Fourth graders examine halves of a whole and discover through activities that they must be exactly equal in size. Working with Geoboards and Dot-Paper Squares, the class practices finding halves that are both congruent and incongruent.

First graders investigate symmetry in patterns by utilizing unifix cubes.  In this pattern lesson, 1st graders practice creating patterns that are perfectly symmetrical no matter which way it's looked at.  Students utilize...

Students work in pairs, to make a square on the geoboards with a rubber band (or draw one on the dot paper). It can be any size and in any location and share their answers with the class.

Students discover patterns and write conjectures relating to perimeters and polygons. Working in cooperative learning groups, they use manipulatives and graphic organizers to solve problems then answer a series of questions in which they...

First graders listen as the book, "Try It With Triangles" is read to the class. They name the geometric shapes that they see in the story and view the Shape Vocabulary Cards as they name them from the book. They then cut out the...

Young geometers use the interactive website Cyberchase to practice calculating both area and perimeter. Real world problems encourage learners to discover that we use math each and every day. 

Add up areas of squares to discover the pythagorean relationship. Small groups create right triangles with squares along each side. They calculate the areas of each square and notice the relationship. Groups construct other types of...

Learners investigate shapes as the area changes while the perimeter remains the same. Students demonstrate the shape/perimeter/area relationship using simulations and physical models.

Eighth graders plot points and investigate polygons. They locate a point, using ordered pairs of integers on the coordinate plane. Students compare geometric measurements and computations on coordinate axes as they are applied to...

Study geometry through the concept of quilt design. High schoolers examine the geometric shapes in various quilts and then create their own quilts using geometric shapes that fit together. In the end, they write a paragraph to...

Students discover the value of Pi.  In this value of Pi lesson, students measure the circumference and diameter of various circles on their graphing calculator.  Students find the ratio of the circumference to the diameter and...

Students calculate the perimeter and area of given figures and lengths.

Third graders construct tangrams. In this tangrams lesson, 3rd graders manipulate basic shapes to construct tangrams. Students explore how shapes can be combined in different ways and develop spatial sense.

Sixth graders identify the x and y axes in a coordinate plane and identifies the coordinates of a given point in the first quadrant. They plot specific points in the first quadrant of the Cartesian coordinate system.

Fourth graders explore how to find the area of a rectangular object. As a class, they discuss definition of area and strategies for finding area. The teacher models finding the area of an object by counting squares. Students observe...

Fifth graders manipulate and draw shapes to demonstrate the concept of flips, slides, and turns using letters and arrows on graph paper.

Sixth graders investigate surface area.  In this surface area lesson, 6th graders design a box of candy that has a volume of 30 cubic inches.  Students are trying to minimize surface area while keeping volume constant. ...

Students use tangrams, student literature, and Websites to explore shapes.

Third graders demonstrate their mathematical knowledge of symmetry and reflection using congruent geometric shapes while working as an artist and mathematician looking at a medieval-styled stained glass window.

Learners manipulate shapes to find multiple lines of symmetry. They use color to visualize the lines of symmetry.

Students construct polygons. They identify attributes of three-dimensional shapes. Students name common three-dimensional shapes. They draw three-dimensional shapes, and sort three-dimensional shapes. Students use K'NEX materials sets to...

Students are given the task of designing an apartment. In groups, they practice estimating the area and perimeter of different shapes. After designing their space, they apply the same formulas to solving real-world story problems.

Many teachers find it more challenging to incorporate the use of manipulatives into their mathematics programs at the upper elementary or middle school grades. Activities using manipulatives are provided for grades four, five, and six...

This tutorial features a hands-on lesson that teaches equivalent fractions for grades 3-4. Students explore fractional parts equivalent to one-half. Lesson plan includes an extensive list of materials, worksheets, extension activities...