Illustrative Mathematics
Summer Swimming
Here is a real-world application for systems of equations. When is it better to pay an enrollment fee and lower daily rate, and when is it better to pay the regular price? The local swim center is having a special offer, reductions in...
Curated OER
Making Models of the Solar System
Students make several models of the solar system to learn the positions of the planets in the solar system as well as relative distances and sizes. Creation of these models will help them identify the planets by size, shape, color,...
Illustrative Mathematics
Fixing the Furnace
This comprehensive resource applies simultaneous equations to a real-life problem. Though the commentary starts with a graph, some home consumers may choose to begin with a table. A graph does aid learners to visualize the shift of one...
Curated OER
Real Life Challenge
Students solve word problems using words and mathematical symbols. In this algebra lesson, students verbalize what they do to arrive at their answers. They set up their problems algebraically as they apply their knowledge of math to...
Curated OER
Fractions - Equal or Not
A fabulous lesson plan on fractions awaits your young mathematicians. In it, learners are invited to explore the world of fractions by accessing websites that have educational activities and worksheets embedded in them. Some excellent,...
Curated OER
Getting It Right! An Investigation of the Pythagorean Theorem
Learners construct a variety of right triangles using a right-angled set square, cutting corners from pieces of paper or cardboard, and using dynamic geometry software. They measure the sides of these various right triangles and record...
Exploratorium
Geometry Scavenger Hunt
One of the nice things about geometry is that it's all around us. The activity presented here has elementary schoolers go out to the playground to identify and name a variety of geometric shapes. They perform a "geometric scavenger hunt"...
EngageNY
Piecewise and Step Functions in Context
Looking for an application for step functions? This activity uses real data to examine piecewise step functions. Groups create a list of data from varying scenarios and create a model to use to make recommendations to increase revenue.
Noyce Foundation
Granny’s Balloon Trip
Take flight with a fun activity focused on graphing data on a coordinate plane. As learners study the data for Granny's hot-air balloon trip, including the time of day and the distance of the balloon from the ground, they practice...
EduGAINs
Making Savvy Consumer Choices
It's never too early to learn about grocery budgeting. Middle schoolers delve into the world of consumer math with a lesson that focuses on both healthy choices and real-world math applications. Groups work together to form a grocery...
Bowland
How Risky is Life?
"Life is more risk management, rather than exclusion of risks." -Walter Wriston. Scholars use provided mortality data to determine how likely it is a person will die from a particular cause. They compare the data to the perception of the...
Concord Consortium
Bill the Ball Bearing Man
Just how durable could a hollow ball bearing be? Learners model the strength of the walls of a ball bearing as a function of the radius of its cavity. They use their models to make reasonable conclusions about the probability of failure...
Curated OER
Applying Estimation in real Life Situations
Fifth graders explore number sense by participating in role-playing activities. In this estimation lesson plan, 5th graders discuss reasons for estimating amounts in life and read the book Betcha. Students complete a real life estimation...
Curated OER
Two-Step Problems and Money Concepts
Elementary schoolers solve two-step equations and practice money concepts. They solve multi-step addition and subtraction contextual problems and apply money concepts to real life situations. Pupils use pictures and counters to help them...
Curated OER
Adding & Subtracting (Combining) Integers
Maintain a positive atmosphere in your math class with this fun lesson on adding and subtracting integers. After first explaining the rules for combining positive and negative numbers, this resource uses a comic strip to guide students...
Curated OER
Deal or No Deal?
Using a game format, learners engage in an activity called Deal or No Deal. Taking real life scenarios involving items for sale, such as cereal boxes three for $5.00, they determine whether an example is a deal or not. This lesson...
Curated OER
Whole Number and Decimal Place Value
Practice real-world application of decimals by viewing the U.S. National Debt Clock online and discussing the level of outstanding debt. A skit, vocabulary, and various other resources are available.
Curated OER
Secret Formulas
Learners calculate the perimeter of rectangles and squares. They imagine trying to build a fence around a yard or trying to determine how much paint they need to paint a room. They also develop formulas and procedures for determining the...
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
How To Work Word Problems in Algebra
Your algebra learners will pick up some solid algebra problem solving skills and a plan of approach for some typical types of word problems in this scripted worksheet that shows how to set up and organize each type of problem, create the...
Curated OER
Map Adventures
Students explore the relationship between a scale drawing and actual distance. In this mapping lesson plan, students use an amusement park map to determine distances and what they would be like in real life.
Curated OER
Studying Checks
While on-line banking and electronic payments seem to be the way of the future, next-generation wage earners still need to understand the details of check writing. Here the focus is on the details of the check including what the...
Curated OER
FCAT Real World Solving Linear Equations/Systems
Pupils relate real life situation to the equations, graphs and inequalities. They model real life scenarios using matrices and draw conclusions from their data. This lesson plan is aligned with FCAT.
Curated OER
Money Math: Lessons for Life
Students develop a budget for a college student using all of the influences that the student would have. In this budgeting lesson plan, students use real life examples to create a budget spreadsheet. Students read and study sample...
Silver Burdett Ginn
Study Buddies: Multiplying Whole Numbers And Fractions
Budding math buddies work together to multiply fractions by whole numbers. All of the problems involve real-life applications, making this an extension of simply practicing the skills. Knowledge will be multiplied by completing this...