Curriculum Corner
Menu Math
Getting a meal, side dish, drink, and dessert can be delicious—but it can be expensive too! Practice addition and subtraction with money in a lesson that focuses on a sample menu, complete with task cards and word problems.
Exploratorium
Exploring Pattern Blocks
Pattern blocks are one of the best math manipulatives ever invented. They are used quite extensively in the math activity presented here. Youngsters use the pattern block to fill in shapes that are present on the worksheet embedded in...
Curated OER
Math-Literature Connection: Counting with Jack the Builder
Connect literature (Jack the Builder) with mathematical concepts. In a series of computation, geometry and number sense activities, pupils count on to add, count back to subtract, build cylinders, cones, and rectangular prisms, and name...
Curated OER
Comparing Sets
Kindergarteners and first graders work with Reese's Pieces to explain comparing sets, create comparison sets, and compare sets of numbers and objects. A good lesson that uses a "tasty" manipulative!
Rational Number Project
Initial Fraction Ideas: Lesson 3
Visual models support young mathematicians as they deepen their fractional number sense in this elementary math lesson. Using fraction circle manipulatives, children explore basic unit fractions as they develop the fundamental...
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...
Ahisma Summer Institute
The Power of One - Math in a Different Angle
In this 2-day lesson focused on exponents, middle schoolers will cross the curriculum by engaging in science, history and language arts activities. Exponential growth will be explored using grains of rice on a chess board. Exponential...
Curated OER
Equivalent Fractions Manipulatives
Young scholars study fractions. In this equivalent fractions activity, students utilize fraction strips to enhance their understanding of equivalent fractions. They watch a demonstration and then work independently with their own set of...
Curated OER
Linear Equations & Manipulatives
High schooler math students review operations and solve linear equations using manipulatives--squares, cubes, circles, and cups. They transfer the operations performed on the manipulatives in equation form.
Curated OER
Using Electronic Manipulatives in Multiplication
Factor polynomials using electronic manipulatives. Your class will create a spreadsheet in excel and use it to multiply and perform basic operations and solve problems correctly. They create a visual to go along with each multiplication...
Curated OER
Mayan Math
Fifth graders investigate the Maya's as mathematicians. In this Mayan math lessons, 5th graders work with the ancient Mayan numbering system by comparing it to the American Number System. They tell the differences and similarities...
EngageNY
Describing the Center of a Distribution Using the Mean
Everyone does their fair share. The sixth segment in a 22-part unit presents the mean as a fair share. Groups build a conceptual understanding of the mean of a data set, rather than simply learn an algorithm. Learners use the...
EngageNY
From Ratio Tables to Equations Using the Value of a Ratio
Use the value of a ratio to set up equations. The teacher leads a discussion on determining equations from ratio tables in the 13th portion of a 29-part series. Pupils determine which of two equations to use to find the solution. They...
Virginia Department of Education
Probability
Classes explore different scenarios using manipulatives to learn about the difference between independent and dependent probability. Learners experiment with colored chips to model the two types of probabilities. To test their...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Fractions of a Set
Students explore number sense by completing a number set worksheet. For this fractions lesson, students utilize pattern blocks as a visual reference to the fractions they practice identifying. Students read the book Clean-Sweep Campers...
Curated OER
Decimals Decide Olympic Champions
The class discovers how a decimal can make all the difference in the Olympics. As they learn about decimal place values, they compare and contrast data and demonstrate decimal values using manipulatives.
Curated OER
Coordinate Plane Transformations
Geometric transformations are explored by high schoolers. They will create a set of instructions for plotting coordinates representing an original transformation of a real-world figure. These instructions are shared with middle...
Curated OER
How Heavy
Break out the balances for this primary grade lesson on weight measurement. Using common elementary school manipulatives like unifix or snap cubes, young mathematicians determine the weight of four different classroom objects. A graphic...
Illustrative Mathematics
How Long
It won't take young mathematicians long to learn how to measure length with this fun, hands-on activity. Working in pairs, children use Unifix® or snap cubes to measure and record the lengths of different classroom objects. To extend the...
Curated OER
St. Patrick’s Day
Combine math, creative writing, and leprechauns in a fun St. Patrick's Day activity! Using a bag of gold coins and marshmallows, kids write a math story about a leprechaun that includes a multi-step equation to solve.
EngageNY
The Zero Product Property
Zero in on your pupils' understanding of solving quadratic equations. Spend time developing the purpose of the zero product property so that young mathematicians understand why the equations should be set equal to zero and how that...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Maximizing Area: Gold Rush
Presenting ... the gold standard for a lesson. Learners first investigate a task maximizing the area of a plot for gold prospecting. They then examine a set of sample student responses to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
Bowland
AstroZoo
Rescue animals in the zoo by applying math concepts. Groups of learners solve three missions involving oxygen, food, and climate control. Each group selects an animal from one of four bio-domes.
Curated OER
Pigs in a Pen
Kindergarteners explore numbers, counting, and one-to-one correspondence. Through demonstrations and hands on activities using math manipulatives, they discover several number concepts as well as practice counting throught rote...