Young scholars explore the concept that to solve some problems, they may need to undo the key actions in the problem. This strategy is called working backwards asking the appropriate questions.

What's the opposite of multiplying binomials? Learners apply their previous knowledge of multiplying binomials using algebra tiles to factor trinomials. The lesson introduces factoring as a process that uses algebra tiles to...

Increase the percent of pupils that are fluent in solving change problems with an activity that asks class members to look at problems that involve either increases or decreases and to express the change in terms of the percent of...

Author Faith Ringgold uses quilts to illustrate her books Tar Beach and Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad. In this integrated trio of activities, young scholars read stories, identify and create patterns, and design quilt squares of...

The risk of contracting an infection in the hospital is low, but it does happen. Learn what risk factors have the highest correlation with hospital-acquired infections in the final lesson of a three-part series. Using the open source R...

Turn your math lesson plan into a carnival game with this fun, outdoor activity. After reviewing the concept your class will be practicing briefly, split your class up into teams and head outdoors. These teams work to solve math...

Welcome to the backward world of negative numbers. This introductory instructional activity teaches young mathematicians that negative numbers are simply the opposite of positive numbers as they use number lines to plot...

Use the strategy of working backwards to practice factoring polynomials and multiplying binomials in a game format. Play, and work to find which products combined with the available factors will result in the placement of four tokens in...

Fifth graders practice solving word problems using highlighted strategies. For this word problem lesson, 5th graders brainstorm and  use words as clues that indicate the math operations that will be used to solve problems. They use...

Fifth graders read and write equations. In this equation writing activity, 5th graders use real life scenarios to write equations. Students use manipulatives, draw pictures and make tables to understand how to write equations. Students...

Why is "ambulance" written backwards on emergency vehicles? Young geometers apply principles of symmetry to translate words written backwards. See if your school or district subscribes to Jobland, where you can view a clip that explains...

Second graders examine human body movements by measuring the choreography of a dance.  For this physical education lesson, 2nd graders participate in a creative dance which is based on specific movements of each limb, which students...

Pupils use the problem solving strategy of guess and check to investigate math word problems. They determine which problem solving strategy or strategies would work best in problem situations.

Fifth graders become familiar with problem solving strategies of guess and check and working backwards. They demonstrate the basic concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using a math sentence.

Working backwards can sometimes help you see a path to solving a problem. In this chapter, properites of quadrilaterials are proven by looking at flowcharts and working the probem backwards. Worked through examples are given, along with...

Seventh graders explore number sentences using a variety of strategies making each equation a true sentence. Students examine strategies such as patterns, trial and error, working backwards, and related problems. In groups, 7th graders...

Here is a fabulous lesson plan on problem solving strategies for your charges. In it, learners are presented with many excellent techniques they can use when faced with a multi-step math word problem. Some terrific blackline masters are...

Fourth graders perform computation based on a cup of rice.  In this rice math instructional activity, 4th graders complete math examples and problems using rice for manipulatives. Students participate in an online game based on rice...

In this geometry worksheet, learners solve 10 problems regarding area, scale factors, and circumference. Students, in 3 of the problems, are given the circumference and asked to work backwards to find missing information.

Learners calculate volume using the correct formula and the correct unit. They explore different prisms, spheres, cubes, and cones as they calculate volume and relate it to depths in oceans.

Read aloud your choice of books about counting on and counting back (a list is provided, or tell stories of your own). Your learners will write horizontal equations to portray what happens in the story. They build a paper chain and...

Learners look at bands of colors and estimate how many rings of color there are. While working in groups, they come up with a plan of how to accurately count the rings. They attempt to find a pattern in the colors, and decide whether...

This activity presents a game played by two learners whose solution is an exercise in creating and analyzing with algebraic inequalities. 

Pupils identify the multiplicity of exponents as they graph polynomials. They write equations for a function given the zeros of the function and work backwards from solving equations.