Curated OER
Discovery
Pupils explore patterns in number problems. They devise a strategy to solve a number problem. Students estimate and calculate answers, making efficient use of a calculator, where appropriate, as part of solving a problem. They discuss...
Curated OER
Pair 'Em Up!
Third graders verify the validity of Punnett squares. They simulate a real-world situation by drawing chromosomes from a paper bag and track the data.
Curated OER
Constructing a Spectroscope
Students construct a simple spectroscope. They observe the emission spectrum produce by a source of light.
Curated OER
Lake Crossing II
Middle schoolers complete the following problem by using logic: Three couples, the Smiths, the Jones and the Browns wanted to go to the Brown's yacht that was moored a little way out in the lake. There was a dinghy to take them to the...
Curated OER
Fractional Blocks
Students explore the concept that fractions can also be considered a ratio. They discover that the fraction bar can be read as "out of." Students practice basic multiplication facts and use patterns to find fractions of shapes.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: The Birthday Paradox
This project shows how mathematical probability sometimes contradicts our intuition. Despite the fact that there are 365 days in a year, if you survey a random group of just 23 people there is a 50:50 chance that two of them will have...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Divide and Conquer: Proving Pick's Theorem for Lattice Polygons
If you like to play Tetris then you might like this project. You'll learn something interesting about the mathematics of complex shapes.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Exploring Fractals
Although fractal images can be intriguingly complex, fractals are more than just pretty pictures. In this project, you'll explore the mathematical properties of the famous Mandelbrot and Julia sets. You'll learn about how these images...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: M&m Geometry
Geometry is the study of how to use math to describe and investigate different points, lines and shapes. The way that a shape is described in geometry is with a formula, which is simply a mathematical way to calculate different...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Gigantic Triangles: Measuring Altitude (Inclinometer)
If you've ever wondered how tall that bridge is, or how high your kite was, then this could be a good project for you. You'll learn how you can use the mathematics of right triangles to measure the height of an object with two...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Composing Music Mathematically
This activity is designed to motivate and challenge first year algebra students through a fun introduction to advanced mathematical concepts. It also offers extensions for upper grade level students. Students will recognize relationships...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Chain Reaction: Inversion and the Pappus Chain Theorem
Here is a challenging problem for anyone with an interest in geometry. This project requires background research to solve it, but it is an excellent illustration of visual thinking in mathematics.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Taking Off on a Tangent
This is an interesting geometry project that goes back to the time of Archimedes, the famous Greek mathematician. You can combine this mathematical project with computer science and take this ancient problem into the twenty-first century...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Frequency of Outcomes in a Small Number of Trials
People often draw conclusions from a small number of observations, but how easy is it to draw the wrong conclusion? Here is a simple project that shows the importance of making enough observations before making a prediction.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Dice Probabilities
You're playing Monopoly with a friend, and you've already got Park Place and you really, really want to get Boardwalk. If you're on Pacific Avenue, what are the chances you'll reach your goal? Here's an easy project that will show you...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Throwing You Some Curves: Is Red or Blue Longer?
This a straightforward, but interesting, project in geometry. It is a good first proof to try on your own. You should be able to figure it out by yourself, and you'll gain insight into a basic property of circles.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Estimation and Population Size
Have you ever wanted to take a short cut? How about when doing your math homework? In this experiment you can learn how estimation can save you time doing math calculations. But beware, some estimations are better than others. Can you...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Measuring Up
Measurements are very important for scientists. It is especially important that the measurements be accurate. Think about how important accuracy is when you want to know if you are taller than a friend of yours, every inch counts. In...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Pick a Card, Any Card
No matter what your favorite card game is, we all wish we could use psychic powers to draw the card we want on our turn. You may not have psychic powers, but you might have the power of probability on your side. Do this experiment and...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Play Doh Math
One piece of Play-Doh can make many different shapes. Even though you can change the shape by squishing or stretching the Play-Doh, it is still the same size unless you add or take away some of the dough. Try this experiment to test how...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Juice Box Geometry
Juice boxes are so convenient, just poke the straw in and sip away. It might surprise you how much thought goes into the design and manufacturing of a juice box. Each manufacturer has carefully calculated how big each side should be to...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: M&m Math
By using a simple bag of M&Ms, you can conduct an experiment in statistics to determine the frequency of colors in the package. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an abstract, objective, and...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Making Patterns With Rubik's Cube
This project challenges you to figure out how to make geometric patterns with Rubik's Cube. Leaving your cube in one of these positions makes it much more tempting to pick it up and 'fix' it. See if you can determine how different...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Devising an Algorithm for Solving Rubik's Cube
If you're the kind of person who has taken apart your Rubik's cube in order to grease the inside parts so it will move more smoothly, this could be a great project for you. This will show you three sets of move sequences that accomplish...