Education Development Center
Choosing Samples
What makes a good sample? Your classes collaborate to answer this question through a task involving areas of rectangles. Given a set of 100 rectangles, they sample a set of five rectangles to estimate the average area of the figures. The...
Education Development Center
Word Problem with Rational Numbers—Balancing Bars of Soap
Here's a resource teachers won't want to wash their hands of. Given a task where a full bar of soap is on one side of a balance and 3/4 of a bar of soup and a 3/4-ounce weight is on the other side, young mathematicians must determine the...
Balanced Assessment
Marbles in a Glass
Allow learners to design their own strategies to solve a problem. Given dimensions of a glass and a smaller marble, scholars must find the dimensions of a larger marble. The answer key suggests using the Pythagorean Theorem, but multiple...
Curated OER
Modeling: Having Kittens
Cats can't add, but they do multiply! Determine the number of descendants of a single cat given specific facts about cats and kittens. The lesson focuses on developing strategies for problem solving using both individual and group work....
Yummy Math
Parametric Equations and a Heart
Trigonometry, art, and Valentine's Day come together in a creative activity about parametric equations. Learners calculate several equations before graphing them either by hand, on a graphic calculator, or Excel spreadsheet to curve...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Stamp Collection
By using language like "half of the stamps," children are exposed to patterns in arithmetic that requires solving a two-step word problem. This type of language opens a new door for transitioning learners toward understanding fractions...
EngageNY
From Ratio Tables to Double Number Line Diagrams
How much sugar is in one bottle? Pupils use double number line diagrams to determine the amount of sugar in a 1L bottle of cola. The teacher leads a discussion on ways that double number lines can be of assistance in solving a problem...
Illustrative Mathematics
Voting for Two, Variation 4
After elections, the total amount of votes is not specified but the ratio of votes is. Your learners' job is to determine the fraction of votes John received above half of all votes. The problem can be solved abstractly or by other...
Curated OER
The Chicken Soup Problem
In this algebra worksheets students rewrite word problems using algebraic symbols. They use order of operation to solve for the variables used as they relate to multiplication and addition. There is an answer key.
Fuel the Brain
Creating Story Problems
Put your young mathematician's word problem creativity to the test! The directions give the class two simple addition problems with the solution, but there is a missing value to be solved. Your class will love that they can create their...
Curated OER
Not So Snappy 11
In this word problem worksheet, learners discover a creative way to practice math word problems - through childhood hobbies. With four word problems each ranging from collecting beanie bags, insects, shells, and stamps any student can...
EngageNY
Mid-Module Assessment Task: Grade 7 Mathematics Module 3
Lesson 16 in the series of 28 is a mid-module assessment. Learners simplify expressions, write and solve equations, and write and solve inequalities. Most questions begin as word problems adding a critical thinking component to the...
EngageNY
End-of-Module Assessment Task: Pre-Calculus Module 4
Challenge your scholars to show what they know about the Law of Sines, Law of Cosines, and inverses. The six-question assessment is the last in a series of 16. Pupils find the area of triangles and show that the Law of Sines and Law of...
EngageNY
Mid-Module Assessment Task: Grade 7 Mathematics Module 4
Assess the ability of the class to solve percent problems with an assessment that covers a variety of percent problems from basic to multi-step. Pupils make connections between percent problems and proportional thinking to complete the...
EngageNY
End-of-Module Assessment Task: Grade 6 Math Module 4
Finish out the module with a bang. The last installment of a 36-part module is an end-of-module assessment task. Test takers set up equations to represent relationships and solve problems in an assortment of contexts.
Education Development Center
Distance, Rate, and Time—Walking Home
Dig into a classic math problem with your classes. Through an engaging task, learners work with rate and distance information to make conclusions. In the task, two people walk at different rates; one leaves first, and scholars calculate...
EngageNY
Getting the Job Done—Speed, Work, and Measurement Units II
How fast is your class? Learners determine the amount of time it takes individuals to walk a given distance and calculate their speeds. Pupils solve distance, rate, and time problems using the formula and pay attention to the rate units.
EngageNY
Geometric Interpretations of the Solutions of a Linear System
An intersection is more than just the point where lines intersect; explain this and the meaning of the intersection to your class. The 26th segment in a 33-part series uses graphing to solve systems of equations. Pupils graph linear...
EngageNY
Creating Division Stories
Create your own adventure story ... well, not really. The fifth lesson in a 21-part series has pairs create story contexts for division problems. The lesson presents a step-by-step process for pupils to follow in writing such stories.
Illustrative Mathematics
Dimes and Quarters
Here is a coin problem where the algebra learner determines the pair of linear equations needed to solve the system. Whether the equations are taken from a table, or your scholars recognize the format of a coin problem, it is an...
Education Development Center
Making Sense of Unusual Results
Collaboration is the key for this equation-solving lesson. Learners solve a multi-step linear equation that requires using the distributive property. Within collaborative groups, scholars discuss multiple methods and troubleshoot mistakes.
Illustrative Mathematics
Buying Gas
A quick problem to test your middle schoolers' knowledge of dividing with decimals. Also a good practice of unit rates, they must compute the cost of one gallon of gas when given the total amount for a fill up. Can be used as a preface...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Bestsize Cans
Traditional calculus problem made simple. In the high school assessment task, learners determine the minimum surface area for a can of a given volume using algebraic and numerical methods to solve the problem. No calculus required.
EngageNY
The Distributive Property and the Products of Decimals
Make multiplication of decimals easier by applying the distributive property. Pupils investigate how they can use the distributive property to multiply decimals. After learning the strategy, they work on some practice problems at...