Curated OER
World of Work
Twelfth graders research want ads on the Internet or in the newspaper. They calculate the estimated weekly, monthly, and yearly pay for an hourly, salary and commission positions. They calculate a paycheck including state tax, federal...
Curated OER
How Big is Barbie?
Students measure various dimensions of a male and a female dolls body and scale them proportionally to average human measurements. They calculate the appropriate scale factor (magnitude) to enlarge their doll and apply that scale factor...
Curated OER
Area of Tangram Pieces
Mathematicians calculate the area of a tangram piece without using formulas. They use a geometry journal to record activities during this lesson. They make a set of tangrams and use them to compute area. They use what they discover to...
Curated OER
Walk-A-Thon
Students graph linear http://www.lessonplanet.com/review?id=180542equations. In this problem solving lesson, students calculate slope and plot ordered pairs on a coordinate grid. Using a real-life example of a walk-a-thon, students...
Illustrative Mathematics
Ants Versus Humans
You would think that humans make up more mass than ants do on this planet, but think again, and this time by performing calculations. Middle schoolers use scientific notation to compute and compare the estimated total mass of all humans...
Curated OER
Rolling Twice
Rolling dice is the best way to show your learners how probability comes in to play. Although this lesson does not specify an activity, your mathematicians can try this probability with real dice to calculate their experimental...
Curated OER
Buying on Credit
Explore using credit in this financial responsibility and math lesson. Learn to identify the acronym of "PRT" as Principle x Rate x Time, then calculate interest based on this formula. Do some real-world problem solving and choose...
Illustrative Mathematics
Jog-A-Thon
Adding fractions with unlike denominators can be cloudy, but attaching the fractions to real-life math can add to fraction number sense. Alex needed to run only a mile, will completing the training in two segments satisfy this...
Illustrative Mathematics
Coupon Versus Discount
All too often stores give coupons for an item, but when you go into buy it, the item is on discount. The store won’t take the coupon if the discount is used. So what do you do, use the coupon or take the discount? This activity helps...
Curated OER
Allele and Phenotype Frequencies in Rock Pocket Mouse Populations
In the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, some tiny creatures show just how quickly natural selection can turn a mutation into an advantageous adaptation. Watch a video about rock pocket mice, who show that one small change can make all...
5280 Math
Stories That Formulas Tell
Learn the stories a formula holds. An interesting lesson takes a unique approach to teach how to use formulas. Beginning with a formula, learners predict what the variables stand for and then use the formula to make calculations and tell...
Curated OER
Graphing Linear Equations on the TI-73
Eighth graders work in pairs with a TI-73 graphing calculator to complete a multiple-choice review using the Classroom Performance System. Each team uses a remote unit to "click in" the answers. When all teams have completed the review,...
Teach Engineering
Ranking the Rocks for Desired Properties
Math rocks! Cavern design teams determine the rankings of rock types based upon desirability points. The points are connected to the properties of the rocks and their usefulness in building a cavern.
Agile Mind
Isabella’s Credit Card
An in-depth activity that involves a real-world problem about credit card debt. Learners are given a scenario in which Isabella plans to stop using her credit card and pay off the balance by paying a fixed amount each month. The first...
Curated OER
Metrically Me!
Students define the parts of a database, search strategies to locate information electronically, create/modify databases, etc. and enter data into a prepared spreadsheet to perform calculations.
Teach Engineering
Matching the Motion
It is not always easy to walk the straight and narrow. In the sixth portion of a nine-part unit, groups actively recreate a graph depicting motion. Individuals walk toward or away from a motion detector while trying to match a given...
EngageNY
Matrix Arithmetic in Its Own Right
Matrix multiplication can seem random to pupils. Here's a instructional activity that uses a real-life example situation to reinforce the purpose of matrix multiplication. Learners discover how to multiply matrices and relate the process...
Teach Engineering
Determining Densities
Don't be dense—use a robust resource. The second installment of a five-part Floaters and Sinkers unit has learners determine the densities of several objects. As part of the activity, they learn the displacement method for finding...
Curated OER
The Barbie Bungee Drop
What do math, bungee jumping, and Barbie® have in common? Young adventure seekers use rubber bands as bungee cords to predict a thrilling, but safe, jump for their doll. First, test jumps are conducted with a few rubber bands. Then more...
Curated OER
Monster Cars: Slope
Students examine how a rate is calculated from two points. Using battery operated cars, pairs of students measure time and distance. Afterward, they use this data to calculate the rate. Students then plot four ordered pairs and discover...
Curated OER
Babylonian Mathematics I
Learners examine a Babylonian clay tablet and the mathematics found on it as a catalyst to investigate a variety of mathematical ideas. They work with prime numbers, classify numbers as whole, integer, rational, or irrational and use...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Linear Graphs Using Proportions and Rates
Using a TI-73 or other similar graphing calculator middle school math majors investigate the linear relationship of equivalent proportions. After a brief introduction by the teacher, class members participate in a timed pair share...
Teach Engineering
Light vs. Heat Bulbs
Careful, that light bulb is hot! Compare heat and light energy using a simple light bulb. The exercise addresses energy conservation and presents actual calculations to determine the most cost-effective light bulb.
Curated OER
Investigation Designing a Patchwork Quilt
Fourth graders practice calculating area by creating a classroom quilt. Students are given a 6x6 inch square material they design based on a classroom theme. A sample of the class quilt is created using graph paper so students may...