Inside Mathematics
Quadratic (2006)
Most problems can be solved using more than one method. A learning exercise includes just nine questions but many more ways to solve each. Scholars must graph, solve, and justify quadratic problems.
Bowland
The Z Factor
Young mathematicians determine the number of hours it would take judges of the "Z Factor" television talent show to watch every act. Participants make estimates and assumptions to solve the problem.
Noyce Foundation
Boxes
Teach your class to think outside the box. Scholars use the concept of equality to solve a problem in the assessment task. They determine how to use a scale to identify the one box out of a set of nine boxes that is heavier than the others.
Bowland
Fish Dish
Minimize the time it takes to create a fish dish. Scholars use their knowledge of time to devise an order that accounts for different constraints. Considering jobs that can be done in parallel is essential to solving the problem.
Inside Mathematics
Number Towers
Number towers use addition or multiplication to ensure each level is equal. While this is common in factoring, it is often not used with algebraic equations. Solving these six questions relies on problem solving skills and being able to...
California Education Partners
Improving Our Schools
Split the work three ways. Learners use their knowledge of fractions to solve problems dealing with splitting up work loads evenly between three groups. Scholars determine the fractional portion of work each group will do along with...
Curated OER
Two Squares are Equal
This problem is sure to get your young mathematicians thinking. The idea sounds simple: one equation, solve it as many ways as you can. This is meant to get at a deeper understanding of solving quadratic equations, including some more...
Mathematics Assessment Project
College and Career Readiness Mathematics Test B2
Use a nine-page evaluation to cover material from algebra, geometry, and algebra II. It incorporates short answer, applied reasoning, and conversion problems.
Noyce Foundation
Counters
For some, probability is a losing proposition. The assessment item requires an understanding of fraction operations, probability, and fair games. Pupils determine the fractional portions of an event. They continue to determine whether...
Illustrative Mathematics
Seven to the What?!?
Sometimes what seems like the easiest problem is really the most difficult. Your class is first going to reach for their calculators, but will realize the number is too large to evaluate. Now what? This is where the fun and the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Sum of Angles in a Polygon
How can learners use algebra to solve a geometry problem? Help learners create an equation that shows the relationship between the number of sides of a polygon and the sum of the interior angles. Students are asked to divide the...
Inside Mathematics
Quadrilaterals
What figure is formed by connecting the midpoints of the sides of a quadrilateral? The geometry assessment task has class members work through the process of determining the figure inscribed in a quadrilateral. Pupils use geometric...
Bowland
Mobile Phones
Cheaper cell phone bills? Learners compare two different cell phone plans for a specified number of minutes of phone usage each day. They also determine the conditions for which one plan is cheaper than the other.
Bowland
Fruit Pies
Scholars use formulas for the area of a circle and the area of a rectangle to determine the number of pies a baker can make from a particular area of dough. They must also take into account rolling the remaining dough into a new sheet.
Inside Mathematics
Party
Thirty at the party won't cost any more than twenty-five. The assessment task provides a scenario for the cost of a party where the initial fee covers a given number of guests. The class determines the cost for specific numbers of guests...
Inside Mathematics
Rhombuses
Just what does it take to show two rhombuses are similar? The assessment task asks pupils to develop an argument to show that given quadrilaterals are rhombuses. Class members also use their knowledge of similar triangles to show two...
Inside Mathematics
Archery
Put the better archer in a box. The performance task has pupils compare the performance of two archers using box-and-whisker plots. The resource includes sample responses that are useful in comparing individuals' work to others.
Noyce Foundation
Ducklings
The class gets their mean and median all in a row with an assessment task that uses a population of ducklings to work with data displays and measures of central tendency. Pupils create a frequency chart and calculate the mean and median....
Inside Mathematics
Scatter Diagram
It is positive that how one performs on the first test relates to their performance on the second test. The three-question assessment has class members read and analyze a scatter plot of test scores. They must determine whether...
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Rational and Irrational Number
Algebra learners must know how to use rational numbers to approximate irrationals. This resource asks participants to decide which number is larger without using a calculator. It makes a great exercise to use as a five-minute transition...
Math Slice
Math Slice: True False Slice Special Test
Test student knowledge of basic logic with this short test. Assessment is scored immediately online. Could be used as an assessment tool.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Building Stars
This interactive activity gives you an opportunity to color in a tessellation that is different from the usual. Read the short introduction to find out more about this tessellation that doesn't repeat.
Math Slice
Math Slice: Online Mathematics Practice (Mock) Tests for Grades 4 Through 5
A collection of mock math tests, designed for grades 3-5, modeled after portions of standardized tests.