Illustrative Mathematics
Quinoa Pasta 1
Here is a great opportunity to introduce your mathematicians to a food they may never have heard of, quinoa. It may help to show a short video on quinoa, or make some quinoa for the class to try. Once they get over how to say quinoa,...
Curated OER
Comparing Notes: a Mathematical Exploration of the Piano
Young scholars examine the history of equal temperament, the modern standard of tuning a piano. Proportion calculations of octaves and perfect fifths are utilized to calculate the frequency of each note in a major scale.
Curated OER
The Amazing Mathematical Race: Boxing the Rare Element
Middle schoolers enter a race against time to determine the maximum sized box that can be formed from a standard sheet of copy paper. The boxes are to be used to contain a valuable and rare element which is light as cotton and corrosive...
Curated OER
Writing Directions for Mathematical Activities
Fifth graders reorganize comic strips to have them make sense, complete outline and organize their thoughts into outline form to explain directions,
and use that outline to complete their own directions for geometry activities.
EngageNY
Margin of Error When Estimating a Population Proportion (part 2)
Error does not mean something went wrong! Learners complete a problem from beginning to end using concepts developed throughout the last five lessons. They begin with a set of data, determine a population proportion, analyze their result...
EngageNY
The Geometric Effect of Multiplying by a Reciprocal
Class members perform complex operations on a plane in the 17th segment in the 32-part series. Learners first verify that multiplication by the reciprocal does the same geometrically as it does algebraically. The class then circles back...
EngageNY
Word Problems Leading to Rational Equations
Show learners how to apply rational equations to the real world. Learners solve problems such as those involving averages and dilution. They write equations to model the situation and then solve them to answer the question —...
EngageNY
Construct an Equilateral Triangle (part 1)
Drawing circles isn't the only thing compasses are good for. In this first installment of a 36-part series, high schoolers learn how to draw equilateral triangles by investigating real-world situations, such as finding the location of a...
Curated OER
Fractions, Decimals and Percents
Learners investigate the differences when using decimals, fractions, and percents. They focus on the process of using them in real problems and how to convert them from one form to another.
Curated OER
Representing Numbers Using Scientific Notation
Learners explore the concept of scientific notation. For this scientific notation lesson, mathematicians discuss how multiplying by a power of 10 affects the decimal. They play Powers of 10 Yahtzee. Students roll a die five times and...
Louisiana Department of Education
Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Fractions, decimals, and percents all say the same thing! Show your classes how to convert between the three forms using visual and numeric representations. Then lead them to an understanding of scientific notation.
PBS
Surface Area and Volume
You and your class will like this lesson on using visual models to relate the volume and surface area of solid shapes. Learners construct three-dimensional forms using nets. They calculate the surface area and volume for each and then...
Curated OER
The Gathering and Analysis of Data
Young mathematicians gather data on a topic, graph it in various forms, interpret the information, and write a summary of the data. They present their data and graphs to the class.
Curated OER
Parallel Lines and Properties of Slope
Young scholars define functions to be graphed using the Y=key. They demonstrate how to set up a standard viewing screen using Zoom 6. They discuss and explore mathematical questions on a worksheet.
Curated OER
Fraction and Decimal Ordering
Ordering numbers just got physical! Learners practice putting numbers in sequence, both in fraction and decimal form. To begin, they line up in birthday order and discuss the difference between ascending and descending. They are then...
Curated OER
Right on Time
The hour is nigh for your class to practice equivalency problems in the form of time-zone conversions. They write equations to describe elapsed time and apply problem solving strategies, including writing a plan, to solve the problems.
Curated OER
To Quote or Not to Quote
Introduce your middle and high schoolers to the correct use of quotation marks. They identify examples of correct and incorrect quotations in magazines and edit a paragraph in groups. Use this lesson as a way to reinforce proofreading...
Virginia Department of Education
Factoring for Zeros
Relate factors to zeros and x-intercepts. Scholars first graph quadratics in both standard and factored forms to see that they are the same. They go on to use the graphs to see the relationship between factors and x-intercepts.
Curated OER
Exploring Geometric Constructions of Parabolas
Students are introduced to the construction geometrically of parabolas. Using a software program, they identify lines, segments and midpoints. They label the parabolas properties and characteristics and use a formula to determine the...
Curated OER
Infrared-Hot
Students describe how the sun heats the Earth, explain the nature of infrared light, explain how thunderstorms are formed and use infrared maps to predict severe weather.
Curated OER
Place value concepts
Third graders participate in classroom game to practice place value skills. For this place value lesson, 3rd graders recognize matching digits of the same value. Students record their numerals and their value by writing in standard...
Virginia Department of Education
Linear Modeling
An inquiry-based algebra activity explores real-world applications of linear functions. Scholars investigate four different situations that can be modeled by linear functions, identifying the rate of change, as well as the...
American Statistical Association
What Fits?
The bounce of a golf ball changes the result in golf, mini golf—and a great math activity. Scholars graph the height of golf ball bounces before finding a line of best fit. They analyze their own data and the results of others to better...
Curated OER
Famous Public Properties
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...