Illustrative Mathematics
Tilt of Earth's Axis and the Four Seasons
Geometry meets earth science as high schoolers investigate the cause and features of the four seasons. The effects of Earth's axis tilt features prominently, along with both the rotation of the earth about the axis and its orbit about...
Curated OER
Constructing Parallel Lines
Students construct parallel lines using a protractor and a straightedge. In this geometry lesson, students identify the properties of parallel lines. They use Cabri to graph and observe the lines.
Curated OER
Fire!, Probability, and Chaos
Upper elementary and middle schoolers work with the concept of probability. They are introduced to the concept of chaos. Learners graph and analyze using a line plot, work with mean, and are introduced to the concept of variance.
Curated OER
Profitable Soda Stand
Am I making any money? Help learners determine if their fictitious soda stand is turning a profit. They graph linear equations using the slope and y-intercept and identify the best price to use to sell soda. They identify the domain and...
Kenan Fellows
Lego Thinking and Building
Run a simulated airplane manufacturing plant with your pupils as the builders! Learners build Lego airplane models and collect data on the rate of production, comparing the number produced to the number defective. Using linear...
Curated OER
Use Google Maps to Teach Math
Capture the engagement of young mathematicians with this upper-elementary math lesson on measuring time and distance. Using Google Maps, students first measure and compare the distance and time it takes to travel between different...
Curated OER
Buffon's Needle An Analysis and Simulation
If you dropped a needle on a lined sheet of paper what is the probability that the needle will cross one of the lines on the page? Surprise your class with how calculating this probability can approximate pi. This question is known as...
EngageNY
Sampling Variability in the Sample Mean (part 1)
How accurate is data collected from a sample? Learners answer this question using a simulation to model data collected from a sample population. They analyze the data to understand the variability in the results.
Curated OER
Geometric Lines: Parallel / Transversal / Perpendicular
Students in grade 7 and 8 work on outcomes related to spatial sense and geometric concepts, properties, and relationships. The lesson plan integrates technology and helps students be exposed to multimedia.
Curated OER
Walking on Air
Students collect and analyze data with a graph. In this statistics instructional activity, students use central tendencies to find the meaning of their data. They display the data on a Ti calculator.
Mathalicious
Pic Me!
Finally! Math and Instagram have come together to discuss the correlation between likes and followers. High schoolers can't help but want to discover what makes one account more popular than another by developing a line of best fit and...
Curated OER
Risk Taker - Probability Web Quest
Students complete an on line, teacher created, webquest to study the origin of probability, theoretical and simulated probability; computing the probability of two independent events; and mutually exclusive events. They make a Venn...
Curated OER
Simultaneous Equations Using Elimination
Students solve a system of two unknowns. In the Algebra lesson, students use a on line computer applet/program to solve a system by the elimination method. The student's work is self checking, giving immediate feedback. The applet...
Curated OER
Roundin' Up the Chariots
Simulate chariots and driver and practice rounding numbers with your class. In teams of three, they race to the finish line where the teachers asks the chariot driver to round a certain number. They take turns being the driver.
Curated OER
Fantasy Baseball
Check out this thematic unit, based on the game of baseball. Learners investigate numbers and number relations as they become familiar with some of the basic terminology associated with the game. They focus their attention on actual...
EngageNY
Projecting a 3-D Object onto a 2-D Plane
Teach how graphic designers can use mathematics to represent three-dimensional movement on a two-dimensional television surface. Pupils use matrices, vectors, and transformations to model rotational movement. Their exploration involves...
Curated OER
Bungee M&M's
Eighth graders experiment with M&M's and a cup attached to a spring to to simulate a bungee jump. They graph the results of the experiment and make predictions for continuing the experiment. They determine the "line of best fit."
Curated OER
Westward Expansion
Students locate California and New York on a map and explore available means of travel in the 19th century. Students explore the role of trade in pioneer America and simulate various barter transactions.
Curated OER
The Hot Dog Stand - An Annual Report
Middle schoolers run a computer simulation and collect data as they work and use the data to create an annual report for their business. It is desirable for students to do this project individually, but it could be done as a class using...
Curated OER
Estimating School Store Purchases
Students examine uses for estimating, and round purchase prices to estimate total purchases in a simulated school store setting. They discuss what it means for an item to be on sale, and observe the teacher work through the process of...
Curated OER
It's Your Life
Students make a multiple line graph showing income levels for each education level for the past 8 years and the number of people for each ethnic group and gender is compared within each education level.
Curated OER
Understanding Distance, Speed, and Time Relationships
Students investigate distance, speed, and time relationships. In this distance, speed, and time relationships lesson, students simulate a runner using a computer program. Students adjust the starting point and speed of the runner and...
Curated OER
Archaeology: Digging in the Classroom
Learners explore how an archaeologist works and makes discoveries. In this archaeology lesson, students participate in a simulation in which they excavate broken pottery. Learners use measurement, geometry, and observation skills during...
Curated OER
Graphing
Students collect data and graph their results, then analyze the graphs. In this geometry lesson, students examine slopes and their graphs and discuss the relationship between the lines and the slopes.