Scholars connect slope-intercept form and standard form to the values of m and b by first matching a set of cards that have slope-intercept form, standard form, values of m, values of b, and graphs of linear equations. They then play a...

Demonstrate the abstract process of solving equations by using algebra tiles as a concrete representation. Scholars begin by solving equations through the use of manipulatives. As they gain more confidence, they progress to...

In this real-world example, algebra learners start to get a sense of how to represent the relationship between two variables in different ways. They start by looking at a partial table of values that define a linear relationship. They...

Get hands on with solving systems of equations graphically. A solid lesson plan uses guided practice to show how to solve systems of linear equations. It allows time for sharing ideas and provides a printable matching activity...

High school classes can use manipulatives too! Offer hands-on, interactive lessons that venture away from the typical day in your algebra class. Young mathematicians will be involved in collaborative learning, visual...

Pupils build on previous experience with slope to investigate positive, negative, zero, and undefined slope. They complete a puzzle matching slope-intercept and standard forms of linear equations.

Who can afford the computer required to land a summer job? Pupils work in pairs to solve problems related to finding the number of hours needed to work to purchase a given item. Individuals then work on a performance-based assessment to...

Is foot length to forearm length a linear association? The class collects data of fellow scholars' foot length and the length of their forearms. They plot the data and find a line of best fit. Using that line, they make predictions of...

What do I want to do when I grow up? Learners research job categories and determine a career within the category. Using the chosen job, pupils find the hourly wage and calculate future income based on percentage wages. Individuals then...

Through a variety of physical and theoretical situations, learners are led through the development of some of the deepest concepts in high school mathematics. Complex numbers, the fundamental theorem of algebra and rational exponents...

How can you model exponential decay? Explore different situations involving exponential decay functions and decreasing linear functions by performing activities with MandM candy, popcorn kernels, and number cubes.

Compare graphing an inequality in one variable on a number line to graphing an inequality in two variables on a coordinate plane. Young mathematicians work on a puzzle matching inequalities and their solutions. They then complete a...

Go around and around with slope. The class investigates tornadoes by watching videos, building a homemade tornado, and performing research on the Storm Prediction Center website. Groups gather data and create scatter plots for twisters...

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...

Ramp up the study of slope. The class participates in a discussion about the physical aspects of stairs and ramps they encounter. Small groups work together and measure a staircase and corresponding ramp to calculate the slope of each....

Slopes are everywhere—even in houses! Given a picture of a house, learners find lines with positive, negative, zero, and no slopes. Scholars determine the equation of the lines by calculating the slopes and y-intercepts. Class members...

Leaners investigate families of linear functions through dance. They choreograph dance moves to model nine unique linear functions of their choosing. Using their dance moves, teams create a video presentation complete with music and...

Each piece of the y=mx+b formula represents something important about graphing. Take those important ideas and connect them to each part of the formula with notes or examples underneath each tab representing y, m, x,...

How do companies determine the prices of their products? Marketing maestros discover the concepts of cost and break-even point through discussion, independent practice, and a collaborative assessment. The career and technology-oriented...

What is my monthly payment? Scholars research to find the perfect car for them to buy. Using the cost of the car, they determine a down payment and the amount of monthly payments using a zero interest loan. Finally, they investigate what...

Happy Pi Day! This collection of games, experiments, and activities leads participants through an exploration of the many aspects and attributes of that mysterious quantity, pi. Activities range from using statistical...

Let's get the herd to follow the rules. The activity associated with the second lesson in the unit introduces the class to the definition of a function. Individuals must gather in groups of zebras and rhinos defined by the general...

Scholars shake their way to understanding half-life with the help of candy. They observe and record which side candy lands on to graph the exponential decay in the fifth lesson of seven integrating chemistry and algebra. Combining...

A six-day unit for algebra II on exponential and logarithmic functions builds upon Chapter 12 of Merrill Algebra II with Trigonometry; Applications and Connections. The text provides assistance in the depth of instruction...