A watched printer never finishes—or does it? Engage your classes in a ratio and proportion task that asks them to predict how long it takes to print the numbers one through 88 on 88 sheets of paper. They use video to determine the rate...

Predict an equation that waves up and down. Pupils set the height, radius, and period of a Ferris wheel. The learners write a sine equation to match the graph of the height of a point on the wheel as a function of time. Running the...

Elementary schoolers choose from a host of activities to investigate probability and statistics. They complete worksheets, create 3-D graphs, and play graph bingo. They make weather predictions and list all the possibilities before going...

Two real-world activities to practice adding, subtracting and multiplying matrices to problem solve. Data from several Pro football quarterbacks is used in one activity to make some predictions based on their stats. Then the class takes...

Viruses can spread like wildfire, and mathematics can model the speed of infection. Given a function, scholars analyze it to describe the spread of a disease within a stadium. Learners find the initial number infected and the maximum...

Calling all subscribers! Model revenue based on individual cell phone subscribers. The project-based learning activity presents a challenge to scholars from a cell phone company. Individuals model data provided to them from the company...

Any vintage video game users in the room? Young scholars use a video presentation to analyze patterns in pixel arrangements. By writing an arithmetic sequence, they make predictions about the size of the image.

Have a popping good time. Using probability and statistics skills, learners determine which type of popcorn to buy based on the percentage of kernels popped. After analyzing corn and popcorn sales to make a prediction of future sales,...

How fast does it grow? Scholars work on two tasks dealing with exponential growth, one on population growth and the second on investments. Learners research a country's population over the past century and make predictions of the current...

High schoolers begin a discussion on diversity and determine the percent of the population that speak another language at home in the US. Classmates make a prediction of the percentage of people that speak another language at home in...

What are the chances that there will be rain and lighting today? Use this activity to study independent and dependent probabilities with your class.  Learners explore the differences between P(A and B) and P(A or B) using mock...

Teach the concept of simple random sampling through an interactive lesson. Learners explore the concept by considering the strength of sampling methods. Size of the samples varies also as individuals determine which methods lead to the...

Go around and around with slope. The class investigates tornadoes by watching videos, building a homemade tornado, and performing research on the Storm Prediction Center website. Groups gather data and create scatter plots for twisters...

Students explore weight. For this math lesson, students predict which item weighs more and discuss how they arrived at their decision. Students weigh several items to determine which weighs more.

Fourth and fifth graders identify numbers as prime or composite, list composite numbers that could be mistaken for prime and answer a "prediction" question.

This writing prompt spans nine slides and encourages learners to discuss or write about how they feel about moving on to 5th grade. It is a great way to engage self-assessment, reflection, personal motivation, and fluid writing skills.

Middle schoolers calculate gear ratio as they solve word problems. They discuss and find slopes as they relate to real life. Additionally, they hey use ratio and proportion to make predictions and solve problems.

Students sort a bag of M&M candies according to color using a sorting mat. They count M&M candies. They compare the number to their prediction then students create tally charts.

Students explore the concept of systems of equations. In this system of equations lesson, students enter data into lists on their calculators about 100 meter dash times. Students plot the points using a scatter plot and perform a linear...

Small groups devise a plan to find the bag that contains the larger percentage of blue chips. they then institute their plans and compare results to the actual quantities in the bags. 

Create geometric cups by interpreting directions, informational text, and mathematical concepts. Critical thinkers apply geometric theory (congruent shapes, patterns, symmetry) to actual directions to create a cup that holds Kool Aid....

During a walk-a-thon your learners must determine the walking rate of Julianna's progress. Using tables, graphs, and an equation, they must be able to calculate the time it took her to walk one mile and predict her distance based on the...

The motto for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry warns that one should never tickle a sleeping dragon, but learners will definitely be tickled by the activities in a packet of materials designed to accompany a reading of the...

Would you rather have a bowl of dimes or a bowl of quarters? A video introduces the problem by presenting two bowls, one full of quarters and another full of dimes. Learners use information from a CoinStar receipt to calculate the number...