Illustrative Mathematics
Area of a Trapezoid
Here is a straightforward example of how to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find an unknown side-length of a trapezoid. Commentary gives additional information on proving that the inside of the trapezoid is a rectangle, but is...
Willow Tree
Multiplying and Dividing Monomials
Apply the power of mathematics to the power expressions. The lesson gives examples of expressions that utilize each of the exponent rules to simplify. Once seeing the exponent rules individually, scholars combine them to simplify an...
Illustrative Mathematics
Voting for Three, Variation 1
This is an opportunity for young mathematicians to apply reasoning to solve real-world problems with ratios. Even though there are three candidates for class president, students will only consider two at a time, making the first problem...
Illustrative Mathematics
Sore Throats, Variation 2
What does math have to do with a sore throat? When you mix water and salt you have a great review of how to represent proportional relationships by an equation or graph. Here the proportions of the mixtures may be different, but the...
Curated OER
The Notorious Four-Color Problem
Take a walk through time, 1852 to 2005, following the mathematical history, development, and solution of the Four-Color Theorem. Learners take on the role of cartographers to study a United States map that is to be colored. One rule: no...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Lighthouse Problem
Long considered the symbol of safe harbor and steadfast waiting, the lighthouse gets a mathematical treatment. The straightforward question of distance to the horizon is carefully presented, followed by a look into the different...
Curated OER
Order of Operations and Two-Step Equations
Solve two-step equations using order of operation in this algebra instructional activity. Young mathematicians evaluate functions through substitution and apply the properties of exponents and negatives correctly. They complete the order...
Curated OER
Pedal Power
Employ proportional reasoning and algebraic understanding to a determine a real world math quandary. Intel has created a project based unit to engage learners in using algebra to describe the physical world. They will create equations,...
Curated OER
Design Explorations: Frieze Patterns
Students will explore frieze patterns. A frieze pattern is a mathematical concept to classify designs on two-dimensional surfaces, which are repetitive in one direction, based on the symmetries in the pattern. They will explore examples...
Curated OER
Molas
Seventh graders apply their prior knowledge of the Principle of Balance to create a paper mola. Students examine a variety of molas, which are fabric works of art made by women in the country of Panama. To arrange the composition of the...
Curated OER
Arranging Chairs (Arrays)
The creation of arrays is the focus of this mathematics lesson. Pupils consider a situation for a theater stage performance: different amounts of people are coming to the show, and they must arrange the seats in rows of equal numbers. A...
Curated OER
The Tic Tac Equation
Students use an equation to solve a problem of applied mathematics. The problem involves using the dating practices of teenagers to create a context. They use an equation to find the solution of how many kisses can be obtained with the...
Curated OER
Mathematical Magazines
Learners use ads from magazines to create data to be measured and apply the skill of estimation. They record the percentage of magazine ads that could be separated into different categories made by students through the use of logical...
EngageNY
Solutions of a Linear Equation
Use the distributive property to solve equations. The sixth lesson in a 33-part series has scholars solve equations that need to be transformed into simpler equations first. Class members apply the distributive property to the equations...
EngageNY
Grade 5 Math Module 1, Topic A, Lesson 3
The activity introduces exponents as a way to write powers of 10 and to associate those powers with place value. Pupils practice writing powers of 10 with exponents along with multiplying numbers by powers of 10. The resource is the...
Curated OER
Earthquake Epicenter
Students use chart data to determine the location of the epicenter of an earthquake. This task assesses students' abilities to generalize and infer, organize data, interpret data, and apply mathematical concepts.
Curated OER
The Great Depression: Eating on a Shoestring
Middle schoolers explore the realities of feeding a family on a very limited budget by comparing the cost of living in the 1930s to the cost of living today. Using primary documents and technology to make the comparison, they identify...
Curated OER
Vectors: How Much Force Can You Apply
This lesson entails the viewing of two videos to get an overview of force and its application. The lesson covers how vectors use force in real-world situations.
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Pattern Search
Pupils identify and define various mathematical properties, such as the commutative properties of addition and multiplication, and the associative property of addition. They also reason and communicate mathematically by making...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Applying Angle Theorems
Polygon ... an empty bird cage? After finding the angles of a polygon, young mathematicians use the provided methods to solve the problem in multiple ways.
Curated OER
Mathematics in Bioengineering: Its Application for Today's Students
High schoolers explore the different fields of bioengineering. They will create and interpret graphs from cancel cells data. They then calculate the amount of drugs found in blood and eliminated by the body over time.
National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science
Applying Newton’s Third Law of Motion in the Gravitron Ride
Here is a collection of readings to be discussed in the science classroom. This one is in the form of a dialog between two boys in an amusement park, talking about the forces involved in a Graviton ride. Questions are listed at the...
Benjamin Banneker Association
Celebrate Benjamin Banneker
Inventor, astronomer, surveyor, mathematician, clock maker. Learners celebrate the life of Benjamin Banneker by building creative analog clocks, making scale models, and solving problems related to surveying. The activities model the...
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Lowest Common Multiple through the Grades
The LCM will be your new BFF. Learners review least common multiple and least common denominator applications, mostly on fractions, from middle school. Scholars then see how the LCM can be applied to various types of problems from...