms and set them equal to zero, the problem becomes a factorable quadratic...
Exploratorium
String Shapes
You'd never have guessed it, but simple pieces of string make a fabulous manipulative for the study of geometry! In the fine lesson here, young mathematicians use string to make a variety of polygons. Pupils sit in various configurations...
Curated OER
Profit of a Company
Your business executives choose which of three equivalent forms of a quadratic equation is the most useful for finding various pieces of information in this task centered on a company's profits.
National Security Agency
Backyard Building - Area and Perimeter
Turn young mathematicians into landscape architects with this four-lesson series on area and perimeter. Beginning with a basic introduction to calculating perimeter and area using non-standard units of measurement, this instructional...
Illustrative Mathematics
Sammy's Chipmunk and Squirrel Observations
Here is a fun project. Sammy observes a chipmunk and a squirrel to see how many holes each needs in order to stash the same number of acorns. Scholars could find the answer algebraically or create a table to analyze the problem in...
Curated OER
Comparing Exponentials
Growing money exponentially is the context of this scenario that asks learners to compare investments in two certificate of deposit accounts. Your young investment analysts will learn about the exponential characteristics of money...
Curated OER
Seeing Dots
Your algebra learners interpret algebraic expressions, in order to compare their structures, using a geometric context. They also discern how the two expressions are equivalent and represent a pattern geometrically and algebraically.
Curated OER
Pairs of Whole Numbers
Mathematical reasoning and linear systems are two of the strategies used to solve this number puzzle. Your learners will enjoy the challenge and the variety of ways to approach this challenge.
Curated OER
Taxi!
Your young taxi drivers evaluate and articulate the reasoning behind statements in a conceptual task involving linear data. The given data table of distances traveled and the resulting fare in dollars is used by learners to explore...
Curated OER
How the West Was One - Three x Four
While this instructional activity provides a motivating and interesting way to review the concept of the order of operations, it involves the use of software called How the West Was One + Three x Four. There are also other resources that...
Curated OER
Solving Problems Involving Subtraction
Here is an excellent lesson plan on solving subtraction word problems using fractions and mixed numbers. Learners complete three activities that will help them to explore and better-understand the world of mixed numbers. Fraction bars...
Curated OER
The Squares of Numbers in Multiplication
Review multiplication facts and concepts! This clear, and easy to follow instructional activity will help your class to understand multiplication by using arrays and repeated addition. There are strategies to help with memorization and...
Curated OER
A Walk in the Park
Using a word problem, learners practice estimation techniques. After leading the class through a solution to this problem, a teacher could have the class complete other estimation activities using this one as a model.
Curated OER
Equivalent Fractions
If you are looking for a simple way to review equivalent fractions, this is a great resource. Using a visual means and a series of examples, learners review this skill. There is a worksheet provided and a prompt to encourage pupils to...
Curated OER
Fractions and Measurement
Using a Smart Board, or a plain ol' white board or chalkboard, the teacher pulls up a grid and demonstrates how squares and rectangles can be divided up into equal parts. The class will get their own graph paper to draw shapes and divide...
California Academy of Science
Optimal and Sustainable: Renewable Energy Revamp
More than 100 cities around the world have shifted from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Scholars investigate a city wanting to make this switch, but needs help determining how to make the shift. Groups consider all options,...
Curated OER
Subtract Positive and Negative Integers
Review the concept of subtracting positive and negative integers. Learners review the rules for subtracting integers, use manipulatives to visualize the process, and complete an assessment.