EngageNY
Ferris Wheels—Using Trigonometric Functions to Model Cyclical Behavior
Have class members going in circles as they model the path of a Ferris Wheel using trigonometric functions. Building on the previous lesson in this series on transformations, learners use trigonometric functions to model wheels of...
Curated OER
Shaping Up with Nature at Black Bayou Lake
Students visit a local lake refuge and identify shapes they find in nature. They take pictures of the various shapes and use KidPix to draw shapes around the shapes in the pictures. They watch a slideshow of all the shapes found by their...
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
The DNA Molecule Is Shaped like a Twisted Ladder
One of the first models of DNA appeared to be a triple helix. Young scientists learn about the many scientists who worked to find the shape of DNA. They observe multiple models, tests, and experiments to understand the conclusions. An...
Santa Monica College
Lewis Structures and Molecular Shapes
Learners practice drawing Lewis dot structures, build molecules with model kits, and predict molecular shapes using VSEPR theory. The combination of written work and hands-on reinforcement benefits young scientists.
Curated OER
Writing Takes Shape!
Students read The Greedy Triangle and discuss geometric solids. In this geometry lesson, students list the geo-solids in the world and create a graphic organizer to show where geo-solids exist.
Curated OER
Learning Shapes
In this learning shapes worksheet, learners match given shapes to their proper name. In addition, students count the number of shapes identified in a model. Shapes include a rhombus, square, circle, hexagon, trapezoid, rectangle,...
NASA
Oh, Chute!
Using a scare model of the a test vehicle developed by the Systems Architecture and Integration Office at NASA, groups determine the dimensions for a scale model of the parachute compartment. The groups also determine the volume of the...
Curated OER
Tangram
Students explore tangrams. For this tangrams lesson, students read Three Pigs, One Wolf, and Seven Magic Shapes and then complete a WebQuest on tangrams. Students explore shapes and rotation during the WebQuest and create a new character...
Space Awareness
Meet Our Neighbors: Moon
Since a field trip to the moon isn't possible, bring the moon to young astronomers! Participants use everyday materials to create models of the moon and represent the features on its surface. The materials serve as a tactile as well as a...
Illustrative Mathematics
Toilet Roll
Potty humor is always a big hit with the school-age crowd, and potty algebra takes this topic to a whole new level. Here the class develops a model that connects the dimensions (radii, paper thickness, and length of paper) of a common...
Curated OER
Shapes Galore!
First graders explore two-dimensional shapes. Individually, children follow directions to draw shapes. Learners use shaving cream, geoboards, yarn, marshmallows, and toothpicks to create shapes. As a class, 1st graders brainstorm...
Curated OER
Shapes Galore!
First graders create two-dimensional shapes. In this shapes instructional activity, 1st graders learn about different two-dimensional shapes. Students have many hands-on experiences with these shapes including the use of geoboards,...
Curated OER
Introducing Powers and Models
Students construct two dimensional models to illustrate squared numbers. For this geometry lesson, students use graph paper and an x/y axis to build squares exponentially. Students identify powers and relationships between various...
Curated OER
Investigating Shapes in Our World
First graders explore shapes. In this geometry lesson, 1st graders make shapes with geo-boards, use play-dough to make three-dimensional figures, and make a shape book using pre-cut shapes.
Curated OER
I've Seen That Shape Before
Learners examine and identify shapes. In this shapes lesson, students explore the characteristics of various shapes. They cut out shapes and name illustrations. Worksheets and activities are included.
Curated OER
Symmetrical Shapes
Students find symmertical shapes around their school. For this symmetry lesson, students create symmetrical shapes. Students print symmetrical shapes from Kidworks Deluxe and take pictures of objects around their school that are...
Curated OER
Modeling the Keeling Curve with Excel
In this modeling the Keeling Curve worksheet, learners use given data beginning in 1960 to create a mathematical model for the changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide over time. Students manipulate the equation to predict the carbon...
Curated OER
Volcano Contour Models Activity
Young scholars experiment with water levels and plastic topographic volcano models to determine the contour lines that would be used to create a topograpohic map of a volcano. They use the traced lines to actually develop the map.
Science Matters
Volcano Models
More than 80 percent of the earth's surface originated from volcanoes. The 16th instructional activity in a 20-part series introduces the shape and development of volcanoes. It begins with a demonstration using a balloon and flour to...
Curated OER
Three Methods for Using Quadratic Functions to Model Data
In this modeling data worksheet, students use quadratic functions to model data using three different methods. This worksheet provides explanations and an example. Additionally, students are given the steps to find the maximum or...
Curated OER
Making Models of the Solar System
Students make several models of the solar system to learn the positions of the planets in the solar system as well as relative distances and sizes. Creation of these models will help them identify the planets by size, shape, color,...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 8: Modeling With Functions
Sometimes there just isn't a parent function that fits the situation. Help scholars learn to combine function types through operations and compositions. Learners first explore a new concept with an introductory activity and then follow...
National Geographic
Mapping the Shape of Everest
With Mount Everest as the motivator, your earth science class learns about topographic maps. Begin by showing a film clip from The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest, featuring fearsome virtual imagery of a path up world's tallest peak....
Curated OER
This House is Made of Mud: Exploring the Shapes in Our Lives
Students study about our dependence on the earth's resources for materials. They practice their knowledge of geometric shapes by recognizing them in the context of the story.