Wake Forest University
Authentic Activities for Connecting Mathematics to the Real World
Check out the handout from a presentation that contains a collection of high school algebra projects connecting a variety of mathematics to the real world. Activities range from simple probabilities to calculus. The activities can be...
Curated OER
Graphs Galore
Fourth graders conduct surveys to collect data. They analyze and interpret the data, then determine which type of graph is appropriate for the data. Students use the data to make predictions, discover patterns and draw conclusions...
Curated OER
Universal Proportions: Earth and Moon
Students create scale models of Earth, the Moon, and the distances within the universe. Working in groups, they construct their models of Earth and the Moon on a scale of 50:1 and calculate how far apart to place their models. They...
Curated OER
Conjectures and Conclusions
Students draw conclusions and make conjectures given a specific scenario. In this geometry lesson plan, students model real life scenarios using properties of triangles. They model number facts and explain why the outcome is what it is.
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
ndirect Measurement Technique: Using Trigonometric Ratios
Ninth graders find the height of an object that would be difficult or impossible to measure directly. They construct and use a Clinometer to measure the angle of elevation (or depression). Students create a sketch of the measurement...
Curated OER
"it's All in the Cellar"
Seventh graders examine the process of constructing a site plan map at archaeological sites. They discuss the process of mapping techniques and calculation of percentages, create a plan site map of a cellar at Jamestown, and calculate...
Curated OER
Measure the Angle
Young scholars measure angles. In this angle instructional activity, students draw angles. They use a protractor to measure angles and identify the angle as straight, right, acute, or obtuse.
Curated OER
Math: A Geometric Neighborhood
Pupils, as a final project, draw a picture of their ideal neighborhood on a sunny day. In addition to the sun, their drawings include homes, trees, streets, and selected objects. Each object in their drawing has a written description...
Curated OER
Dragon Math
Third graders, in groups, practice multiplication by putting five multiplication problems on white scales, then the answers on florescent colored scales.
Curated OER
ExplorA-Pond:2nd Grade Shapes & Fractions
Second graders, in groups, using a map, drawing or aerial view of a pond, represent the shape of the pond using simple geometric shapes or fractions of those shapes.
Curated OER
Houses
Third graders use a number of problem solving strategies in this unit of lessons. They determine how to draw and model three-dimensional objects, use co-ordinate systems, determine probability of events, and identify paths of simple...
Curated OER
Irregular Fractals
Students study and research irregular fractals and construct a few based on their research. Students practice pattern recognition skills and plane geometry skills calculating dimensions on the Fractured Pictures activity.
Curated OER
How Far!
Fourth graders perform basic calculations using time. They read and construct a variety of scales, timetables, and charts. Students devise and use problem solving strategies to explore the situation mathematically.
Curated OER
Access Ramp
Just about every public building that your students are familiar with has an access ramp which complies with ADA requirements. As it turns out, designing such a ramp is an excellent activity to incorporate slope, the Pythagorean Theorem,...
Curated OER
Finding the Area and Perimeter of Polygons
Seventh graders practice finding the area and perimeter of polygons. In this polygon area lesson, 7th graders brainstorm shapes and take a walk to locate shapes. Students record properties of shapes and use various shapes to make a...
Curated OER
A Honey of a Hexagon
Students explore how bees make honey and why the hexagon is the best basic pattern for the honeycomb through the use of a video and hands-on activities with honeycombs and geometric shapes.
Curated OER
Can You Make a Hole in One?
Young scholars relate miniature golf to reflection of an image. In this algebra lesson, students collect and graph data as they study linear equations. They apply properties of graphing to solve real life scenarios.
Curated OER
Automobile-Accident Reconstruction
Students investigate an accident and relate it to math. In this trigonometry instructional activity, students measure the accident scene, the friction produced, and the speed from the skid marks. They create a poster of their findings.
Discovery Education
Mood Music!
Grouchy? Sad? Here's a great resource that shows kids how music can be used to lift their spirits. Kids collect and chart data on the effects of music on emotions. After analyzing the results of their experiment, they develop their own...
Discovery Education
Weathering Cubes
Weathering is not necessarily a result of the weather. Scholars conduct an experiment to explore the effect of surface area and volume on the weathering process. They create their own sugar cube rocks using the same number of cubes—but...
EngageNY
Complex Numbers and Transformations
Your learners combine their knowledge of real and imaginary numbers and matrices in an activity containing thirty lessons, two assessments (mid-module and end module), and their corresponding rubrics. Centered on complex numbers and...
Curated OER
Proportionality Using Labyrinths and Mazes
Conduct research on the Internet about labyrinths and mazes to learn about proportions and ratios. Inquisitive minds design their own maze, one maze is chosen and proportionately enlarged to 20 feet by 30 feet. This is a fun challenge...
Curated OER
Round The Track
Fourth graders develop problem solving skills while learning to measure an athletic track. The focus upon logic and reasoning is helpful for all types of science and math calculations.