Here is a quick 15 minute lesson intended to introduce subtraction. Learners count and subtract gummy bears to complete 5 problems. The lessons suggest that the gummy bears can be saved and used the next day, but gummy bears get gross...

Graph equations of lines using the slope-intercept method or by plotting both x and y intercepts. Determine if two lines are parallel or perpendicular by comparing their slopes. This handout includes step-by-step directions and four...

A single activity gets your math class to solve a word problem using two linear equations and two variables. They compare the summer earnings of Kimi and Jordan and then graph the solutions to determine who will save the most money in a...

A single problem requires learners to write two expressions representing the total distance between a student's home and school over a time span of four weeks. A thorough commentary follows that will help you explore the solutions with...

Welcome learners to the world of algebra. Use a lesson that poses a situation involving the profit from creating greeting cards to teach about algebra. It requires scholars to use linear functions and inequalities to solve problems.

When is finding the discriminant enough? Using the quadratic formula helps find solutions to quadratic equations, but there are times when just using the discriminant is appropriate. Use this algebra II activity to help classes see...

Students solve pentomino puzzles.  In this problem solving lesson, students discuss how pentomino puzzles play into the plot of Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett and practice solving a pentomino puzzle on their own....

Various Muslim holidays and their meanings are researched and your students will predict whether or not they should be recognized on the New York City school calendar.  An extension could be to write a letter to the Mayor about...

Cats can't add, but they do multiply! Determine the number of descendants of a single cat given specific facts about cats and kittens. The instructional activity focuses on developing strategies for problem solving using both individual...

This activity presents a real-world problem about an epidemic of influenza spreading through a city. Learners refer to a graph that shows the number of individuals infected in relation to the number of weeks that have elapsed since...

Make a game out of solving equations. This particular activity works well for pairs of learners. Follow the instructions to have player one pick a number and player two verbally give an equation. Participants need to make sense of a...

Scholars first complete an individual assignment using a quadratic equation to model the movement of a bus around a corner. Learners then discuss their solutions with classmates and analyze the provided sample responses.

Life isn't fair ... like inequalities. After first reviewing inequality symbols and how to read inequality statements, learners discover how to solve one-step inequalities and graph their solution sets.

How many cars would be involved in a traffic jam 12 miles long? A slightly ambiguous writing prompt gives learners the opportunity to practice making reasonable assumptions to tackle a real-life problem. Few details are given, so they...

Straight to the point, learners are asked to compare a set of five expressions, determine which are equivalent, and then write equivalent equations for those that do not have any. A benefit is that they will review using properties...

Learning to break apart numbers into smaller pairs is a critical step young mathematicians take as they develop their number sense. To practice this skill, children are provided with sets of three numbers and are asked to pick the two...

How many people immigrate to Spain illegally each year? Both the United States and Spain see a lot of illegal immigration. Advanced learners will read various articles, compare and contrast the situation in both countries, and discuss...

Middle and high schoolers research the life of Pythagoras and the Pythagorean theorem. They write a short biography of Pythagoras and learn to apply the theorem in their study of right triangles.

Do your mathematicians know how to use parentheses in equations? Give them a activity to hone their skills in order of operations. They work out 20 simple problems involving parentheses, then choose which problem out of six adds up to a...

Enhance problem solving skills while refining grammar proficiency with a learning game focused on subject and object pronouns. With playing cards in hand, class members create a dialogue in which one presents a problem while the other...

Learners examine concept of time, and explore difference between analog and digital clocks; students make art project to represent time and create a time-story problem and solution.

Learners of all ages solve historical mysteries. Elementary learners research historical topics by organizing information presented by their instructor, formulating hypotheses, and considering solutions to mysteries presented about...

This is a lengthy overview PowerPoint that defines, explains, shows examples, and has practice problems about points, lines and planes.  The class will need to write many notes and there is an example of how to set up in the Cornell...

Perform data analysis on energy consumption to apply algebraic expressions to the real world. Learners will write and solve equations that answer various questions from residential power use. They will collect data at home and calculate...