EngageNY
Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
What does similarity have to do with the Pythagorean Theorem? The activity steps through the proof of the Pythagorean Theorem by using similar triangles. Next, the teacher leads a discussion of the proof and follows it by an animated...
Virginia Department of Education
Integers: Addition and Subtraction
Young mathematicians construct their own understanding of integers with an inquiry-based math lesson. Using colored chips to represent positive and negative numbers, children model a series of addition and subtraction problems as...
Cornell University
Math Is Malleable?
Learn about polymers while playing with shrinky dinks. Young scholars create a shrinky dink design, bake it, and then record the area, volume, and thickness over time. They model the data using a graph and highlight the key features of...
EngageNY
An Application of Linear Equations
Just how far will the Facebook post go? Lead a discussion on how to manipulate the sum of a geometric series to figure out a formula to find the sum at any step. The plan contains an alternative to the discussion with more...
EngageNY
Informal Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
Prove the Pythagorean Theorem using multiple informal proofs. Scholars first develop an understanding of the origins of the Pythagorean Theorem through proofs. They round out the lesson by using the theorem to find missing side lengths...
Curated OER
George's Place
Here is another in the interesting series of lessons that uses money as a learning tool. This one is especially clever! During the lesson plan, pupils pretend they are eating at "George's Place" diner. Small groups are given one bag of...
Virginia Department of Education
Solving Equations
Demonstrate the abstract process of solving equations by using algebra tiles as a concrete representation. Scholars begin by solving equations through the use of manipulatives. As they gain more confidence, they progress to...
CK-12 Foundation
Problem Solving Plan, Estimation with Decimals: Shopping
Mathematicians go on a virtual shopping trip in an interactive designed to boost the concept of estimation. Scholars read and answer five questions—multiple-choice, true or false, and a discussion—with help from a drag-and-drop shopping...
Radford University
Fun with Solids
Cakes offer a yummy way to learn about math. Scholars use manipulatives to discover the formulas for the surface area and volume of prisms and cylinders. They use their formulas to calculate the amount of cake mix and frosting necessary...
Curated OER
Investigating Fraction Circles
Add and subtract fractions with common denominators! In this fractions instructional activity, upper graders review what they already know about fractions, use manipulatives to compare fractions, and add and subtract fractions.
Curated OER
Probabilities using Colored Cubes as Manipulatives
In this statistics worksheet, students model probabilities by using colored cubes to solve word problems. There are 4 questions to solve.
Curated OER
Quilts and Math
Students create a pattern. In this patterns lesson, students review the meaning of symmetry and explore using pattern blocks. Students look for patterns in real quilts, photographs and pictures. Students work independently to plan a...
Curated OER
Ten More and Ten Less
Get learners to analyze two-digit numbers based on place value, and use manipulatives to add and subtract both 1 and 10. A place value chart is available, and you can project it during guided practice. Through visualizing...
Curated OER
Call it "Macaroni"
Who knew there were so many fun educational opportunities featuring pasta? Scholars read a brief informational text about the history of pasta (note that "macaroni" is spelled two different ways, so address this if kids are reading...
Curated OER
Representing Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
In this fractions, decimals, and percents lessons, students explore various methods of representing fractions. They demonstrate situations that represent rational numbers. Students create a foldable exploring fractions, decimals and...
Texas Woman’s University
Patterns, Patterns Everywhere!
Not only is pattern recognition an essential skill for young children to develop, it's also a lot of fun to teach! Over the course of this lesson, class members participate in shared readings, perform small group...
Curated OER
How Much Does Soap Cost?
Explore multiplication and division using real life problems, including how to find the cost of soap per bar. Individuals or small groups work to find answers. They then share with the class how they found their answer.
Curated OER
Modeling Multiplication and Division of Fractions
Create models to demonstrate multiplication and division of fractions. Using fraction tiles to model fractions, pupils explore fractions on a ruler and use pattern blocks to multiply and divide. They also create number lines with fractions.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Ice Fishing is for the Birds
Approach addition with young mathematicians in an engaging way through this penguin-inspired activity. In small groups, scholars think about times they have used addition in their real lives (there are some suggestions given), then watch...
Curated OER
Students Multiply Polynomials
Factor polynomial functions that have two and three terms. Using Algeblocks, your class will create models to show their understanding of these concepts.
Have Fun Teaching
Base 10 Blocks
Base ten blocks are a great tool for teaching young mathematicians about a number of math concepts, unfortunately they aren't always available to teachers. That is, until now. This printable resource allows all...
Curated OER
Cuisenaire Multiplication
Cuisenaire Rods give learners an excellent strategy as they learn about multiplication. How many ways can they make the same product? Using a target product, learners lay out rods to achieve that number through various...
Noyce Foundation
Surrounded and Covered
What effect does changing the perimeter have on the area of a figure? The five problems in the resource explore this question at various grade levels. Elementary problems focus on the perimeter of rectangles and irregular figures with...
Curated OER
Investigation - Representing Place Value
Third graders demonstrate models to represent a 3 digit counting number. They use manipulative materials to represent place value in whole numbers. Students represent numbers in expanded notation.