How did ancient peoples determine the height of really tall objects? Young scientists and mathematicians explore the concept of using shadows to measure height in a hands-on experiment. Paired pupils measure shadows, then calculate the...

Eighth graders use a meter stick that is placed on a horizontal surface and an object is moved along it so that the shadow length can be measured at different distances from the light source. They solve real-world problems involving...

Students conduct an experiment. In this shadows lesson, students record the height of a meter stick. Students then cast shadows and record their length. Students compare the length of the shadow with the actual height of the meter stick.

In this moon image worksheet, students determine the scale of an image taken by the LRO satellite of the Apollo 11 landing site. Students calculate the sun's angle at the time of the photograph using the shadow of the Lunar Lading...

The students compare themselves and their shadows to various objects big and small. Students use their data to set up proportions to solve.

Learners examine the relationship between three dimensions and two dimensions by working with shadows of cubes and other models. Students work in groups and use Zome System Creator Kits to try and build a shape other than a cube that...

In this ratio worksheet, students solve and complete 10 different problems that include determining various ratios of events. First, they determine the height of a building given the time of day and shadow it casts. Then, students...

Students pick different objects and measure the shadow they cast. In this geometry activity, students experiment with shadows using a flashlight and an object to cast a shadow. They measure and differentiate between the shadow and the...

In this using proportions worksheet, 10th graders solve 9 various types of problems that include two word problems suing proportions. First, they use the table to find the ratios of each and express each ratio as a decimal rounded to...

In this similar figures activity, students use proportions to solve 6 short answer and multiple choice questions.  Students use proportions to answer questions about map scales and height of trees given shadow lengths.

Students make a sundial. In this time lesson, students determine the time of the day by creating a sundial. They check the time on the sundial, hourly, for one week. Afterward, they explore what happened to the shadows in reference to...

Tenth graders solve problems using the tangent of angles using the flagpole and its shadow as references.

The class gets to practice being a mathematician in ancient Greece, performing geometric application problems in the way of Eratosthenes. After following the steps of the great mathematicians, they then compare the (surprisingly...

Solids come in many shapes and sizes. Using geometry, scholars create two-dimensional cross-sections of various three-dimensional objects. They develop the lesson further by finding the volume of solids. The module then shifts...

Time to learn about sundials. Scholars see how to build sundials after learning about Earth's rotation and its relation to time. The unit describes several different types of possible sundials, so choose the one that fits your needs — or...

Tie the unit together and see concepts click in your young mathematicians' minds. Scholars apply the properties of similar triangles to find heights of objects. They concentrate on the proportions built with known measures and solve to...

In this proportions learning exercise, 6th graders use the problem solving steps of understand, plan, solve and look back to solve a story problem using proportions.

In this algebra instructional activity, students rewrite word problems using algebraic terminology and solve problems dealing with ratios. There are 12 problems with an answer key.

In this geometry worksheet, 10th graders use right triangle trigonometry to find the missing angle measure.  The two page worksheet contains fourteen problems.  Answers are provided. 

Third graders discuss how Aristotle concluded that the Earth was round. As a class, they review theories about the Earth's shape and describe how life on Earth would be different if it were flat. Individually, they make a moon book in...

In this SAT practice worksheet, students solve 10 grid in problems.  Students find surface area, slope, mean, factors, etc.

In this geometry instructional activity students explore similar polygons and determine measure of missing sides and angles. Students use indirect measurement with similar triangles and determine the area and volume of similar...

Students use principles of geometry to measure the circumference of the Earth. In this applied geometry lesson, students use mathematics to determine scientific information. They make measurements, calculate the central angle, and...