Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Coloring Discrete Structures
What's the least number of colors needed to color a U.S. map? The instructional activity begins by having pupils view a video clip on continuous and discrete phenomenon, then launches into an activity reminiscent of Zeno's paradox....
EngageNY
Probability Distribution of a Discrete Random Variable
Learn how to analyze probability distributions. The sixth installment of a 21-part module teaches pupils to use probability distributions to determine the long-run behavior of a discrete random variable. They create graphs of probability...
Illustrative Mathematics
Bank Account Balance
Represent the ups and downs of a bank account. The two-part task points out that some types of graphs may better show discrete functions than others. Pupils analyze a graph on how well it represents the situation. They develop their own...
Curated OER
Data Analysis, Probability, and Discrete Mathematics
Fourth graders analyze the data in a bar graph, pictograph, line graph, and a chart/table and draw conclusions based on the data. They discuss each type of graph, write questions for each graph, and analyze the data as a class.
Curated OER
Data Analysis, Probability, and Discrete Math: Line Graphs
Eighth graders analyze data from line graphs. They discuss the purpose of line graphs, identify the parts of a line graph, answer questions about various graphs, and complete a worksheet. This lesson includes a script to teach along with.
Illustrative Mathematics
US Garbage, Version 1
An interesting example of a discrete function and how it is applies to the real world. This could easily make a good collaborative activity with an environmental science class. Practice reading a table and drawing a scatter plot make up...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Shelves
Don't leave this task on the shelf — use it is assess middle schoolers understanding of patterns. Participants try to discover a pattern in the number of bricks and planks used to make shelves. They then match descriptions...
Balanced Assessment
Garages and Phones
Examine and compare a linear and step function. The task provides two scenarios, one modeled by a linear function and the other a step function. Pupils create a graph for each and explain how each compares to the other.
EngageNY
Why Stay with Whole Numbers?
Domain can be a tricky topic, especially when you relate it to context, but here is a lesson that provides concrete examples of discrete situations and those that are continuous. It also addresses where the input values should begin and...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 4: Rational Functions
Time to study the most sensible function — rational functions! The seven-lesson unit develops the concept of a rational function through a connection to rational numbers and fractions. Scholars graph functions, solve equations, and...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 3: Polynomial Functions
An informative module highlights eight polynomial concepts. Learners work with polynomial functions, expressions, and equations through graphing, simplifying, and solving.
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 2: Linear and Exponential Functions
Write, graph, and model all things linear and exponential. Building on the previous module in a nine-part Algebra I series, learners compare linear exponential modeling. They write equations, graph functions, and analyze key features.
Mathematics Vision Project
Linear and Exponential Functions
Provide a continuous progression to linear and exponential functions. Pupils continue to work with the discrete functions known as sequences to the broader linear and exponential functions. The second unit in a series of nine provides...
Mathematics Vision Project
Features of Functions
What are some basic features of functions? By looking at functions in graphs, tables, and equations, pupils compare them and find similarities and differences in general features. They use attributes such as intervals of...
Illustrative Mathematics
Fishing Adventures 2
This resource is part of a series which expects participants to be familiar with graphing inequalities on a number line. It is a word problem that asks your class to graph a discrete solution set and interpret it in the context of an...
Balanced Assessment
Melons and Melon Juice
Model the difference between the graphs of discrete and continuous functions. Scholars examine two scenarios and construct graphs to model the situation. They then compare their graphs that illustrate the subtle difference between these...
EngageNY
From Ratio Tables, Equations and Double Number Line Diagrams to Plots on the Coordinate Plane
Represent ratios using a variety of methods. Classmates combine the representations of ratios previously learned with the coordinate plane. Using ratio tables, equations, double number lines, and ordered pairs to represent...
Curated OER
Latitude
Your young geologists generate a graph given a table of values from the context of latitude and percent of the earth's surface north of that latitude. The questions in the activity then focus the learners to a deeper understanding of the...
EngageNY
Modeling a Context from Data (part 1)
While creating models from data, pupils make decisions about precision. Exercises are provided that require linear, quadratic, or exponential models based upon the desired precision.
Curated OER
Burger King Investigation
Students study data on the nutritional value of Burger King meals in order to discover its nutritional value and also to compare the meals, using mathematical computation, to the recommended daily diet. In this data handling lesson...
Curated OER
One, Two, Three...and They're Off
Students make origami frogs to race. After the race they measure the distance raced, collect the data, enter it into a chart. They then find the mean, median, and mode of the data. Next, students enter this data into Excel at which time...
Curated OER
Data Management and Probability: Applications
In this data management and probability applications worksheet, 8th graders solve 20 various types of probability problems. They find the mean, median, mode and range of various numbers. Then, students use the spinner illustration to...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Representing Functions of Everyday Situations
Functions help make the world make more sense. Individuals model real-world situations with functions. They match a variety of contexts to different function types to finish a helpful resource.
Curated OER
Determining Center of Gravity
Learners complete calculations involving the structure and properties of matter. They engage in a variety of problem solving activities to help them determine the center of gravity.