Local linearity isn't the first thing that comes to mind to start off an AP® Calculus course. A scholarly article discusses one possible beginning to the AP® Calculus course: investigating and introducing derivatives through activities...

Challenge your class to construct a definition for trapezoids. Looking at four examples and four non-examples, young scholars individually create definitions and use them to classify an unknown shape. Allow for small group and...

Students explore the culture of the Mayans through a variety of activities. In this lesson about Maya, students analyze pictures in books and on websites, produce scale models of Maya architecture, and create Maya mosaics. Students study...

Learners investigate an article on local linearity. In this calculus lesson, students read about the application of math in the real world. They gain insight from the teachers view of how to teach and relate the topic to the real world.

Students compare the colloquial definition of temperature with the scientific definition. They, in groups, then explore the changes of water under different temperatures and calculate and compare their findings on three different...

Eighth graders explore problem solving strategies to build a paper bridge with a partner. As a class they discuss a variety of techniques to solve a simple problem, then in pairs construct the longest non-supported single span bridge...

Students explore, analyze and study to see whether the length of a pendulum affects its period and whether the mass of a pendulum affects its period. They review and discuss a lengthy list of math definitions and experiment with tables...

Is bigger really better? By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to apply formulas for computing the diameter of tires and wheel assemblies. Begin by showing a slide presentation that will review definitions for radius and...

Students discuss any news article or video about the environment. They develop their own questions relating to radon and how it effects people and the environment. They answer each others questions to end the lesson.

Eighth graders find information about primes on the Internet. They use directions for Sieve of Eratosthenes to find primes in the first 100 numbers. After a lecture/demo, 8th graders access a website imbedded in this plan to explore...

Young scholars explore New York City's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. They estimate budget allocations for such a proposal while practicing the calculation of percentages.

Students identify how to use a scatterplot to compare two sets of data to determine if they are related. Then they identify and describe the definition of regression line (the "line of best fit"). Students also identify how scientists...

Learners practice using their estimation skills by utilizing apples.  In this percentage lesson, students utilize a scale and an apple to discover the percentage of each bite they take.  Learners share their data with the rest...

Students conduct research and use census data to compare different times and places. In this census lesson, students interpret data from charts and graphs, comparing census information from two time periods as well as from two different...

Students use playing cards to examine probability. In this probability instructional activity, students work in groups with a deck of cards and predict if the next card they lay down will be high or low. Students fill out a graphic...

Students investigate the "futures" market and how it affects farmers by completing a prediction activity utilizing bags of M&Ms. While completing this activity, students practice basic mathematics skills and reinforce economic terms.

Students investigate the currencies used by different countries, and explore the principles of currency trading by exchanging currencies at current market rates. They, in groups, access websites which give them current rates.

Students create a survey that examines what level of electronic surveillance might be acceptable to members of the school and community. They poll the community, and analyze the results in the form of graphs and a written news article.

Students analyze demographic data relating to teen pregnancy trends. They develop skills to locate and interpret data. They discuss the factors that influence teenage pregancy such as social, economic, and educational issues.

Through the use of an interactive Web site, students explore C-14 and C-14 dating. Then students analyze an article written about the C-14 dating of the Shroud of Turin and draw conclusions.

Young scholars aim to explain the need for standardization of units of measurement. They pose their own standards for the value of a kilogram and compare them with the currently used standard.