Identify shapes based on their attributes. Second graders are tasked to color triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, and hexagons specific colors. The one thing these shapes have in common? They are all polygons.

The coordinate plane links key geometry and algebra concepts in this approachable but rigorous unit. The class starts by developing the distance formula from the Pythagorean Theorem, then moves to applications of slope. Activities...

Many things in life take the shape of a polynomial curve. Learners design a polynomial function to model a riverbed. Using different strategies, they find the flow rate through the river.

Data distributions can be compared in terms of center, variability, and shape. Two exploratory challenges present data in two different displays to compare. The displays of histograms and box plots require different comparisons based...

From counters and calculators to pattern blocks and Unifix cubes, this collection of printable labels has exactly what you need to bring some organization to your elementary math class.

Explore the amazing power of glaciers with a hands-on earth science experiment! After first learning basic background information, learners go on to create their very own chunks of frozen water and gravel in order to...

More than just data, scatter plots are full of information that can be used to answer a variety of questions. This lesson uses a plot with information about bird egg sizes to answer questions about the relationship between length and...

A discussion of bioluminescence launches an investigation of animal adaptations. After re-watching the opening minutes of Dark Water, class members listen to a reading of What Do You Do with a Tail Like This, and then create a new...

After brainstorming the various aspects of cultural identity, class members interview each other, examine video clips, and read stories to discover how these aspects reveal one's cultural identity. Individuals then craft a quilt square...

Explore rigid motion transformations using transparency paper. Learners examine a series of figures and describe the transformations used to create the series. They then use transparency paper to verify their conclusions. 

Fifth graders identify and classify scalene, equilateral, and isosceles triangles. In this triangle lesson, 5th graders define the different attributes of 3 types of triangles and sort them by descriptions and...

Sixth graders investigate the geometric concept of shapes. They locate shapes in their immediate environment and label them according to basic shape. The shapes that are found are recorded by the teacher on chart paper and any...

First graders identify basic shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle) and describes the attributes of each. They use magazines to find examples of each shape, and then make a collage.

Students differentiate between insects and non-insects. In this insects lesson, students review the attributes of insects and take a nature walk to look for insect homes. Students use resource books to identify the names of insects seen...

Students examine a Webmath page, and demonstrate how to copy and paste. They create a computer-generated template page presenting the attributes of two- and three- dimensional shapes.

Students study pyramids. In this prisms lesson, students explore the attributes of pyramids. Students will explore the lateral surface area of pyramids and be able to distinguish pyramids from other space shapes.

Students view several different types of triangles. They discuss attributes of a triangle with a partner. Students use a straw cut into pieces to create a triangle. They complete a Triangle Hunt worksheet (teacher created). Students...

Students identify, compare and classify the various shapes. In this shapes lesson, students listen to descriptions of shapes with words such as sides, angles, congruent, and parallel. Students then give the teacher examples of shapes...

Here is a math lesson that is really a visual arts lesson in disguise! In it, pupils utilize their knowledge of geometric shapes and forms to create a detailed version of a cylinder. The instructions on how to go about the task are very...

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...

Classify seeds by attributes such as size, shape and color! Learners classify seeds using a dichotomous key. They identify human behaviors that have a positive impact on preserving seed and plant biodiversity.

First graders investigate the differences between shapes.  In this block characteristics lesson, 1st graders work in groups to explore blocks, group the blocks by different characteristics, discuss the block attributes and record...

Try five problems on triangles. Levels A and B focus on shapes that can be created from right triangles. Level C touches upon the relationship between the area of a six-pointed star and the area of each triangle of which it is composed....

Students use this problem to develop spatial skills. As the students handle the shapes and join them together they strengthen their understanding of the attributes of shapes. This lesson also gives students the opportunity to make up...