In this geometry lesson on cylinders, geometers explore how to find the smallest surface area for a given volume.  They use their knowledge to relate it to the real world by making a model of a livestock tank.

The class braids irrational numbers, Pythagoras, and perimeter together. The mini-assessment requires scholars to use irrational numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem to find perimeters of rugs. The rugs are rectangular, triangular,...

With minimal setup and maximum freedom, young geometers are encouraged to think outside the box on a seemingly simple application problem. Though the task seems simple, measuring a given paper clip and finding how many 10 meters can...

Students scan the classroom to find different common shapes. They listen as the teacher defines polygon and regular polygon. The teacher demonstrates regular polygons via the Internet and the "Math is Fun" web site. Students go outside...

Students complete a two-week unit involving design and construction concepts. They watch a PowerPoint presentation about geometric shapes, draw the fourteen shapes incorporated in bridge construction, and in small groups design, build,...

Fourth graders discuss and examine examples of the different types of angles. After learning the names of the geometric shapes students identify the types of angles and then complete the Kidspiration activity, Identifying Angles.

Students identify basic geometric shapes using Geogebra. In this geometry lesson, students work on a laptop as they explore different geometric shapes. They calculate the area and perimeter of triangles.

Students enjoy making 3-D figures while learning about rectangular prisms, pyramids, vertices, edges, and faces. After a lecture/demo, students use marshmallows, toothpicks and a worksheet imbedded in this instructional activity to...

Young scholars create a quilt, using different patterns. In this geometry lesson, students apply prior knowledge as they use different patterns to help them create a quilt using transformations and geometric shapes.

Students analyze convex polyhedra through hands on methods. In this geometrical shapes instructional activity, students construct paper models of convex polyhedra and identify the different properties including the number of sides, faces...

Students listen to a read aloud of Mary Ann Hoberman's A House Is a House for Me before discussing the meaning of habitats and the different types of homes that people live in. Next, they pretend to be architects and design a home for...

Students examine two- and three-dimensional shapes and figures. Individually, they practice identifying the shape from various viewpoints. By completing this activity, they develop a spatial sense about how figures and shapes are...

Fourth graders identify and label different types of polygons in real life situations. Using a digital camera, they take pictures of polygons on the school grounds, tally the number of shapes found, and answer discussion questions.

In addition to the catchy title, this lesson plan provides upper graders an opportunity to more closely scrutinize the attributes of plane figures. In particular, they focus on the similarity of different shapes. Both whole-class and...

Geometric design makes a fashion statement! Challenge learners to design a hat to fit a Styrofoam model. Specifications are clear and pupils use concepts related to three-dimensional objects including volume of irregular shapes and...

Pupils analyze a pattern of conference tables to determine the number of tables needed and the number of people that can be seated for a given size. Individuals develop general formulas for the two growing number patterns and...

High schoolers determine the surface area of the Luxor Hotel, using the square feet of the base, volume, and the volume formula. They create a scale model of the triangular/pyramid shaped hotel.

Use coordinate grid paper to plot points and identify shapes that are already plotted on the paper by saying their coordinates. Pupils also measure the distance between points and play the game Battleship. There are several web links and...

Fifth graders examine patterns and relate to equations to solve math problems.  For this patterns lesson, 5th graders diagram, graph, use models and use tables to solve equations for real world problems.

It's all about lines when going around. Pupils graph the relationship between the length of a side of a square and its perimeter. Class members explain the origin in context of the side length and perimeter. They compare the graph to the...

Let's paint the town equal parts yellow and violet, or simply brown. Pupils calculate the amount of blue and red paint needed to make six quarts of brown paint. Individuals then explain how they determined the percentage of the brown...

Challenge the class to utilize their knowledge of linear and quadratic functions to determine the intersection of the parent quadratic graph and linear proportional graphs. Using the pattern for the solutions, individuals develop a...

Sew up pupil interest with an engaging, hands-on instructional activity. Learners first design a sports bag given constraints on the dimensions of fabric. They then evaluate provided sample responses to identify strengths and weaknesses...