Class members are challenged to design a device that will move a circus elephant into a train car. Groups brainstorm ideas that use simple machines to load the elephant. They then choose one of their ideas, sketch a plan, and present it...

Reach for the STARs! Using the resource, scholars review the STAR (Stop, Think, Act, Review) method and discuss how to use it to solve a math equation. Next, small groups collaborate to solve a common problem in the classroom using the...

Multiplying with multiples of 10, 100, and 1,000 provides an opportunity to discuss patterns that arise with zeros. The class uses these patterns to solve problems. Then they rotate through three work stations, including a computer-based...

Get your learners up and moving, all while reviewing numbers on the number line! For this activity, learners are grouped in teams outdoors. The teacher will have already created number lines on the ground (with chalk, tape, etc.), and...

Students estimate the distance of student's broad jumps. This activity can take place in the block center with a small group of students. They are explained that they are going to jump from a starting point (marked with the masking...

In this points, lines, planes, and space worksheet, learners solve word problems dealing with points, lines, planes, and space. Students complete 20 individual problems and 20 group problems.

How many is this? Practice number value recognition between 0 and 20 using this interactive activity idea. It's all here for your easy use: cut and laminate the twenty-one individual cards, each labeled numerically 0-20. Also cut out the...

Multiplying fractions by whole numbers is the focus of the math instructional activity presented here. There are three activities outlined in the instructional activity along with a nifty game learners play on the computer that...

Goldilocks and the Three Numbers? The pre-activity task involves finding digits to complete decimals or fractions that satisfy given constraints, such as finding a fractions that is in between two others. The main task involves a similar...

Your pupils can build their own electromagnet — awesome! The culminating activity in an eight-part series challenges groups to design and build their own electromagnet. The goal of the activity is to build a magnet capable of picking up...

Using the subscriber website Explorelearning.com, young mathematicians observe changes in the slope and y-intercept and their effect on the graph of lines. This activity helps students develop an intuitive sense of the connection between...

Don't be dense—use a robust resource. The second installment of a five-part Floaters and Sinkers unit has learners determine the densities of several objects. As part of the activity, they learn the displacement method for finding...

Your statisticians examine the characteristics of conditional probability and the probability of simultaneous independent events. They perform computer activities to find probabilities for simple compound events. They examine the...

Young cartographers in groups hide treasure at school and then create a map to find it using pattern blocks and tiles. They make paintings with clues to create a visual representation of the location of their treasure. Groups present...

Middle schoolers work in small groups to make various geometric solids with Play-Doh. They use fishing line to make cuts and observe the shapes of the cross-sections. Pupils complete an assessment in which they answer questions such as:...

For this subscription-based activity, algebra learners model changes in the length and width of a rectangle to determine the maximum area possible for a given perimeter and solve several application problems involving area, included in...

Young scholars solve volume problems. In this geometry lesson, the class watches a video about clean water (link provided) and individuals compare the volume of different prisms, including an actual drinking glass. Extension activities...

Define terminology related to a circle. Practice accuracy in measuring and then create a spreadsheet based on data collected from solving for parts of a circle. Groups can have fun analyzing their data as it relates to Pi.

Get mathematicians engaged with number terminology using this puzzle activity! Learners determine the selected number from a hundred board by eliminating numbers using clues. As a group, each learner has a specific role, outlined in the...

Tired of waiting for hot water? Groups of three determine the efficiency of an electric water-heating device. They calculate the amount of energy it takes to heat the water and the theoretical amount of energy required to heat the water....

Use this activity to help your class develop an understanding of greater than, less than, and equal to with numbers valued between 1 and 10. Secretly place a number of marbles (between 1 and 10) in a brown paper bag. Then shake the bag...

Every time a bell rings ... there is lightning in the area. The activity provides directions to build a model of a lightning detection system. Similar to a system designed by Benjamin Franklin, the system uses static...

So is that what you meant by rubber legs? The activity has pairs subject a chicken bone to vinegar and observe what happens over a period of days. Individuals then write up a lab report and document their observations and findings. 

Model an oil spill cleanup. An engaging engineering lesson has groups using aerogels to simulate an oil spill cleanup (vegetable oil in water). Along the way, they learn about nanotechnology and hydrophilia/hydrophobia.