Students investigate the concept of using proportions to compare quantities while also practicing calculations for foreign exchange rates. They develop the skill of solving for unknown quantities of money while using an algebraic equation.

Students discuss and create their own patterns. They practice and improve on making patterns of their own using red, white, and blue paper for a national theme. The symbols are based on what the teacher picks for the class.

Fifth graders practice recognizing patters and determining what comes next in a sequence. Using a given website, 5th graders play "The Crazy Pattern Machine," where they recognize and complete given patterns. After completing the most...

Students discover patterns and write conjectures relating to perimeters and polygons. Working in cooperative learning groups, they use manipulatives and graphic organizers to solve problems then answer a series of questions in which they...

Fourth graders play the game, How Does My Pattern Grow, they use shapes to extend patterns of growing flowers. They read the instructions and extending nine patterns. Students are given a paper copy of the follow-up exercises once the...

Fifth graders investigate patterns and determine what symbol or number comes next. Using a given website, they play the "Pattern Quest" game. Students follow instructions and identify a secret pattern. Upon completion of work on the...

In this algebraic manipulation activity, students examine a given number grid, find the pattern and determine an equation to fit the situation. They calculate the area of given rectangles. Students solve real life problems using given...

This fabulous resource is a must-have for any algebra teacher's arsenal of lessons. Developing the idea of equations and use of variables from basic physical scenarios, learners gain valuable intuition in the structure and meaning of...

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...

Middle schoolers describe plotting functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane. They solve functions on paper and using an online tool to plot points on a Cartesian coordinate plane creating lines and parabolas.

Patterns in polygons lead to patterns in polynomials. Presented with a series of polygons, individuals create polynomial expressions to represent their patterns. The algebra project consists of nine problems that incorporate polynomial...

An interesting way to look at the kitchen floor is to count the number of tiles in the border. Fred starts with four white floor tiles and writes an expression for the number of tiles needed for the colored border. Algebra learners are...

Round and round they go ... where they stop, only scholars will know. By writing systems of equations, classes determine the number of cars a roundabout can handle given specific constraints. Systems use up to six variables and become...

Youngsters become flexible problem solvers with this challenging instructional activity. If there are 24 square tables in a restaurant, how many customers can be seated at one time? They can use manipulatives or draw pictures to help...

Creative problem solving is fun and helps kids conceptualize content. They use grid paper, manilla paper, and markers to cut, draw, and show given double-digit numbers as many ways as they can.

Develop an understanding of algebraic sequences through an exploration of patterns. Five leveled problems target grade levels from elementary through high school. Each problem asks young mathematicians to recognize a geometric pattern....

One step at a time! A seemingly linear relationship becomes an entirely new type of function. Young scholars build their understanding of step functions by completing a three-stage activity that incorporates multiple representations of...

Sequences and series are traditionally thought of as topics for the pre-calculus or calculus class, when learners are figuring out how to develop limits. But this unit uses patterns and slopes of linear functions in unique ways...

Count by six with these helpful activities. After completing number sequences and multiplication problems from the six times table, third graders solve problems that are written out at the bottom of the page. An excellent way to work on...

Inquiry-based learning and investigations form the basis of a deep understanding of quadratic functions in a very thorough unit plan.  Learners develop recursive and closed methods for representing real-life situations,...

Natural human interest in patterns and algebraic study of function notation are linked in this introductory unit on the properties of sequences. Once presented with a pattern or situation, the class works through how to justify...

A resource fit for a queen. Scholars recognize and continue a pattern in towers people are building for a queen. They write and use an algebraic expression for the number of tiles in the towers.

Build on your class' understanding of real numbers as they begin working with complex numbers. Pupils begin with an exploration of i and the patterns in the powers of i. After developing a definition for i, they simplify complex number...

NASA presents a mini-unit on distances in our solar system. It incorporates scientific concepts of gravity, mass, density, and payload while your aspiring astronauts also employ mathematics skills. They calculate speed, they determine...