Curated OER
Rational and Irrational Numbers 2
Is the circumference of a circle always, sometimes, or never rational? Learners answer questions individually and also work in groups to look at sums and products of rational and irrational numbers. They must also be able to use the...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Interpreting Distance–Time Graphs
Pre-algebra protégés critique a graph depicting Tom's trip to the bus stop. They work together to match descriptive cards to distance-time graph cards and data table cards, all of which are provided for you so you can make copies for...
Curated OER
A Sum of Functions
Collaborative learners will see the geometric addition of functions by graphing the sum of two graphed curves on the same coordinate plane. This task then naturally flows into giving learners the algebraic representation of the curves...
Curated OER
Interpreting Algebraic Expressions
Interpreting algebraic expressions is a fundamental skill in beginning algebra. This instructional activity approaches the task in numerous ways. First, learners assess their understanding with a short worksheet on converting between...
Curated OER
Programming the "Rinse Robot"
Experienced chemistry technicians use then layer chromatography to discover how much of a free compound is left after each rinse cycle. Where this could obviously be used as a practice with chromatography technique, it can also be used...
Illustrative Mathematics
Oakland Coliseum
Help algebra learners relate a real-life function that happens at the Oakland Coliseum every time the Raiders play. The resource states that the revenue of the Oakland Raiders home games is a function of the number of seats sold and the...
Federal Reserve Bank
Dealing with the Great Depression
As part of their study of the Great Depression, young economists examine statistical data to determine the effectiveness of FDR's New Deal recovery programs.
Curated OER
Boat Hull Design
Working in small groups students develop three alternative boat designs. They discuss the rationale for the type of hull, propeller, location of ballast, and type of building material used in their design. They build their boat.
Curated OER
Metals and Non-Metals
A table of the physical properties of metals and non-metals opens this high-school chemistry handout. Also covered are the chemical properties of metals and non-metals, reactivity, and fossil fuels. There are no specific questions to...
California Academy of Science
Rapid Brainstorming: How Can We Improve Our Global Food System?
In 2018, the average fast food burger cost $2.64 while a salad averaged $4.14. Does the price difference matter to public health? Scholars consider that question and others in a brainstorming session about improving our global food...
Curated OER
Designing a Playground!
Students design their own playground equipment. In this design lesson plan, students take pictures of equipment they like and make a class pictograph of their favorite ones. They investigate the design, research equipment around the...
Inside Mathematics
Snakes
Get a line on the snakes. The assessment task requires the class to determine the species of unknown snakes based upon collected data. Individuals analyze two scatter plots and determine the most likely species for five...
Inside Mathematics
Conference Tables
Pupils analyze a pattern of conference tables to determine the number of tables needed and the number of people that can be seated for a given size. Individuals develop general formulas for the two growing number patterns and...
Channel Islands Film
Island Rotation: Lesson Plan 2
Why are Torrey pines only found in La Jolla, California and on Santa Rosa Island? Class members examine images of Torrey pines from these two locations, noting the similarities and differences, and then develop a demonstration model that...
Channel Islands Film
Island Cattle Ranching
Is cattle ranching on Santa Rosa island viable or non-viable? Rather than focusing on the issues of the transition of Santa Rosa island from a privately owned island cattle ranch to a national park, class members are asked to consider if...
Curated OER
Aquaculture: Down on the Salmon Farm
Students examine the problems of the continued development of aquaculture. They also brainstorm ideas that people in this field would need to be successful.
Kenan Fellows
Industrial Knowledge of Acids and Bases
Over a 10-year period, EPA regulations cost businesses less than $30 billion, while businesses saved over $82 billion. Scholars experiment with acids and bases to better understand the pH scale. Then they debate environmental regulation...
Anchorage School District
Writing Reference Sheet
Print out this handy reference page double sided and distribute it to your class. Individuals can use the page to aid them as they work on their topic sentences, transitions, conclusions, and paragraph structure. There is plenty of...
BW Walch
Creating and Graphing Exponential Equations
Frequently found in biology and economic application problems, exponential equations show up as stars in this introductory presentation. Taking no background or knowledge of exponentials for granted, the slides walk learners...
Exploratorium
Penny Battery
Use pennies to light an LED. Class members follow the provided directions to build a multi-celled battery powered by pennies. Using stacks of pennies of varying heights, pupils control the voltage of the battery to light...
Curated OER
Using Insight Puzzles to Engage and Intrigue Gifted Learners
Challenge your smartest kids with these engaging, fascinating puzzles that require real outside-the-box thinking to solve!
Illustrative Mathematics
Plastic Building Blocks
Let's build a castle! Dennis and Cody have big plans, but do they have enough blocks between the two of them to accomplish their goal? A great context that requires students to add and compare mixed numbers. Encourage the use of pictures...
Curated OER
Arithmetic: Fractions and Percentages
Young mathematicians review the basic operations needed for addition and subtraction of fractions. They review the rules for addition and subtraction of fractions with the same denominator, how to change them if the denominators are...
Curated OER
Defining Division
Upper graders explore division through fair-shares. They will review fair shares and fractions as a segway into division. They start by playing "Share Fairly" game and create mathematical arguments for solving problems. Manipulatives and...