Curated OER
Investigation of Pot Sherds
Fourth graders review their prior knowledge on the concept of pi. Using broken pieces of pottery, they calculate the circumference from a section of the circle. In teams, they compete against one another to get the most accurate...
Curated OER
Math Practice: Circles
In this circle instructional activity, students solve 8 problems: finding percentage increase, finding differences in area and perimeter, finding circumference and area.
Curated OER
Determining Mercantile Volume of a Pine Tree
Fourth graders, acting as foresters, determine timber volumes as sawtimber or pulpwood for marketing. They find the marketable value of a tree using its diameter and volume.
Curated OER
Volume, Surface Area for Cylinders
Seventh graders explore the concept of volume and surface area of cylinders. In this volume and surface area of cylinders instructional activity, 7th graders break cylinders into their base shapes of a circle and a rectangle. Students...
Curated OER
Science: The Age of the Redwoods
Students discover how to estimate the age of redwood trees. They measure the trees' diameters by using string to calculate the circumferences. Students conclude by discussing the science of dendrochronolgy.
Curated OER
Lesson from the web
Students measure the circumference of an object to the nearest millimeter. They also measure the diameter. The relationship of the two measurements is taught and how the value of pi came into existence.
Curated OER
Nanofibers: Measuring the Visible to Understand the Invisible
Students compare the size and shape of tubes that can be measured, to the size and shape of "nanowhiskers" that are too small to see. They practice measuring, calculating and graphing the ratio of circumference to diameter of a circle,...
Curated OER
Nanofibers: Why Go Small?
Students explain the advantages of nanotechnology. In this chemistry lesson plan, students investigate pretzels' average diameter and circumference. They graph their result and compare with other groups.
Alabama Learning Exchange
How Big Can a Bee Be?
Mathematicians analyze the relationships between surface area and volume. They conduct Internet research, conduct various experiments, record the data in a spreadsheet, and graph the results and compare the rate of increase of surface...
Curated OER
Cold Hard Facts...What Inquiring Minds Will Know
Students work with "ice" in order to gain a practical application of math concepts that evolve into an inquiry-based study. They determine if the dimensions of the ice make a difference in the way the ice floats in the water.
Curated OER
The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Sixth graders examine the causes of the stock market crash of 1929. In this integrated math/history unit on the stock market, 6th graders study, research, and read stocks, visit a local bank, and create a PowerPoint to show the...
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...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 6: Trigonometric Functions
Create trigonometric functions from circles. The first lesson of the module begins by finding coordinates along a circular path created by a Ferris Wheel. As the lessons progress, pupils graph trigonometric functions and relate them to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Seven Circles III
A basic set-up leads to a surprisingly complex analysis in this variation on the question of surrounding a central circle with a ring of touching circles. Useful for putting trigonometric functions in a physical context, as well as...
It's About Time
Impact Events and the Earth System
What would happen to Earth if an asteroid struck it? Assist young scientists as they explore the mechanics of an impact event and effects caused by it; calculate the energy released once an asteroid strikes Earth's surface; and...
Balanced Assessment
Bicycle Chain II
Apply geometric concepts to a design problem. Individuals examine the structural setup of the chain on a bicycle and use the measurements of the circles to determine the length of the chain.
Curated OER
Circular Motion
A helpful physics presentation will have you talking in circles! The material covers circular motion, and includes diagrams, formulas, and example problems. When used in addition with directed instruction and a teacher-created form...
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 lesson plan is the discovery of Euler's number.
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 5: Modeling with Geometry
Solids come in many shapes and sizes. Using geometry, scholars create two-dimensional cross-sections of various three-dimensional objects. They develop the lesson further by finding the volume of solids. The module then shifts...
Scholastic
Lesson One: The Earth, Background and Glossary
How much do you really know about our planet? Middle schoolers build up their prior knowledge about Earth, its placement in the solar system, its composition, and important geological vocabulary with an introductory earth science lesson.
101 Questions
You Pour, I Choose
Tall and skinny or short and stout, which glass hold the most liquid? Learners analyze dimensions of cylindrical glasses to determine the one holding the greatest amount of liquid. They brainstorm the relevant dimensions before making...
Mascil Project
The Pipe Clamp
Clamp onto the resource and don't let go. Future mechanical engineers produce a pipe clamp from a sheet of metal. This idea is to use the pipe clamp to affix a pull-up bar in a doorway.
Curated OER
Discovering Pi
Students investigate the math concept of Pi (specifically, what pi is, the significance and how it is used in the real world). This is a hands on lesson in which the students actively participate with their investigations.
The...
Curated OER
Geometric Relatioships
Students explore measurements and geometric formulas. In this geometry lesson, students investigate pi as it relates to geometry. They collect data and use a chart to organize the data.