To examine mathematical functions in a modeling situation pupils combine quadratic and step functions to represent a presented scenario. They both graph and write a function to represent data shown in a table. 

Tell the story of the math. Given a graph of a linear system, learners write a story that models the graph before crafting the corresponding functions. Graphs intersect at an estimated point, allowing for different variations in the...

Model a bicycle chain with circles and tangent lines. Given the dimensions of the sprocket wheels, young scholars calculate the length of the chain that surrounds them. A second task has learners write a function for the length of a...

Perform the operation ... and then do it again. Scholars investigate recursive formulas by creating and graphing them. Using the interactive, pupils set the variable, determine the initial value, and type in a recursive formula.The...

The key is in the leaves. Pupils enter data to create a stem-and-leaf plot. The resource then displays the plot and calculates the mean, median, and mode of the data. Using the plot and the calculated measures of spread, learners analyze...

Develop a solid understanding of the manipulation of expressions to produce equivalent expressions. Given an expression, pupils rearrange it to create a new one. Their new functions must match the structure of the model expressions.

Determine whether the soccer field has the right area. Pupils create a virtual soccer field based upon constraints. They determine the equation that models the area and continue to investigate other potential areas.

Show budding mathematicians how to model a diminishing bacteria colony two ways—graphically and algebraically. Using the coordinate axis, pupils create a graph to represent the decay of a bacteria colony. They determine the number of...

Learning how a bank account works is a useful tool. The exercise in the resource is to deduct rent from a checking account and create an equation from a description. Participants then graph the balance of the bank account versus months...

Shine some light on the topic of seasonal change with this collection of activities. Whether it's by measuring the change in the length of their shadows, or modeling the earth's orbit around the sun using a lamp and a globe, these...

The accuracy required by the design and measurement of an Olympic running track will surprise track stars and couch potatoes alike. Given a short introduction, the class then scaffolds into a detailed analysis of the exact nature of the...

Design and build a rover ... then eat it? This activity has groups of two design and build Mars rovers. The teams determine what instruments they want to include with their rover and plan a budget. They calculate the cost of the body of...

How do you graph a sentence? Scholars do just that as they represent relationships between independent and dependent variables with a graphical representation. Given a sentence, they determine the pertinent relationship and create a...

Middle schoolers study the Pythagorean Theorem. They describe what it means to square a number. Pupilsuse the Pythagorean Theorem to prove the sides of given triangles, and use geometric pieces of paper to create a right triangle and...

Create larger-than-life insects for the classroom. Bugs are usually pretty small, but during the Jurassic period they were huge. Kids use diagramming and scale conversion to enlarge a modern day insect so that it is as big as its ancient...

Elementary schoolers generate and manipulate fractions. They review equivalent fractions and use an analog clock to create and add fractions. Pupils work in groups to complete two fraction worksheets.

An interesting historical fact about how handcarts benefitted to the Mormon pioneers is the context behind this math lesson. Using given facts and figures regarding the handcart, pupil pairs create math word problems, share them with the...

Students investigate ways to enhance an object's flying ability.  In this model construction lesson, students construct two paper airplanes, one of which is twice as big as the first.  Students compare and contrast the two...

This is a nice hands-on activity where young geometers create trapezoids and calculate their area by looking at areas of quadrilaterals and triangles. 

Students comprehend what has been explored in the previous earthquake engineering design lessons, by putting their designs to the test. They are given pairs a piece of paper, and an empty plastic bottle or can. Students stand the...

Learners develop a scaled down model of the solar system. In small groups, they calculate the scaled-down diameters of the planets and the sun, the scaled-down distance of the planets from the sun, complete two charts, and create a...

Students use water filled pipes to play a tune and consider the mathematics behind the sound waves. In this sound wave activity, students play a tune with water filled pipes. They create a mathematical model to evaluate the wavelengths...

Fourth graders explore unit conversions. They create visual models of measurement units, identify tables of equivalent units and make simple conversions with in a measurement system. Students produce charts that identify units of measure...

Students create a model of a salt marsh to discover the impact of pollution and human activities on water-based habitats including bays and the ocean. They recognize the relationship between natural and developed areas. Students impact...