MENSA Education & Research Foundation
Fabulous Fibonacci and His Nifty Numbers
Fibonacci numbers are not only found in the classroom but also in nature. Explore the concept of Fibonacci numbers through a series of lessons designed to gain insight into the mathematical reasoning behind the number pattern, and spark...
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The Golden Students
Scholars view the video, "Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land," and discuss examples in nature which have proportions of the golden ratio. They measure and record different body lengths from a worksheet and convert the ratios to equivalent...
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The Art of Interpreting Percent
Ddefine the relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages in a series of lessons. The class practices converting between these three versions of a number. They also find the common factor of a numerator and denominator and...
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Body Balance
Examine measurable characteristics of objects to build an understanding of the different ways you can discuss an object's size when comparing it to other objects. After whole group instruction, the class compares and organizes several...
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Weather Pals
Students study maps of the United States to locate weather pals from a list of schools. They communicate with Weather Pal schools through the use of closed circuit TV. Using weather data collected in their area, they exchange the...
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Comparing Physical Activity Choices
A physical activity log will help your elementary students keep track of their activities. Your class will calculate the average number of physicaly active minutes per day. They compare with other students and then estimate the relative...
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When Average Is the Way to Go
Students engage in experiences involving the mathematical concept of averages. After watching a video, students explore averaging through a variety of different methods.
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Our Geometic World
Students walk around the neighborhood and identify various polygons and lines in buildings, nature and other objects. They design a building using various geometric patterns, shapes and lines. Students complete a descriptive writing of...
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Growing, Growing, Gone
Budding mathematicians identify growing patterns in numbers and songs then create their own patterns. They look at number patterns and language patterns and then create their own using money and footprints.
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Line With Printmaking
Third graders investigate the use of lines in different pieces of art by creating their own ink print. In this art analysis lesson, 3rd graders identify the contours and lines of natural objects such as twigs and leaves. Students...
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Water Cycle
Young scientists explore Earth elements by conducting an experiment. They define water vocabulary terms such as condensation and precipitation. In addition, they conduct a water experiment in which they build a terrarium, so they can...
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2-D polygons
A hands-on activity uses the Zome modeling system, and helps young geometers either learn or review their knowledge of polygons. Students build as many different 2-dimensional polygons as possible: triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon,...
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Design Space
Students will develop an understanding design space. The arrangement of shapes is taught to create simple perspective. The differences in the size of shapes is shown in order to help learners see how they should be arranged in...
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Can You Build It?
Pupils investigate the concept of perimeter. They design there own figure and measure the perimeter of it. The lesson is given the context of the shape being a path that is traveled by a ladybug. This provides the shape of the plane figure.
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
The Sum of the Interior Angles of a Polygon
Junior geometers discover that polygons can be decomposed into triangles and that the number of triangles can be determined by a rule. Note that the Geometer’s Sketchpad® software is required to carry out all components of this...
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It's About Time
First, second, and third graders explore elapsed time through estimation and prediction. They work with a partner to estimate how long it will take to perform various tasks. One person uses a stop watch to time his or her partner...
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Shapes from Shapes
Geometric shapes are really cool. Examine triangles, quadrilaterals, trapezoids, rhombuses, parallelograms, pentagons, and hexagons with your class. They draw large shapes and small shapes then compare them to understand their shapely...
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Applied Science - Science and Math Pre - Lab (Scientific Method)
Students examine science. In this scientific method lesson, students are introduced to what every experiment contains (hypothesis, critical thinking) and how an experiment is conducted. They watch a demonstration and then work...
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Math Tag
Young scholars work on solving arithmetic problems with a game of tag. They must solve a problem to be unfrozen.
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Problem Sets `a la IMSA
In this math worksheet, students complete a series of mathematical investigations to determine readiness for the course of study they are enrolled in. This worksheet is problem set four in a set of worksheets for calculus.
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Mathematics Alive: Environment and Design of Human Habitats
Third graders explore the structural composition of buildings and houses. In this math lesson, 3rd graders explain how architecture is related to mathematics. They create a blueprint of a structure with at least three different spaces.
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Using R&R to Teach Mathematics
Second graders create a shape garden. In this polygons lesson, 2nd graders practice making shapes using a geoboard and read the book The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns. Students also design a shape garden using construction...
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Symmetry, Similar & Congruent Shapes
Fifth graders identify lines of symmetry., similar and congruent shapes. They use construction paper to create their own symmetrical shapes. Students create stained glass frames containing symmetrical, congruent and similar shapes.
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Decimals, Percents and Fractions
Sixth graders convert decimals and percents. They observe a teacher lead demonstration of converting decimals to percents and percents to decimals. Students practice what they have seen.