Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
A Question of Balance
It's a neat idea, but the task of designing a system for filling jars with consistent specific amounts of a product may be a little out of reach, especially for younger pupils. Intended as an engineering design lesson, this may be better...
Statistics Education Web
Consuming Cola
Caffeine affects your heart rate — or does it? Learners study experimental design while conducting their own experiment. They collect heart rate data after drinking a caffeinated beverage, create a box plot, and draw conclusions....
EngageNY
Estimating Probability Distributions Empirically 2
Develop probability distributions from simulations. Young mathematicians use simulations to collect data. They use the data to draw graphs of probability distributions for the random variable in question.
Cornell University
Resolution—Not Just for the New Year
Experiment with optical resolution using an inquiry-based lesson. Young researchers calculate fellow classmates' optical resolutions. They apply the information to understand the inner workings of optical instruments.
Virginia Department of Education
Attributes of a Rectangular Prism
A change is coming. Pupils use unit cubes to investigate how changes in the length, width, and/or height affects volume and surface area. They extend the results to write and test predictions on the effect of changing multiple sides on...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Pythagorean Theorem and Its Converse
Challenge scholars to prove the Pythagorean Theorem geometrically by using a cut-and-paste activity. They then must solve for the missing sides of right triangles.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Be a Problem Solving Star
Reach for the STARs! Using the resource, scholars review the STAR (Stop, Think, Act, Review) method and discuss how to use it to solve a math equation. Next, small groups collaborate to solve a common problem in the classroom using the...
EngageNY
Truncated Cones
Learners examine objects and find their volumes using geometric formulas in the 21st installment of this 25-part module. Objects take the shape of truncated cones and pyramids, and individuals apply concepts of similar triangles to find...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Microwave Magic
The microwave is a staple in many American households, but how exactly does it work? Approach this question from a scientific and practical standpoint, and discover cooking strategies, recipes, and methodologies for the standard...
Statistics Education Web
Who Sends the Most Text Messages?
The way you use statistics can tell different stories about the same set of data. Here, learners use sets of data to determine which person sends the most text messages. They use random sampling to collect their data and calculate a...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Playing with Parachutes
This lesson certainly will not be a drag! Little engineers design parachutes that make use of air resistance and, as a result, slow the descent of the payload as much as possible. It is an opportunity to teach about many motion concepts:...
Virginia Department of Education
Exponential Modeling
Investigate exponential growth and decay. A set of six activities has pupils collecting and researching data in a variety of situations involving exponential relationships. They model these situations with exponential functions and solve...
EngageNY
The Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem
Is it a right triangle or not? Introduce scholars to the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem with a lesson plan that also provides a proof by contradiction of the converse. Pupils use the converse to determine whether triangles with...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Similar and Different
Using a Venn diagram, pupils compare the similarities and differences between two classmates. Next, they review the CARE acronym (Collaboration, Acceptance, Respect, Empathy) and discuss how it applies to diversity in the classroom.
Curated OER
How are Trig Ratios Used to Measure Triangle Sides
Students identify the ratios of trig identities. In this geometry lesson, students solve the missing sides and angles of triangles using trig ratios. They relate the graphs and waves to real life scenarios.
Curated OER
A Weighty Task
Students aim to explain the need for standardization of units of measurement. They pose their own standards for the value of a kilogram and compare them with the currently used standard.
Curated OER
Forest Measurements
Students analyze timber and use measuring techniques to figure board feet. In this investigative lesson students learn why accurate measurements are important and how to convert standing timber to board feet.
Curated OER
The Measurement Web
Second graders review their knowledge of measurement by making a concept web. They write the measurement words on chart paper and discuss them. They use Kidspiration to make the web using the computer. They add new words as they proceed...
Curated OER
Measuring Temperatures
Fourth graders participate in a teacher-led discussion about temperature--hot and cold. Each group of students is assigned specific materials for their lab experiment. They record temperatures measured in their journals and then plot...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Multiplication Using Arrays
Explore the concept of multiplication by using arrays. Classmates use arrays to gain a better understanding of multiplication. They break arrays apart to model the distributive property of multiplication over addition. The relationship...
Curated OER
Fractions and Measurement
Using a Smart Board, or a plain ol' white board or chalkboard, the teacher pulls up a grid and demonstrates how squares and rectangles can be divided up into equal parts. The class will get their own graph paper to draw shapes and divide...
Curated OER
Devising a Measure for Correlation
How well does your class understand the concept of correlation? Use an activity to explore different methods of calculating correlation. Working alone and then in groups, your class will make decisions on what math to apply to the...
Curated OER
I Can Use a Worm to Count
Kindergarteners use worms, puppets or other props to practice counting to 100. First, they listen to a read aloud of Count Worms by Roger Hargeaves. A worm pattern is used to count to 100, with each segment of the worm...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Problem Solving by Using Multiplication to Solve Division Problems
Students use index cards, counting cubes, and their own understanding to identify how division problems can be solved by using multiplication. In this division lesson plan, students use their multiplication skills to solve division...