Illustrative Mathematics
Equivalent Expressions?
Pre-algebra pupils need to understand that two expressions are only equal if they have the same value. Show them that once the expression is multiplied by a number, the value of the expression changes. It makes for a good lead-in to...
Teach Engineering
Magnetic Fields
Introduce your class to magnetic fields with an activity that demonstrates that a compass is affected by the magnetic field of the earth, unless a closer, stronger magnetic field is present. Pupils can use this fact in the...
Curated OER
Handshakin'
Students investigate the concept of solving problems when given it in words and employing a wide variety of methods. They practice applying a logical sequence to find the solution to a problem while estimating possible answers to help in...
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Three Squirrels and a Pile of Nuts
Middle schoolers solve word problems using a spreadsheet, strategies, and algebraic variables. They disuss the given problem, which can be printed, write the unknowns, and employ the strategies into a spreadsheet. Students then use...
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Parking Meters
Third graders are introduced to the problem with a short discussion about parking. They then solve with a partner. As they work ask questions that focus on the strategies they are using to make the calculations.
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The Topsy-Turvy Twins
Fourth graders read the problem and brainstorm for ways to solve the problem - list these on the board for the students to refer to as they solve the problem. They work in pairs and focus on the strategy selected.
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Noughts
Learners try to figure out the strategies to the game Noughts. Students logic must play a part in the process of the game. Learners apply the symmetries of regular polygons. Students devise ways to critically follow a chain of reasoning.
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Weighing Time
Students devise a strategy to solve problems that is done in a systematic and mathematical fashion. The finding of the unknown value is the focus of the lesson plan. To solve linear equations proficiently is the skill of the lesson plan.
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Counting Pills
Learners are introduced to the problem. They brainstorm ideas for approaching the problem and keeping track of what has been done. Students work on the problem in pairs to discover what strategies might help to find the answer.
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Square Milk Bottle Crates
Students attempt a problem that Students has the potential to have more than one solution. Hence the problem is accessible to a wide range of students. The problem is essentially about finding patterns and this is typical of a number of...
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Ohio Census 1990 and 2000
Students begin the lesson by examining Census data from the state of Ohio from 1990 and 2000. Using a worksheet, they solve problems using the data and a calculator. They share their responses with the class and discuss what the data...
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Buttons and Bears
Students read the problem and then identify the important information in the problem and highlight. They then brainstorm for ways to solve the problem by drawing a picture and working in pairs.
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My Dogs
Learners use the properties of multiplication to solve problems. They recall the basic multiplication facts as well as write and solve problems that involve whole numbers.
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QwikQure Algebra
Fourth graders are introduced to the problem using a bottle of medicine. They estimate the volume of the medicine and predict the instructions on the bottle. They then think about how they might solve the problem before asking them to...
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Simple Machines
Sixth graders explore simple machines. They identify tools and machines that are used in everyday life. Students examine the purpose and uses of everyday tools. They create a tool or machine that can be used to solve a problem.
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Fifty Toes
Students guess the subject of the given problem by reasoning. Then they discuss the ways that the problem could be solved by keeping track of their counting in 10s and showing their work.
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Shopping
Learners give change for sums of money. They also solve subtraction problems presented in different forms. The problem Students answer takes a look at a situation from three different perspectives.
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Free Cell
Fourth graders use algebra to begin solving a problem. The problem has a real world application to engage learners. The main skill is converting fractions and decimals. Also finding the right number sentence for the word problem is...
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EUREKA! Living Room Redecoration
Tenth graders calculate area and perimeter based on the dimensions of a living room. They use these calculations to respond to questions about supplies needed for painting and carpeting the room. Students use math to solve problems and...
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The Fathers' Day Card
Students subtract using decimals and find half of a decimal number. They write and solve problems which involve decimals and which require a choice of one or more of the four arithmetic operations.
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Legs in the Barn
Learners listen to the problem being read. They then brainstorm possible approaches and are encouraged to plan ways of recording their work so that others examine what they have done and share their findings.
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The Tiled Courtyard
Fifth graders use the guess and check technique to solve a problem involving transformations. They work with a grid and criteria provided by the teacher to solve a sequence with black and white rows.
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The Garden
Students talk about the types of insects that you might see if you looked in the garden. They then brainstorm for ideas about how to solve the problem, sort objects into categories and display the results and count the objects in a...
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Mosaic Puzzles
Learners use this problem to develop spatial skills. As the students handle the shapes and join them together they strengthen their understanding of the attributes of shapes. This lesson also gives learners the opportunity to make up...