Students discover the focal point in pictures and create their own images using lines and space.  In this art analysis activity, students create a black dot on a white paper which becomes a focal point for the lines the student will...

How do you solve for an unknown angle? For this sixth installment of a 36-part series, young mathematicians use concepts learned in middle school geometry to set up and solve linear equations to find angle measures.

Santa is the focal point of a worksheet that inquires how many cans and boxes of soda were used to create a supermarket display. As a small group project, the discussions that will ensue to evaluate the task's three questions will...

Students explore scientific observations by examining the parts of a microscope. In this optics lesson, students discuss the importance of a focal point and focal distance when utilizing an optical device such as a microscope. Students...

Students use literature (the story Rodeo Time) and appropriate manipulatives to learn and understand mathematics. In these creative thinking measurement lessons, students have a focal point on problem solving strategies while using...

Learn to identify the properties of parabolas. Students define parabola as the locus of all points equidistant from a fixed point and a fixed line. Also, interpret the equation for a parabola in vertex form and gain a visual...

If you're looking for a fantastic cross-curricular lesson on the Statue of Liberty, then this lesson is for you! Learners watch a Reading Rainbow episode which focuses on the Statue, then gather facts about the creation, construction,...

Investigate sound waves with acoustic mirrors. Using audio software, groups make recordings of musical instruments, both with and without acoustic mirrors. They compare the recordings to see the effect of acoustic mirrors on sound...

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...

Learners establish classifications of shapes by various properties (angles, sides, etc.). They introduce the important properties of common shapes. Students develop an awareness of the wide variety of ways the 2-D shapes can be alike.

Eighth graders use mathematical expressions to solve problems.  In this basic properties of operations, 8th graders use prior knowledge and logical reasoning to solve equations. Students analyze an equation by solving a...

In this algebra worksheet, 11th graders apply ellipses to real life scenarios such as football, satellite and planet orbits. They discuss a variety of way sto apply ellipses.

In this math worksheet, students read the examples for using the techniques of mathematical modeling. They draw the angles in order to simulate the reflection of light while using a concave mirror.

Learners study parallel and perpendicular lines. In this parallel and perpendicular lesson, pupils explore 2-D shapes and determine if the sides are parallel or perpendicular.

Young mathematicians explore the maximun area for patio with the added complexity of finding the mimimum cost for construction. First, they maximize the area of a yard given a limited amount of fence and  plot width v. area on a...

High schoolers experiment with a converging lens. They observe the image of an object through a lens. They determine the magnification of the lens.

Learners explore the concept of ellipses. In this ellipses lesson, they construct ellipses on their paper and follow directions on a worksheet that allow them to investigate an ellipse in more depth by looking at the major axis, foci, etc.

  Students practice measurement.  In this fractions instructional activity, 6th graders measure volume of a liquid, e.g. 1/5 liter, and learn the vocabulary of fractions (numerator, denominator). Students solve sample problems...

Students investigate the use of multiplication and division of whole numbers to solve problems including equivalent ratios and rates.

Students complete a worksheet and explore the parabola conic section during a web based activitiy. They answer questions based on their work as they make changes in the features of the parabola.

Students develop definition for parabola, explain relationship between properties of the graph of a parabola and its equation, explain how the equation of a parabola can be written in different forms, and solve problems that relate the...

Students develop a definition of parabola and explain the relationship between the properties of the graph of a parabola and its equation. They explain how the equation of a parabola can be written in different forms and solve problems...

Pupils explore various problems. They present their final results and explain the path they followed in order to obtain their answers. Students show their written work as well as orally explaining their work.

Dr. Math discusses some of the "rules" of parabolas that are specific to the focal point.