Pennsylvania Department of Education
Comparing Sets
Pupils count back with cubes to model subtraction problems. In this subtraction lesson plan, students compare sets of problems and record their results in a table.
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Add & Subtract Fractions w/Unlike Denominators, 2
Students use several examples to create a method for adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. They present these methods to the class and then practice applying methods to sample problems.
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Solving Equations By Systematic Trial
Studentss solve equations using guess and check. In this algebra lesson, students solve linear equation using the systematic trial. They isolate and identify the missing variable using non tranditonal methods.
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Square Roots
Students differentiate between perfect roots and rational roots. In this algebra lesson, students perform operation using roots. They add, subtract, multiply and divide rational expressions.
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Car Maze competition
Young scholars use graphs to calibrate an RCX car. They must then program the car to traverse a maze using their calibrations
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Grocery Races
Fifth graders apply their knowledge of math in a grocery shopping trip. In this math instructional activity, 5th graders use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to help them with their shopping. The teacher sets up a mock...
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Approximating Measures
Fourth graders complete a worksheet about approximate measurements. In this lesson on approximation, 4th graders compare the wingspan of a given bird to the wingspan of other birds and classroom objects.
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Reading Trees: Understanding Dendrochronology
Students examine tree-ring dating and discuss the lack of water the settlers in Jamestown faced. They create paper tree rings, simulate rain patterns, and describe the history of construction paper tree sequences.
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Linear Patterns in Data
Eighth graders extend their learning of graphing linear equations and are introduced to connecting patterns in tables and graphs to represent algebraic representations. They then determine patterns and extrapolate information from these...
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Frontier Wars of the 1790s
Learners explore the frontier wars of the 1790s. After researching one battle, teams of students prepare a presentation for the class. Learners compare and contrast the Columbian Tragedy with "broadsides" that were printed to announce...
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Christmas Presents
Seventh graders create a graph of their Christmas gifts. They develop categories, compute fractional and decimal parts for each category, identify the number of degrees to represent each fractional part, and create a circle graph to...
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Compass Rose: Dance and Quilt
Fourth graders identify the cardinal directions by listening to a song entitled, "Stand," and by reviewing the lyrics to that song. They notice the cardinal directions that are posted around the classroom. They perform the motions as...
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Making Pretzels
Students discover that plants provide food products to humans. In this baking lesson, students grind wheat seeds into flour and then use the flour to make pretzels. Students participate in a variety of activities that involve them in...
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Why So Many Frogs?
Students explain the different stages in the growth of a frog, then analyze and collect data to make generalizations about a larger population. They determine the survival rate of a population of tadpoles under controlled conditions.
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Static Electricity Game
Fifth graders explore further the importance of static electricity by playing a game which reinforces and reviews static electricity concepts.
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Hot Dog Stand: The Works
Students strengthen skills in mathematics, problem solving, and communication skills by working together in groups using "Hot Dog Stand: The Works" educational software.
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What Is A Dirty Bomb?
Learners read an article about dirty bombs and then use a worksheet as a discussion guide to consider surrounding issues. They use balloons, cornstarch and iron fillings to demonstrate the possible impact of a dirty bomb.
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Pythagorean Theorem
Students solve problems using the Pythagorean Theorem. In this geometry activity, students identify the sides and angles of a right triangle. They find the different trigonometric ratios and solve using sine, cosine and tangent.
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Chance (Probability) Operations in Dance Composition -
Eighth graders investigate modern-dance choreographer Merce Cunningham's historically significant contribution to dance-making history. Specifically, 8th graders explore and practice Merce Cunningham's choreographic use of chance...
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Pre Writing Strategies
Second graders review story mapping along with characters, setting, problem, events, and solution. They view pictures and tell the story of their picture orally then they write rough drafts and final copies of their stories in the...
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Continents and Critters
Students investigate and identify the continents of the world. They identify and locate the seven continents on a map, and label a coloring page of a world map. Students then conduct research on an assigned continent, and write and...
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Healthy Snacks. Healthy Packaging
Fourth graders research how to select the most cost-effective snacks. In this consumer practices lesson, 4th graders compare packaging labels and come to conclusions on how cost effective the product is. Students discuss their findings.
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Every Breath You Take
Students explore the nature of the air we breathe by observing petri dishes that have accumulated particulate matter from the atmosphere. Students make mathematical calculations and inferences about the effect of this matter on...
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Paper Packaging Design
Middle schoolers discuss the relationship between technology and manufacturing. They then use their ideas to construct a model of a paper board carton package. Next they view a PowerPoint presentation to learn about the history of...