Here's a clever switch on the tale of Pandora's Box. Rather than lifting the lid and having problems escape, class members write a problem on a strip of paper and place it in Pandora's Problem Box. A student  then pulls a problem...

Graphing all kinds of situations in one and two variables is the focus of this detailed unit of daily lessons, teaching notes, and assessments. Learners start with piece-wise functions and work their way through setting up and solving...

Ride to success in understanding systems of equations. Scholars graph a system of equations on the cost of a subway and a taxi using an interactive. Using this graph allows users to answer some questions about the situation.  

No! A very simple word that can be very hard to say. Seventh graders have an opportunity to practice this difficult skill as they engage in a series of role-playing scenarios. As an exit ticket, 7th graders write a reflection on the...

Activate the strengths of your visual learners using an informative instructional activity. In the 15th installment of the series of 28, pupils graph their solutions on number lines to create a visual representation of solutions....

One thing that puzzles a lot of young algebrists is the factors in a word problem that are taken as "understood". This presentation on solving systems of linear inequalities does a great job walking the learner through how to tease those...

How do letters and numbers create a picture? Scholars learn to create input/output tables to graph functions. They graph both linear and nonlinear functions by creating tables and plotting points. 

Solving systems of equations underpins much of advanced algebra, especially linear algebra. Developing an intuition for the kinds and descriptions of solutions is key for success in those later courses. This intuition is exactly what...

Capture the engagement of young mathematicians with this upper-elementary math lesson on measuring time and distance. Using Google Maps, students first measure and compare the distance and time it takes to travel between different...

Class members investigate rectangles on the coordinate plane. They determine the length of line segments in the coordinate plane with the same x-coordinate or same y-coordinate and then solve geometric problems involving perimeter...

Show your class how engineers use graphs to understand large and complex systems. The resource provides the beginnings of graph theory by introducing the class to set theory, graphs, and degree distributions of a graph. 

What does solving an inequality have in common with solving an equation? Almost everything! A math resource focuses on the one exception. The examples lead learners through the steps of solving an equality when multiplying or...

Don't throw away those transparency sheets just yet! Young scholars first review inequalities on a number line, then learn about graphing inequalities in the coordinate plane. Finally, they use overhead transparencies to create systems...

The concept of absolute value can be difficult for learners to grasp. Reinforce their understanding of a basic absolute value expression and connect it to solving equations and inequalities. Scholars write two equations/inequalities to...

There's more than one way to solve an equation — three, actually. Scholars learn how to solve simple linear equations in one variable using three different methods, which include using balance scales, using decomposition (e.g., turning...

STAR deputies unite! Scholars gather in small groups to solve problems using the STAR method. Pupils read a card that describes a situation that requires problem-solving. They role-play the scenario in front of their peers.

Sixth graders practice six steps to effective problem solving. Working with the school counselor, class members are presented with a scenario that requires them to make a decision. Individuals then write a reflection in which they...

How many people do you need in a room before two likely share the same birthday? Scholars consider this puzzle by analyzing a set of data. They ponder how to divide the data and determine the proper size of a group for this event to...

Where is a geneticist's favorite place to swim? A gene pool. Young geneticists complete hands-on activities, experiments, and real-world problem solving throughout the unit. With extra focus on dominant and recessive genes, Punnett...

Although graphing a linear inequality on the plane is but a few steps added onto the graphing of a linear equation, for many learners the logical leap is quite intimidating. This approachable PowerPoint presentation breaks graphing...

Create an understanding of solving problems that require more than one equation. The instructional activity introduces the concept of systems of linear equations by using a familiar situation of constant rate problems. Pupils compare the...

So many methods and so little time! The efficient method of graphing a linear equation depends on what information the problem gives. Pupils learn three different methods of graphing linear equations. They graph equations using...

Pupils attempt to solve the Wireless Hotspot Problem and learn why it is considered a computationally hard problem in the ninth lesson of the series on 12. They also learn about one-way functions and how the Wireless Hotspot Problem is...

The process of elimination really works! Use elimination when substitution isn't doing the job. The 29th segment in a series of 33 introduces the elimination method to solving linear systems. Pupils work several exercises to grasp the...