Curated OER
Snowflake Curve
Students develop an appreciation for complex structures in nature. They observe patterns in nature in relationship to the Real World. Students use observation skills to assist in problem solving. They show comprehension of the concepts...
Western Kentucky University
Understanding Genetics: Punnett Squares
Can scientists really predict genetic outcomes or are they simply making a lucky guess? Scholars first learn about Gregor Mendel and how to make Punnett squares. Then they extract DNA from a strawberry in a lab with included conclusion...
EngageNY
Families of Parallel Lines and the Circumference of the Earth
How do you fit a tape measure around the Earth? No need if you know a little geometry! Pupils begin by extending their understanding of the Side Splitter Theorem to a transversal cut by parallel lines. Once they identify the...
Teach Engineering
Weather Forecasting
According to the Farmers' Almanac, the weather will be nice today. Class members examine how weather forecasting plays a part in their lives with a resource that provides information on the history of forecasting, from using cloud...
Rainforest Alliance
Forests of Guatemala
With 90 percent of its land area covered in forests, Suriname, a country in South America, contains the largest percentage of forests throughout the world. Here is an activity that brings classmates together to learn about the...
Curated OER
Class of Gold
How can you see a number in nature? Here, learners discover both Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio by exploring a number of different resources. Note: Some of the resources are older and may be missing some of the links, but...
Curated OER
Our Geometic World
Young scholars walk around the neighborhood and identify various polygons and lines in buildings, nature and other objects. They design a building using various geometric patterns, shapes and lines. Students complete a descriptive...
Curated OER
Same As
Explore the concept of the equals symbol. In this mathematical symbols lesson, learners discover the meaning of the equals sign (symbol). They also construct addition and subtraction sentences to understand the concept of equal parts.
Curated OER
A Honey of a Hexagon
Learners explore how bees make honey and why the hexagon is the best basic pattern for the honeycomb through the use of a video and hands-on activities with honeycombs and geometric shapes.
Curated OER
Rainbows, Bridges & Weather, Oh My!
Explore how real-world applications can be parabolic in nature and how to find quadratic functions that best fit data. A number of different examples of modeling parabolas are explored including a student scavenger hunt, the exploration...
Curated OER
Arranging Numbers from 1 to 5
Kindergarteners arrange manipulatives or everyday objects in groups of one through five. They identify groups seen in pictures of nature and compare same numbers of different objects.
Curated OER
Spiral Symmetry
Taking the notion of symmetry to the next level, this looks at combining rotation and translation symmetry to build spiral symmetry in three dimensions. Using the Zome modeling system and an instructor’s guidance, geometers try to build...
Curated OER
Graphing the Population Explosion of Weeds
Students are introduced to the seed cycle and draw the specific steps. In groups, they identify the human barriers to the spreading of weeds. After calculating the rate of spreading of the Yellowstar Thistle, they create graphs to see a...
Curated OER
Tessellations: Geometry and Symmetry
Students explore the concept of tessellations. In this tessellations lesson, students use an applet to construct tessellations. Students use regular polygons to construct tessellations. Students find patterns and symmetry in their...
World Wildlife Fund
Take 6
Investigate the various properties of the number six with this elementary math lesson plan. From simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems to the creation of hexagonal tessellations, this lesson plan covers all...
Curated OER
Where Am I, and How Do I Get Where I am Going?
Students describe geographical places through art, music, writing, and math. They compile information in booklets which may be published.
Curated OER
Fractions
Fourth graders use pattern blocks and fraction identification cards to create and identify fractions. In this fractions lesson plan, 4th graders identify fractions in a pizza, and make fractions with markers.
Curated OER
Tour + Workshop = DESIGN: Shape
Ask elementary students to explore shapes in everyday objects. They will discuss the elements of design and describe the shapes they see in visual images. Students will then design and "build" a new 3D shape. Finally they will show and...
Curated OER
Impossible Graphs
Students practice plotting functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane while participating in a discussion about the Possible Or Not worksheet/activity. Students also use the Impossible Graphs worksheet to practice reading a graph,...
Curated OER
Terrific Tessellations
Students create, transform, and critique their own piece of artwork. In doing this lesson, students get more experience working with angles, lines, and measurement. They gain experience seeing, and creating their own patterns and shapes.
Curated OER
Immigration Lesson Plan
Students examine immigration patterns in Canada and the United States. In this immigration lesson, students compare and contrast immigration patterns and policies in the 2 countries as they conduct research using print and Internet...
Curated OER
Finding Fibonacci
Students study and apply the Fibonacci numbers and how they occur in nature. Students solve problems using the Fibonacci numbers.
Curated OER
Double Down
Students shuffle cards identifying different patterns. In this algebra instructional activity, students investigate the accuracy of the card shufflers in a casino. They discuss out-shuffle, faro shuffle and magicians mixing cards to...
American Statistical Association
How Tall and How Many?
Is there a relationship between height and the number of siblings? Classmates collect data on their heights and numbers of brothers and sisters. They apply statistical methods to determine if such a relationship exists.