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...
Willow Tree
Percent of Change
Your car decreases in value from $20,000 to $17,000. What percent of the value have you lost? Pupils answer word problems by determining the percent of change.
EngageNY
Solving a Linear Equation
Solving an equation is the art of creating simpler equivalent equations using properties of equality. Here, classes see that solving an equation is not always as easy as guessing. The lesson presents linear equations that scholars must...
Curated OER
Problem Solving of Patterns
Fifth graders use a software program to practice their problem solving skills. As a class, they identify patterns in their days at school and review problem solving patterns in math. They solve different problems and discover that the...
Curated OER
The Sum of Our Integer Intelligences
Young mathematicians explore integers. They review adding integers through engaging in mathematical labs. Each lab station is designed to reflect one of the multiple intelligences. Resources for all activities are provided.
Noyce Foundation
Movin 'n Groovin
Examine the consequences of varying speed. An engaging set of five problem sets challenges young mathematicians by targeting a different grade level from K-12. In the initial lesson, scholars make conclusions about the time it takes two...
K20 LEARN
Break It Apart: Multiplication Strategies
Reinforce multiplication strategies with a lesson that examines a word problem and the distributive property. Mathematicians work collaboratively to solve the problem, create a poster with their solution, and share their preferred method...
EngageNY
Why Are Vectors Useful? 1
How do vectors help make problem solving more efficient? Math scholars use vectors to represent different phenomenon and calculate resultant vectors to answer questions. Problems vary from modeling airplane motion to the path of a robot.
NASA
Resolving 2-Plane Traffic Conflicts by Changing Route—Problem Set B
Do pilots create appropriate spacing between aircraft by traveling a longer or shorter path? An interactive presents two airplanes that violate safety protocols. Pupils must determine how to change the path of one plane to create the...
K20 LEARN
Baking Cupcakes!: Fractions
Following an engaging video, mathematicians solve a word problem about baking cupcakes using fractions. Scholars practice different problem-solving strategies, then find different ingredient amounts for their recipes. Pupils solve a...
EngageNY
Operations with Numbers in Scientific Notation
Demonstrate the use of scientific notation within word problems. The lesson plan presents problems with large numbers best represented with scientific notation. Pupils use these numbers to solve the problems in the 11th installment in a...
Curated OER
Is Your Money Rolling Away?
Young scholars demonstrate how to solve word problems. They will watch the video "Math Can Take You Places" and identify three problem solving strategies.
Curated OER
Guess and Test/Make a Table
Learners explore problem solving strategies. In this middle school mathematics lesson, students investigate the guess and test and make a table problem solving strategies. Learners work in pairs to apply the problem solving strategies...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Find a Pattern Using Children's Literature
Sixth graders listen to Demi's, On Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale. They use the problem solving strategy of finding a pattern to determine the number of rice Rani will receive after 30 days. They create a spreadsheet which...
Curated OER
Problem Solvers
Fifth and sixth graders compare decimals to the place-value structure in the base-ten number system. They represent fractions as parts of unit wholes, as parts of a set, as locations on a number line, and as divisions of whole numbers....
Curated OER
Problem Solving Model
Use a vocabulary chart to introduce math functions. The class defines a list of mathematical vocabulary terms on a worksheet, as well as completes equations and expressions. They examine word problems and practice transcribing them into...
Education Development Center
Thinking Things Through Thoroughly
Problem solving is a skill of its own. Learners use a variety of problems to encourage mental math and logic to get the correct answer. Guiding questions are provided along the way to encourage the right way of thinking to help tackle...
National Security Agency
Partying with Proportions and Percents
Examine ratios and proportions in several real-world scenarios. Children will calculate unit rates, work with proportions and percentages as they plan a party, purchase produce, and take a tally. This lesson plan recommends five...
EngageNY
Applications of the Pythagorean Theorem
Examine the application of the Pythagorean Theorem in problem-solving questions. Pupils apply the theorem to find lengths when given different scenarios. They finish the 17th installment in an 18-part series by applying the theorem to...
Curated OER
Rice and More Rice
Fifth graders explore problem solving strategies for mathematical estimation. In this math problem solving lesson, 5th graders predict how many grains of rice are in a jar, practice establishing and looking for patterns in...
Curated OER
Using Basic Properties to Solve Problems in Math
Learners identify and define the rules of properties of real numbers. They rewrite each of the problems listed using the commutative or associative properties. Pupils apply problem solving strategies to clarify situations in a table...
Curated OER
Using Polya's 4 Steps to Problem Solving
Ninth graders solve problems using Polya's 4 steps to problem solving.
Ohio Department of Education
I Can Do This! Systems of Equations
Use tables, graphs, and substitution to solve systems of linear equations. An envelope of sample problems is passed around the classroom, and each learner has the opportunity to solve the system in the envelope. This is a great way to...
Willow Tree
Direct and Inverse Variations
Enhance pupil understanding of proportions and variable relationships by studying direct and inverse variation. Use the idea of a proportional relationship to teach direct variation. Then use a similar pattern to help individuals...