Here is an impressive and thorough lesson on estimation. Young mathematicians estimate how many kernels of popcorn can fit in a tablespoon, then how many tablespoons of kernels can fit in a baby food jar. The popcorn is then popped. All...

There are many ways to correlate coffee to life, but in this case a worksheet looks at the price of two different sizes of coffee. It requires interpreting a graph with two unknown variables, in this case the price, and solving for...

Pack the lesson into your plans. Young mathematicians learn about packing and optimization with the context of circular paving stones. They use coins to model the paving stones, and then apply knowledge of circles and polygons to...

There is a lot to learn about fractions, and this is a fun way to do it! Individuals participate in a Cyberchase activity to describe a fraction in terms of sharing parts of a whole. They determine the meaning of the parts of a fraction,...

Have your class explore symmetry, radial balance and fractional parts in natural and man-made objects in their environment. Learners list examples and identify symmetrical and asymmetrical designs. Pupils are given a box of crayons and...

Students use Cuisenaire rods to explore common denominators. In this fractions lesson, students build Cuisenaire representations of fractions, then find their equivalent counterparts to find the common denominator.

Scholars examine codes, symbols, and other forms of communication. They discuss Morse Code. Next, they are given messages written in code, which they must decipher. 

Students examine several examples of budgets to develop a facility with the components of its formation. Income, expenses, and expenditures are considered and itemized for this lesson.

Win the war of the worlds! Scholars solve a variety of problems related to an alien invasion. They determine where spaceships have landed on a coordinate map, devise a plan to avoid the aliens, observe the aliens, and break a code to...

Turn your 6th graders into detectives while growing their love of reading. Using critical thinking skills, they will be able to describe the five basic elements of detective fiction, read detective novels, make predictions, use the...

Fifth graders define vocabulary terms, identify the characteristics of a pillbug, and create a dichotomous key. Then they examine the pillbugs and make observations and record these observations. Finally, 5th graders observe specific...

Investigate vectors and learn how to use them. Explore why size and direction, as well as knowing speed and distance, are important components of the vector problems you are trying to solve. This is an extensive lesson which includes six...

Students explore parabolas.  For this algebra and technology lesson, students construct the equation of a specific parabola, then take digital photos of real-life representations of these parabolas.  Students create a podcast...

Show your learners how to make their work easier. The first lesson in a series of 10 introduces the class to work and the way simple machines can be make work easier. The simple machines scholars can find in everyday items are...

Students study concepts associated with light. In this light instructional activity, students observe an demonstration by the teacher. They examine reflection and refraction of light and name things that reflect light and those that...

The design challenge: develop a method to separate steel from aluminum. The first lesson plan in an eight-part series introduces the class to the grand challenge of ciming up with a method to streamline a sorting process at a...

Students reflect on the uses of mathematics in their daily lives and work in pairs to design brochures that make specific mathematical concepts clear and interesting to a popular audience.

Learners write and solve various number stories. They solve number stories using one, two and three digit numbers. Students practice writing sentences using the following 6+1 traits, ideas and content, organization, word choice and...

First graders solve number sentences. In this problem solving activity, 1st graders construct addition sentences using a part part whole mat. Students demonstrate problem solving strategies using cubes.

Second graders retell a story focusing on sequence. in this sequence lesson, 2nd graders read the story Carry Go Bring Come by Vyanne Samuels. They retell parts of the story and put them in the correct order. 

Fifth graders add fractions. After a class discussion on real life application of fractions, the teacher uses fractions strips to model adding fractions. In pairs, 5th graders model adding fractions by drawing diagrams. They justify...

Students graph lines in a coordinate plane. In this geometry lesson plan, students graph lines on a coordinate plane, and identify the slope. They calculate the volume, area and perimeters of the shapes created on a coordinate plane.

Students complete pre reading, writing, during reading, and interdisciplinary activities for the book Big Snowball Fight. In this reading lesson plan, students complete journal entries, answer short answer questions, have discussions,...

How can we estimate the answers when working with decimals? That's what the question is as the class reviews two-digit decimal addition. Have them estimate by rounding to a whole number either before or after they have completed their...