Curated OER
Basketball
Tap into the competitive nature of teenagers as your class practices setting up and solving rational equations. This activity starts with a specific ratio of games won to games played, then asks how many more games must be played to...
Curated OER
Cash Box
Solving systems of equations with a twist! If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, then this is the problem for you. In this scenario, some money is found on the ground and you need to determine if it belongs in the cash...
Illustrative Mathematics
Midpoints of the Sides of a Paralellogram
This task asks learners to prove that the segment joining the midpoints of two sides of a parallelogram is both congruent and parallel to an adjacent side of the parallelogram. The activity would be good to use in a discussion about how...
Illustrative Mathematics
Egyptian Fractions II
The Egyptians used unit fractions to describe all other fractions. Your class will rewrite rational expressions in order to deduce information about rational numbers. The activity starts with specific fractions, guides you through a few...
Illustrative Mathematics
Springboard Dive
Dive into this problem that illustrates a real-world application of the quadratic formula. Learners are given an equation that represents the height of a diver above the water t seconds after leaving the springboard. The task is to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Which Function?
Learners are given a graph of a parabola on a coordinate system, but intercepts and vertex are not labeled. The task is to analyze eight given quadratic functions and determine which ones might possibly be represented by the graph. The...
Illustrative Mathematics
Is This a Parallelogram?
If both pairs of opposite sides of a quadrilateral are congruent, is the quadrilateral a parallelogram? This task asks learners to determine the answer and to support their answer with a proof. The resource includes a commentary for...
Illustrative Mathematics
Warming and Cooling
Is it too hot to go hiking? This task asks learners to refer to a graph that shows temperature as a function of time and answer five questions about the scenario depicted by the graph. The exercise could be used for instruction to help...
Illustrative Mathematics
Pizza Place Promotion
The longer you wait to try the new pizza place, the more it's going to cost you! This real-world problem about how the cost of pizza varies with respect to time is a good example of how piecewise functions are used to describe...
Illustrative Mathematics
Interpreting the graph
The purpose of this exercise is to give practice in reading information about a function from its graph. Learners are given graphs of two functions on the same axes. The task is to locate and label various key points on the graph that...
Illustrative Mathematics
Same Base and Height, Variation 1
Four triangles are depicted for learners to construct on a geoboard. They compute and compare the areas, and so meet one of the sixth grade Common Core standards for geometry. Note that the set of triangles does not include a right...
Curated OER
Introduction to Conics
Just exactly where does the name conic come from? This brief hands-on exploration explains it all. Have your class cut cones to create their own conics, then assess their understanding with a few identification problems. Consider making...
Curated OER
Rewriting Equations &Formulas
Practice with literal equations. Solve for one variable in terms of another. Find the value of y given specific values of x. This short instructional activity would make a good warm-up activity at the beginning of class or a quick...
Curated OER
Functions and Their Graphs
Use a learning exercise to go over the basic concepts of relations and functions. Included are clear definitions and examples of relations, domain and range, and functions and the vertical line test. However, the problems are pretty...
Curated OER
Addition Patterns
Use a learning activity with your youngsters in order to establish an understanding of patterns in a small addition table. Help learners recognize that adding two odd numbers will produce an even number, and adding two even numbers will...
Curated OER
Classroom Supplies
Challenge young mathematicians to buy classroom supplies by staying within the means of a $1,000 budget. The mathematical activity provides learners with the opportunity to decide what items from the supply list would benefit a class of...
Curated OER
Analyzing Word Problems Involving Multiplication
Learners sometimes have difficulty making sense of a word problem. In a guided learning activity, pupils are asked to think about how to find an answer and explain their thinking, rather than finding the answer. It allows them to...
Yummy Math
Happy 14th B’ak’tun, the start of the next Great Mayan cycle
The ancient Mayans had a complex calendar and number system with a rich history. In fact, the date 12/21/2012 was the center of much controversy as to whether or not it was the end of time. It wasn't the end of time, but it was the end...
Yummy Math
Twinkies
Brian was devastated when Hostess® filed for bankruptcy, and he was also fearful that his favorite snack treat would be lost forever. The snack food was in danger of being lost, your class won't be lost when using Twinkies® as the...
Curated OER
Boorito!
Delicious Chipotle burritos are a big treat, especially when they are offered for only $2.00. This Halloween-themed learning experience isn't tricky, but learners will need to think critically about division with large numbers in order...
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Products
How can 5th graders show understanding that 30 x 225 is half of 60 x 225 without completing the computation? They can use an area model and draw it out. An array, or an open array, is an area model that allows for young learners to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Finding a Chair
Here is an activity that incorporates subtraction in word problems. Youngsters are provided with six word problems that essentially deal with the same numbers in each problem, yet use different comparison language. These problems are...
Curated OER
Linear Inequalities in One and Two Variables: Rays and Half Planes
Define rays and half planes, including the concepts of boundary lines and prerequisite knowledge of coordinate planes. Given linear inequalities in one and two variables, your class will compare the differences. They will also graph...
Teachers.net
Solving Equations Using Variables
Middle-schoolers solve linear equations with one single variable. They solve equations that are randomly generated using index cards. Half of an equation is written on each card and distributed to the class. which then attempts solve...