National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Fermi Questions
This tutorial from the Math Forum provides the approach to problem solving made famous by Enrico Fermi. Fermi, a brilliant Italian physicist, used estimation frequently in problem-solving.
Analyze Math
Analyze Math: Exponential Functions (2)
The tutorial investigates how to use exponential functions to solve word problems. Some topics explored are population and radioactive decay. The activity includes examples with detailed solutions.
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Authentic Writing and Math Problem Solving Using Shopping Lists
We're going shopping in this integrated lesson. Students must make a budget, create a shopping list, and act out grocery shopping utilizing their problem solving and writing skills. A comprehensive lesson with printable worksheets,...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: The Art Gallery Problem
Based off of the hit television show NUMB3RS, this lesson introduces students to the Art Gallery Problem, in which cameras must be placed so that the entire area of a floor can be seen. Students use their graphing calculators extensively...
Education Development Center
Tune in to Learning: Get Going With Rate
Explore the concepts of rate, distance, and speed in this interactive lesson. Discover how to use formulas to solve word problems and calculate salaries. A concise lesson with excellent examples, connections to real world experiences,...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Building Shapes
Based on building a hexagon, this activity from the Math Forum collection focuses on using different combinations of pattern blocks to create a hexagon. An online activity, pencil and paper method, literature connections, and a...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Math Forum: Algebraic Problem Solving Using Spreadsheets
A unit is presented on instructing students how to build and use spreadsheets for algebraic problem solving. Easy-to-follow steps are provided along with problems for students to practice.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Misaddressed Mail
Try this probability challenge from the NCTM Math Challenges for Families series. See if you can figure out the probability of putting three checks in the correct envelopes without looking. Also, discover how probability skills are used...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Census
Try this real world challenge that focuses on data collection, data analysis, and problem solving with information from the U.S. Census Bureau. Discover how these skills are applied in real life situations in this one page activity from...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Body Mass What's Your Index? (Pdf)
If you like tackling formulas, then this math challenge is for you. See if you can calculate Helix's BMI (body mass index) and find out if his health is at risk. A one page NCTM Math Challenges for Families activity that engages learners...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Gary Martin, Angus Mac Neil: Require Students Use Problem Solving Steps
This is a well thought out and detailed lesson that can teach students how to problem solve using real-life situations. It also teaches students about the importance of respect as well as being responsible for their own actions.
Other
Fagler College/nas 111/scientific Methodology
Power Point presentation on scientific method for NAS 102 Human and Environmental Biology II.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Structures Around the World
How does that bridge stay up? What are the forces acting on that column? This site helps students understand how structures can be built by having them build their own. Also provides images of real structures for kids to compare with...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Egg Drop
Students are challenged to use the technical problem solving to dump radioactive material (eggs) into water without touching them. Lesson plan includes timeline, student handout and discussion questions.
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Can You Copperplate?
Chemical engineering lesson investigates the processes of chemical plating and electroplating. Teams of young scholars work together to devise a chemical system for plating metal objects with copper, then test and evaluate their findings...
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Radio Reception and Transmission
Teams of learners learn about the engineering design process as they design, build, and test a radio receiver and optional transmitter that can receive FM broadcasts. Lesson focuses on how advances in radio communications have impacted...
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Engineered Music
Object of this lesson plan is to learn about the engineering design of musical instruments. Students work in teams to design and build their own "tunable" and unique instrument using everyday materials.
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Filtration Investigation
Working in teams of "engineers", students learn about filtration systems and how they can remove impurities from drinking water.
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Get It Write
Students learn about the engineering design process by working in teams to design and build a pen out of everyday materials that can deliver a controlled amount of ink to a sheet of paper.
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Build a Big Wheel
Learners learn about the engineering design process as they design, build, test, and evaluate a big wheel or Ferris wheel made with pasta, glue, and teabags. The objective of the lesson is to explore how big wheels have been designed...
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Conveyor Engineering
Students learn about the engineering design process as they design, build, test, and evaluate a conveyor system made with everyday items than can move pieces of candy 4 feet including a 90 degree turn. The objective of the lesson is to...
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Engineer a Dam
Learners learn about the engineering design process as they design, build, and test a dam structure in a classroom water trough. The objective of the lesson is to learn about the different types of dams and to build one that has the...
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Water Tower Challenge
Students learn about the engineering design process as they design, build, and test a water tower made with everyday items. The objective of the instructional activity is to work in teams to learn about water delivery systems and create...
Hopelink
Hopelink: Math Lesson Idea: Word Problems
Teach your young scholars to reason with language and to use imagery to translate language into mathematical equations.