Illustrative Mathematics
The Lighthouse Problem
Long considered the symbol of safe harbor and steadfast waiting, the lighthouse gets a mathematical treatment. The straightforward question of distance to the horizon is carefully presented, followed by a look into the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Accuracy of Carbon 14 Dating I
Here is an activity that is intended to highlight a very important issue about precision in reporting and understanding statements in a realistic scientific context. Discuss different ways of reporting the half life of Carbon 14...
Curated OER
Mayan Math
Fifth graders investigate the Maya's as mathematicians. In this Mayan math lessons, 5th graders work with the ancient Mayan numbering system by comparing it to the American Number System. They tell the differences and similarities...
Curated OER
Building Tolerance for Poverty in Math
Students explore approximate and exact solutions. In this interdisciplinary lesson, 6th graders will be placed in 'family groups' to create a budget that is subject to random events as chosen from the 'things happen' box. This lesson...
Curated OER
Significant What?
Students define accuracy and precision, and differentiate between the two terms, apply the concepts of accuracy and precision to a given situation and correctly apply the concept of significant figures to measurement and mathematical...
Curated OER
Quinoa Pasta 3
A mixture of quinoa and corn is for dinner in this collaborative task that sets up nicely as a system of linear equations. Your supper guests discuss numerical precision and percentages as they formulate a plan of how to solve the problem.
Illustrative Mathematics
How Many Cells Are in the Human Body?
Investigating the large numbers of science is the task in a simple but deep activity. Given a one-sentence problem set-up and some basic assumptions, the class sets off on an open-ended investigation that really gives some...
Illustrative Mathematics
Running Around a Track I
The accuracy required by the design and measurement of an Olympic running track will surprise track stars and couch potatoes alike. Given a short introduction, the class then scaffolds into a detailed analysis of the exact nature of the...
Santa Monica College
Introducing Measurements in the Laboratory
We use basic units of measurement to break down things and communicate clearly. The first lesson in an 11-part series teaches the proper way to measure various items. It starts simply with measuring the dimensions and areas of geometric...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Is Measuring an Art or a Science?
Not only do future engineers learn the difference between accuracy and precision, they also get some hands-on experience using different measuring tools.
EngageNY
Modeling with Quadratic Functions (part 2)
How many points are needed to define a unique parabola? Individuals work with data to answer this question. Ultimately, they determine the quadratic model when given three points. The concept is applied to data from a dropped...
EngageNY
Modeling a Context from Data (part 2)
Forgive me, I regress. Building upon previous modeling activities, the class examines models using the regression function on a graphing calculator. They use the modeling process to interpret the context and to make predictions...
Curated OER
Measure Twice
Students measure a variety of objects using the appropriate measuring tool. In this measurement lesson, students explain the importance of accuracy and precision in collecting data. They discuss the difference between the two.
Curated OER
Math: Checking Scale Drawings for Accuracy
Pupils critique their own drawings for accuracy and make constructive suggestions prior to reworking them. They discover how scale in maps and drawing relate to relative size and distance. In addition, students comprehend the...
Curated OER
Measurement Investigations 1
Fifth graders find perimeters, areas, and volumes of everyday objects and state the precision. They work in small groups in order to take measurements, perform calculations, and write a group report about the investigation.
Curated OER
Measurement Investigations 2
Students complete a number of practical measuring investigations, with an emphasis on accuracy of measuring and communication of their findings. They examine how to measure by first becoming aware of the physical attributes of objects...
Curated OER
Energy Choices
Students figure the best gas prices. In this math lesson, students add and multiply with decimals. Students complete a worksheet to find which supplier offers the best gas prices.
Curated OER
Walk-A-Thon
Students graph linear http://www.lessonplanet.com/review?id=180542equations. For this problem solving lesson, students calculate slope and plot ordered pairs on a coordinate grid. Using a real-life example of a walk-a-thon, students...
Curated OER
Does Your Field Measure Up
Students measure angles using a plane table kit. In this geometry lesson, students use trigonometric identities to find the values of the length of a football field.
Curated OER
Accurately Weighing Pennies I
Drawing from a scenario of the history of the penny, learners write and solve a system of linear equations from a context.
Curated OER
Quinoa Pasta 2
Learners discover that a system of linear equations models this mixture of quinoa and corn in a collaborative task. Your learners receive all the relevant information in this second of three variants of tasks that ask them to find...
Curated OER
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Elementary schoolers learn about metric units and how they are used by engineers. They learn how engineers use the units to measure mass, distance, and volume. Then, they estimate measurements of units, and compare them to actual...
Curated OER
BASEBALL HOME RUN
Learners determine whether a hit baseball is a home run or not by utilizing parametric equations to describe the path of the ball. They assess the importance of angles and velocity needed to hit a home run. In addition, in their own...
Curated OER
Computer Accuracy
Students work together on computers to practice measuring for navigation. They discover that errors in their calculations can lead them in the wrong direction. They examine the need of computers by engineers.