Other
The Futures Channel: Problem Solving
"Connecting learning to the real world" is the goal of the Futures Channel. Through the use of short videos, teachers can integrate real-world examples of how math and science are used in everyday life. Complete teaching guidelines...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Don't Fall In
Have you ever wondered why manhole covers are round? Believe it or not, there is a logical, mathematical reason. See if you can figure it out in this NCTM Math Challenge for Families activity. A one-page activity with suggested life...
Oswego City School District
Regents Exam Prep Center: Logic
Understanding mathematical language in problem solving can be a difficult concept to grasp. Sharpen your logical reasoning skills at this test prep site that explains the terms: if, and, or, implies, and only if, as they relate to math....
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Science Is a Wonderland
This is an inquiry lesson to teach students critical thinking skills. The student will learn through discovery what inquiry skills are and how they are used. They will learn how scientists use these skills in the scientific method to do...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: S'mores Limiting & Excess Reactants
Young scholars will use manipulatives that represent the ingredients for S'mores (graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bar) to determine the limiting and excess reactants (reagents) for making S'mores. The students will extend this...
Maths Challenge
Maths challenge.net: Children in a Circle
A "one star" geometry problem that requires problems solving skills where drawing a picture might help with the answer.
Iowa State University
Math Night Resources: Pencil and Paper Games
Play these pencil and paper games to engage learners in critical thinking and reasoning. Written directions are provided along with colorful animation to explain in detail how each game is played and possible strategies needed to win.
PBS
Nova Online: How Many Pearls? A Weight & Volume Game
This interactive game has students apply skills in estimation, measurement, and basic addition using pearls. Students are asked to estimate the number of pearls in a treasure chest by making predictions and using number sense. The skills...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Line Up!
Take the math challenge. Can you figure out how long you have to wait in line to buy a ticket? An estimation and time measurement challenge from the NCTM Math Challenges for Families collection. Based on real-world themes and...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: What to Bring?
In this activity, students are provided with a list of supplies that survived their plane's crash in the Amazon jungle. They will organize the supplies to classify which items are useful for surviving in the Amazon. Students will use...
Joe Landsberger
Study Guides & Strategies for Speakers of Arabic.
This is the Arabic language version of a study skills site also available in English and other languages as well. Different sections teach skills in reading and writing, Internet literacy, critical thinking, math, science, dealing with...
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Can You Solve the Bridge Riddle?
Taking that internship in a remote mountain lab might not have been the best idea. Pulling that lever with the skull symbol just to see what it did probably wasn't so smart either. But now is not the time for regrets because you need to...
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: All in the Mind
You will have to use visualization to help you solve this challenge. At this one page website, you will be able to check your solution.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Thirteen? Oh No! (Pdf)
If you're superstitious you may want to try this math challenge. Test your reasoning and number sense skills by finding out if there is a Friday the 13th every year. Discover how understanding number patterns and reasoning can be helpful...
PBS
Pbs: Black Kingdoms of the Nile
A geometry activity that examines the history and structure of ancient pyramids and engages students in constructing pyramid models. A comprehensive activity that considers students with diverse learning styles. Math concepts introduced...
Other
The Futures Channel: Proportional Reasoning
"Connecting learning to the real world" is the goal of the Futures Channel. Through the use of short videos, teachers can integrate real-world examples of how math and science are used in everyday life. Complete teaching guidelines...
Other
Uss Constitution Museum: All Hands on Deck!
This thematic unit uses USS Constitution (nicknamed 'Old Ironsides') as a vehicle to explore a wide range of disciplines including language arts, reading, math, science, art, and social studies. Skills covered in the unit include...
PBS
Pbs: Human Tree: Ratios
Watch as the National Museum of Mathematics creates an interesting series of images using ratios. This video focuses on the proportional relationship observed in fractals and challenges you to do some critical thinking using ratios and...
PBS
Pbs: Equivalent Expressions Using Exponents
Apply your critical thinking skills to learn about multiplication and division of exponents. This interactive exercise focuses on positive and negative exponents and combining exponents in an effort to get you to recognize patterns and...
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: Dicey
If you can visualize a cube and turn it around in your mind, then this is the challenge for you. This one page website has the solution available to check your thinking.
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge: Nrich: A Puzzling Cube
See if you can figure out which symbols are on which cube face at this one page website. The solution is just a click away once you have your solution in mind.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Why Do We Need Measurement Tools?
This lesson will explore the need for standard measurement tools. It will engage the students and promote critical thinking and reasoning. This is a lead in lesson to conversions. This lesson plan was created by exemplary Alabama Math...
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Figure This: Pigeonhole Principle
What is the possibility that another student in your school will have your exact same initials? Try this math challenge using logical reasoning and the "Pigeonhole principle," to discover how this could actually happen. An engaging...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: A rei.c.6: Find a System
The purpose of this task is to encourage students to think critically about both the algebraic and graphical interpretation of systems of linear equations. Aligns with A-REI.C.6.