Learners practice generating parabolas with a motion sensor while determining the vertex form of the equation. They compare it to the regression equation from the calculator onto a data mate software. Each student completes several...

Functions require an input in order to get an output, which explains why the answer always has at least two parts. After only three multi-part questions, the teacher can analyze pupils' strengths and weaknesses when it comes to...

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...

Avoid the trap of memorizing steps when completing the square with a resources that provides a conceptual approach to completing the square. Learners that are able to recognize a perfect square trinomial are ready to complete the...

Many problems in life have more than one possible solution, and the same is true for advanced mathematics. Scholars solve seven problems that all have at least two solutions. Then three higher-level thinking questions challenge them to...

Enough stuffed crust to go around. Pupils calculate the area and perimeter of a variety of pizza shapes, including rectangular and circular. Individuals design rectangular pizzas with a given area to maximize the amount of crust and do...

Monitor the growth of young mathematicians with a comprehensive addition and subtraction assessment. Using the context of a class field trip to an apple orchard, this series of four story problems allows children to demonstrate their...

Explore nonlinear systems through graphs and algebra. High schoolers begin by examining the different types of quadratic functions and their possible intersections. They then use algebraic methods to solve systems containing various...

In the 19th activity of 22, learners determine if distance from a light source affects photosynthesis. Participants capture oxygen in straws and find that the amount of water the gas displaces is proportional to the rate of photosynthesis.

These four lesson plans build algebra skills for working with numbers in exponential form and for examining triangles. Be aware that in the text, scientific notation is referred to as index notation and the laws of exponents as the laws...

Introduce the concept of matrices with a pre-designed instructional activity. Learners watch video lessons to learn the ins and outs of adding, subtracting, and multiplying matrices. Using provided problems, they practice each operation...

This activity presents a problem about a computer game which uses functions to simulate the path of an arrow fired by an archer. Learners use the given function to determine where the archer must stand in order to fire an arrow that will...

Design an efficient cereal box. Scholars use set volume criteria to design a cereal box by applying their knowledge of surface area to determine the cost to create the box. They then determine whether their designs will fit on...

Single-page poster showing the point-slope formula and its graph. Put this up on the wall of your math room or use as a handout. This clearly displayed graph and algebraic explanation will get your charges thinking about what is it...

Get your classes moving and practicing sequences at the same time! Learners move about the room solving problems and finding their solutions. Problems include both recursive and explicit formulas and both geometric and arithmetic sequences.

This assessment pair goes way beyond simple graphing, factoring and solving polynomial equations, really forcing learners to investigate the math ideas behind the calculations. Short and to-the-point questions build on one another,...

This study guide would be great to use when presenting a lesson on ratios and proportions. It includes clear definitions, explanations, and examples to work through as a class or individually. In addition, it has notes on rates and...

Imaginary numbers are a real thing. Scholars learn about complex numbers, real numbers, and imaginary numbers. They classify given numbers as strictly complex, strictly real, or strictly imaginary in an individual or group activity.

Linear equations are the focus of activities that ask learners to first complete a task that involves interpreting algebraic expressions and solving linear equations. They then take part in a card activity matching...

Astronomers practice downloading data from a high-energy satellite and translate the data into colored or shaded pixels. As a hands-on activity, they use pennies to simulate high-energy satellite data and they convert their penny...

What can a middle schooler do in 90 minutes? He can practice using the commutative, associative and distributive properties of addition and multiplication. He can also simplify expressions using the commutative, associative and...

Linear, quadratic, and now cubic functions can model real-life patterns. High schoolers create cubic regression equations to model different scenarios. They then use the regression equations to make predictions.

Using a data collection device to collect data regarding a bouncing ball, students use various features on graphing calculators to experiment with the parameters of the vertex form of the parabola and their effect on the shape of the...

Augment a unit on parabolas with an instructive math activity. Pupils graph parabolas by examining the relationship between the focus and directrix.