EngageNY
Exploring the Symmetry in Graphs of Quadratic Functions
Math is all about finding solutions and connections you didn't expect! Young mathematicians often first discover nonlinear patterns when graphing quadratic functions. The lesson begins with the vocabulary of a quadratic graph and uses...
Project Maths
Trigonometric Functions
From a circle to a cycle! The final lesson of a five-part series challenges learners to use points from the unit circle to plot a repeating pattern. The repeating patterns become the graphs of the trigonometric functions. Scholars...
Teach Engineering
Discovering Relationships Between Side Length and Area
Consider the relationship between side length and area as an input-output function. Scholars create input-output tables for the area of squares to determine an equation in the first installment of a three-part unit. Ditto for the area of...
Curated OER
Hand Span and Height
Is there a relationship between hand span width and height? Statisticians survey each other by taking measurements of both. A table that can hold data for 24 individuals is printed onto the worksheet, along with questions for analysis....
K20 LEARN
Didn’t We Already Learn That Pattern? Functions/Arithmetic Sequences
Just how many toothpicks does the pattern take? After watching a video of someone building a pattern with toothpicks, groups create methods to find the number of toothpicks needed to accomplish that task. Groups either use explicit...
EngageNY
Transforming Rational Functions
Move all rational functions—well, maybe. Learners investigate the graphs of the reciprocals of power functions to determine a pattern between the graph and the power. Pupils graph rational functions where transformations are clearly...
K20 LEARN
Transformers Part 1 - Absolute Value and Quadratic Functions: Function Transformations
Transform your instruction with an exploratory instructional activity! Young scholars manipulate absolute values and quadratic functions to look for transformation patterns. They use the patterns to write general rules of transformations.
EngageNY
Multiplying and Factoring Polynomial Expressions (part 2)
If you can multiply binomials, you can factor trinomials! This is the premise for a lesson plan on factoring. Pupils look for patterns in the binomials they multiply and apply them in reverse. Examples include leading coefficients...
EngageNY
Nonlinear Models in a Data Context
How well does your garden grow? Model the growth of dahlias with nonlinear functions. In the instructional activity, scholars build on their understanding of mathematical models with nonlinear models. They look at dahlias growing in...
Willow Tree
Linear Relationships
There's just something special about lines in algebra. Introduce your classes to linear equations by analyzing the linear relationship. Young mathematicians use input/output pairs to determine the slope and the slope-intercept formula to...
Virginia Department of Education
Growing Patterns and Sequences
Learners explore, discover, compare, and contrast arithmetic and geometric sequences in this collaborative, hands-on activity. They build and analyze growing patterns to distinguish which kind of sequence is represented by a set of data...
EngageNY
The Remainder Theorem
Time to put it all together! Building on the concepts learned in the previous lessons in this series, learners apply the Remainder Theorem to finding zeros of a polynomial function. They graph from a function and write a function from...
Illustrative Mathematics
Seven Circles III
A basic set-up leads to a surprisingly complex analysis in this variation on the question of surrounding a central circle with a ring of touching circles. Useful for putting trigonometric functions in a physical context, as well as...
Mathalicious
XBOX Xpotential
Touchdown! This is an exponentially insightful lesson that explores the growth of football games with different video game consoles. Class members discuss whether the increase of mergahertz can be described as linear or exponential....
Curated OER
Investigation - Patterns/Functions
Students explore one-to-one correspondence. Through activities, students examine rhythm and patterns. From the patterns discovered, students create a visual representation of the pattern with blocks.
Kenan Fellows
Dinner Party: Using Pattern Trains to Demonstrate Linear Functions
Nothing fancy here ... just your run-of-the-mill Algebra party! Learners explore the patterns of linear functions while designing seating arrangements for a dinner party. Comparing the number of tables to the perimeter of the combined...
Kentucky Department of Education
Patterns: Beads under a Blanket - Intermediate and Middle School Grades
Apply pattern knowledge to bead patterns. The formative assessment lesson provides pupils the opportunity to show what they know about patterns and functions. Learners take a pre-assessment, then build upon their answers at the beginning...
Curated OER
Graphs and Functions
Middle schoolers describe plotting functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane. They solve functions on paper and using an online tool to plot points on a Cartesian coordinate plane creating lines and parabolas.
Curated OER
Functions and Graphing
Graphing functions in a real world application makes math come to life. Learners graph points on a coordinate plane and identify various points on a graph by working through a set of real world problems. This is a perfect review exercise.
Virginia Department of Education
Square Patios
Build a patio from toothpicks and marshmallows to analyze functions! Learners look for patterns in the data as they create different size patios. As they discover patterns, they make connections between the different representations of...
Curated OER
Patterns, Relations, and Functions: Geometric Shapes
Students explore patterns involving objects or figures and geometric shapes. They identify the missing shapes in patterns and discuss what would come next in the pattern, analyze patterns using different objects, and complete a...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Generalizing Patterns: The Difference of Two Squares
After completing an assessment task where they express numbers as the difference of squares (i.e., 9 = 5^2 – 4^2), class members note any patterns that they see in the problems.
EngageNY
Nonlinear Motion
Investigate nonlinear motion through an analysis using the Pythagorean Theorem. Pupils combine their algebraic and geometric skills in the 24th lesson of this 25-part module. Using the Pythagorean Theorem, scholars collect data on the...
Curated OER
Monster Frog Function Machine
Elementary schoolers use a function machine in order to help them look at the relationship between input and output, and to look at the rule for the change. The machine is actually a cardboard box, and it serves quite well for the lesson...