Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
Rep Tiles
In addition to the catchy title, this lesson plan provides upper graders an opportunity to more closely scrutinize the attributes of plane figures. In particular, they focus on the similarity of different shapes. Both whole-class and...
Virginia Department of Education
Vapor Pressure and Colligative Properties
Hate to vacuum, but enjoy using a vacuum pump? Explore a lesson that starts with a demonstration of boiling water at various temperatures by using a vacuum pump. Then scholars design their own experiments to measure vapor pressure and...
Curated OER
Regular Polygons
Fifth graders explore polygons. In this math lesson, 5th graders find examples of regular polygons in the classroom and measure the sides of figures to determine if they are regular polygons.
Curated OER
Calculations
In this calculations worksheet, students express numbers in scientific notation and determine the number of significant figures. Students find conversion factors to change units. This worksheet has 8 word problems.
Curated OER
Perimeter All Around
Students explore perimeter and area of regular and irregular polygons. They experiment with color squares and create different arrangements using the same number squares. Then they compare the area and perimeter measurements of each.
National Security Agency
Awesome Area - Geometry and Measurement
Break out those math manipulatives, it's time to teach about area! Capturing the engagement of young mathematicians, this three-instructional activity series supports children with learning how to measure the area of squares,...
Curated OER
Surface Area and Volume of a Cube
Students explore finding the surface area and volume of cubes and cylinders. They construct similar three-dimensional figures from a two-dimensional drawing. Students derive the formula for volume and surface area through examination...
Curated OER
Rep Tiles
Third graders use pattern blocks of one shape at a time to try to create a similar shape. They compare the perimeter of the new figure with the perimeter of the original shape and look for a pattern. Students use the pattern to predict...
Curated OER
Faces of a Cube
Learners identify and correctly name three-dimensional solids; cones, spheres, and cubes. In this three-dimensional figures lesson, students build a cube by matching colored square faces to a correct word. Learners then...
Noyce Foundation
Which is Bigger?
To take the longest path, go around—or was that go over? Class members measure scale drawings of a cylindrical vase to find the height and diameter. They calculate the actual height and circumference and determine which is larger.
Virginia Department of Education
Partial Pressure
At some point, everyone has been under pressure—even Dalton! Explore Dalton's law of partial pressures with young chemists as they measure the volume of air extracted from a sample compared to its original volume. Class...
Curated OER
Exploring Volume of Cylinders
Tenth graders investigate the volume of a cylinder. In this geometry lesson, 10th graders create three-dimensional cylinders and use a ruler to determine the dimensions. The lesson progresses to the use of the formula to find...
Curated OER
Area and Perimeter Relationships
Sixth graders explore the relationship between area and perimeter. After discovering the definition of perimeter, 6th graders work together to create designs for a flower bed. They observe that the perimeter remains constant even...
Curated OER
Bubbles Everywhere!
Eighth graders use concrete and graphic models to derive formulas for finding perimeter, area, surface area, circumference, and volume of two- and three-dimensional shapes. This lesson is a fun way to practice measurement and circle and...
Curated OER
Geometry - Measurement
Students review the procedure for determining appropriate types of measurements for given situations and measurement conversions. They figure perimeter, area, and volume of 2 and 3 dimensional objects.
Curated OER
Translations
Students explore the concept of translations. In this translations lesson plan, students discuss similarities and differences between images and pre-images. Students apply translations to coordinates of figures. Students use patty paper...
Curated OER
Geometric Solids
Students identify and create simple geometric shapes and describe simple spatial relationships. Through discussion, hands-on activities and show and tell, they identify geometric solids in real life and create graphs of commonly found...
Curated OER
Heat Transfer and Pollution
Students perform computer simulations on air dispersion. In this chemistry lesson plan, students calculate energy transfer based on specific heat and temperature change. They explain the causes of smog.
California Education Partners
Yum Yum Cereal
Design an efficient cereal box. Scholars use set volume criteria to design a cereal box by applying their knowledge of surface area to determine the cost to create the box. They then determine whether their designs will fit on...
Curated OER
Which container holds a larger amount of popcorn?
What does popcorn have to do with math? Seventh grade mathematicians are provided an opportunity to develop a conceptual understanding of the formula for volume and to use it as a tool to solve problems. The lesson begins with a...
Shodor Education Foundation
Estimating With Fire
Watch the damage from a forest fire in this interactive simulation activity that challenges learners to estimate the burn area using different approaches. Learners are given a worksheet to track the different burn patterns and practice...
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
The Sum of the Interior Angles of a Polygon
Junior geometers discover that polygons can be decomposed into triangles and that the number of triangles can be determined by a rule. Note that the Geometer’s Sketchpad® software is required to carry out all components of this...
Curated OER
What's Your Design?
Sixth grade students: design a stained glass window, submitting their initial plan detailing the measurements of all lines and angles. Seventh grade students: create a scale drawing of their own geometric family of four members.
Curated OER
Angle Exploration and Classification
Students compare and contrast angles and identify them as acute, obtuse, right, or straight angles. They create rays and angles using uncooked spaghetti, read and discuss key vocabulary terms, and complete a variety of geometry worksheets.