Students identify diagrams of quadrilaterals and circles by different names and classify the figures. They name the areas for each diagram and practice solving the formulas for each.

Third graders describe an amount of turn from a particular position to another using the 'circular' benchmarks of 0, ++, ++, ++, and full turn. Estimation language such as 'just about', 'between', 'not quite', 'just over', and similar...

Students scan the classroom to find different common shapes. They listen as the teacher defines polygon and regular polygon. The teacher demonstrates regular polygons via the Internet and the "Math is Fun" web site. Students go outside...

Students create squares of different sizes on a geoboard. They find and describe a pattern. Students use the pattern to determine the number of squares possible on a 10-by-10 geoboard. They create squares with a horizontal base (and...

Just because one integer is larger than another doesn't mean it will make sense right away. Go beyond note taking and show learners, through the use of algebra tiles and a Four-Pan Algebra Balance, how the numbers relate to one...

Just what does it take to show two rhombuses are similar? The assessment task asks pupils to develop an argument to show that given quadrilaterals are rhombuses. Class members also use their knowledge of similar triangles to show two...

Using the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for missing angles, students evaluate right triangles and their properties.

Parallelograms are pairs of triangles all the way around. Pupils measure to determine the area and perimeter of a parallelogram. They then find the area of the tirangles formed by drawing a diagonal of the parallelogram and compare their...

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...

This assessment pair goes way beyond simple graphing, factoring and solving polynomial equations, really forcing learners to investigate the math ideas behind the calculations. Short and to-the-point questions build on one another,...

With the help of the Area Officers and Perimeter Patrol, you learners will develop a better understanding of area and its relationship to perimeter. First, they view a video clip from Cyberchase, and then they visit a website to...

When going for distance, does it make a difference at what angle you launch the rocket? Teams of three launch foam rockets, varying the launch angle and determining how far they flew. After conducting the series of flights three times,...

It is positive that how one performs on the first test relates to their performance on the second test. The three-question assessment has class members read and analyze a scatter plot of test scores. They must determine whether...

Here's some very interesting circles for your very interested pupils. A performance task requires scholars to sketch a pair of orthogonal circles so the centers are the endpoints of one side of a triangle. They draw an additional circle...

Quadrilaterals can be quirky! Fourth graders use geoboards and bands to create four-sided figures. They analyze the attributes such as angle size and presence of parallel sides. As a result they learn to differentiate among...

This is how long we mow the lawn together. The assessment requires the class to work with combining ratios and proportional reasoning. Pupils determine the unit rate of mowers and calculate the time required to mow a lawn if they work...

Students discuss the sum of central angles and use string to create them on circles. They find the measure and length of both minor and major arcs. Students give examples of concentric, similar, and congruent circles and congruent arcs.

Pupils discover how to recognize tangents and how to use their properties. They investigate and use the properties of angles, arcs, chords, tangents, and secants. Students use two tangents and the properties of similar triangles to...

Students analyze inscribed angles and intercepted arcs and explore the relationships between the two. They investigate the properties of angles, arcs, chords, tangents, and secants to solve problems involving circles.

Pupils create a bar graph. They will collect and organize data to turn into bar graphs. They create graphs for the favorite sports of the class, color of M&M's, and types of cars passing by.

Geometric figures are perfect to use for proofs. Scholars prove conjectures about whether given points lie on a triangle and about midpoints. They use a provided dialogue among fictional students to frame their responses.

Fifth graders describe and demonstrate how trigonometry can be used to find the height of a tall building or tree. They describe and demonstrate how trigonometry can be used to find the height of a high hill, or other high object where...

There are many different ways to show a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem.  Here is a nice hands-on paper cutting activity that shows a graphic representation. You can even challenge your young Pythagoreans to come up with their own...

Don't cry over broken pottery. A cross-curricular lesson challenges pupils to consider how to restore ancient pottery. Using a computer program and their knowledge of transformations, they come up with a way to recreate the original...