EngageNY
Families of Parallel Lines and the Circumference of the Earth
How do you fit a tape measure around the Earth? No need if you know a little geometry! Pupils begin by extending their understanding of the Side Splitter Theorem to a transversal cut by parallel lines. Once they identify the proportional...
EngageNY
Euler’s Number, e
Scholars model the height of water in a container with an exponential function and apply average rates of change to this function. The main attraction of the instructional activity is the discovery of Euler's number.
EngageNY
Four Interesting Transformations of Functions (Part 1)
Understanding how functions transform is a key concept in mathematics. This introductory lesson makes a strong connection between the function, table, and graph when exploring transformations. While the resource uses absolute value...
EngageNY
Similarity and the Angle Bisector Theorem
Identifying and verifying reproducible patterns in mathematics is an essential skill. Mathematicians identify the relationship of sides when an angle is bisected in a triangle. Once the pupils determine the relationship, they prove it to...
EngageNY
Using Trigonometry to Find Side Lengths of an Acute Triangle
Not all triangles are right! Pupils learn to tackle non-right triangles using the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines. After using the two laws, they then apply them to word problems.
EngageNY
Multiplying and Factoring Polynomial Expressions (part 2)
If you can multiply binomials, you can factor trinomials! This is the premise for a instructional activity on factoring. Pupils look for patterns in the binomials they multiply and apply them in reverse. Examples include leading...
EngageNY
Solving Equations
Teach solving equations through an exploration of properties. Before pupils solve equations they manipulate them to produce equivalent equations. The activity switches the focus from finding a solution to applying properties correctly.
EngageNY
Triangle Congruency Proofs (part 1)
Can they put it all together? Ninth graders apply what they know about proofs and triangle congruence to complete these proofs. These proofs go beyond the basic triangle congruence proofs and use various properties, theorems, and...
EngageNY
Modeling with Quadratic Functions (part 2)
How many points are needed to define a unique parabola? Individuals work with data to answer this question. Ultimately, they determine the quadratic model when given three points. The concept is applied to data from a dropped object,...
EngageNY
The Distance from a Point to a Line
What is the fastest way to get from point A to line l? A straight perpendicular line! Learners use what they have learned in the previous lessons in this series and develop a formula for finding the shortest distance from a point to a...
EngageNY
Scale Drawings
Are you searching for a purpose for geometric constructions? Use an engaging approach to explore dilations. Scholars create dilations using a construction method of their choice. As they build their constructed dilation, they strengthen...
EngageNY
Adding and Subtracting Expressions with Radicals
I can multiply, so why can't I add these radicals? Mathematicians use the distributive property to explain addition of radical expressions. As they learn how to add radicals, they then apply that concept to find the perimeter of polygons.
EngageNY
Trigonometry and the Pythagorean Theorem
Ancient Egyptians sure knew their trigonometry! Pupils learn how the pyramid architects applied right triangle trigonometry. When comparing the Pythagorean theorem to the trigonometric ratios, they learn an important connection that...
EngageNY
Using Trigonometry to Determine Area
What do you do when you don't think you have enough information? You look for another way to do the problem! Pupils combine what they know about finding the area of a triangle and trigonometry to determine triangle area when they don't...
EngageNY
Review of the Assumptions (part 1)
What was the property again? Tired of hearing this from your pupils? Use this table to organize properties studied and as a reference tool for individuals. Learners apply each property in the third column of the table to ensure their...
EngageNY
Base Angles of Isosceles Triangles
Build confidence in proofs by proving a known property. Pupils explore two approaches to proving base angles of isosceles triangles are congruent: transformations and SAS. They then apply their understanding of the proof to more complex...
Curated OER
FILLING EMPTY POCKETS: BORROWING, LOANS AND CREDIT.
Students learn that maintaining financial security takes a good math understanding. In this lesson, students apply mathematical formulas to make important financial decisions like getting the right loan to buy a house, decide which...
Curated OER
Oscillations
Students construct and compare the actions of various pendulums. In this pendulum motion instructional activity, students build and test different types of pendulums. They conduct experiments with the length of the swing arm and apply...
Mathed Up!
3-D Pythagoras
Apply the Pythagorean Theorem in three-dimensional shapes. Young mathematicians watch a video that takes them through several examples of using the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems involving lengths in three-dimensional figures. A...
Curated OER
Task: Grain Storage
Farming is full of mathematics, and it provides numerous real-world examples for young mathematicians to study. Here, we look at a cylinder-shaped storage silo that has one flat side. Given certain dimensions, students need to determine...
Curated OER
Task: Miniature Golf
"Fore!" All right, no one really yells this out in miniature golf, but this well-defined activity will have your charges using lots of numbers in their unique design of a miniature golf hole. Included in the activity criteria is the...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Attitude Determines Altitude
A fabulous lesson which combines mathematics with space science. Middle schoolers work in cooperative groups in order to research early astronauts and their accomplishments. They look at a variety of rocket and space shuttle designs, and...
Curated OER
Two Triangles' Area
Need an activity for teaching the Pythagorean Theorem? Geometry juniors apply the Pythagorean theorem to two triangles to determine a final calculation.
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson # 12 - Calibration Curve for a Radiation Meter
Scientists need to have mastered algebraic slope-intercept concepts in order for this lesson to be effective. They will measure and graph solar panel output as a function of the amount of radiation striking it, discovering that there is...