MENSA Education & Research Foundation
Pi Day Fun!
In this multi-faceted introduction to pi, participants perform a bevy of pi-related activities. Ranging from measuring household items to singing pi songs and reading pi stories, this fun and non-intimidating resource serves to bring up...
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Similarity
Learn similarity through a transformations lens! Individuals examine the effects of transformations and analyze the properties of similarity, and conclude that any image that can be created through transformations is similar. The...
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Using Trigonometry to Find Side Lengths of an Acute Triangle
Not all triangles are right! Pupils learn to tackle non-right triangles using the Law of Sines and Law of Cosines. After using the two laws, they then apply them to word problems.
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General Prisms and Cylinders and Their Cross-Sections
So a cylinder does not have to look like a can? By expanding upon the precise definition of a rectangular prism, the lesson develops the definition of a general cylinder. Scholars continue on to develop a graphical organizer for the...
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Finding Systems of Inequalities That Describe Triangular and Rectangular Regions
How do you build a polygon from an inequality? An engaging lesson challenges pupils to do just that. Building from the previous lesson in this series, learners write systems of inequalities to model rectangles, triangles, and even...
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Lines That Pass Through Regions
Good things happen when algebra and geometry get together! Continue the exploration of coordinate geometry in the third lesson plan in the series. Pupils explore linear equations and describe the points of intersection with a given...
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The Angle Measure of an Arc
How do you find the measure of an arc? Learners first review relationships between central and inscribed angles. They then investigate the relationship between these angles and their intercepted arcs to extend the Inscribed Angle Theorem...
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Successive Differences in Polynomials
Don't give your classes the third degree when working with polynomials! Teach them to recognize the successive differences and identify the degree of the polynomial. The lesson leads learners through a process to develop an understanding...
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Putting It All Together
Shuffle 'em up and deal! Learners practice operations with polynomials using cards they pass around the room. The activity works with pairs or individuals, so it offers great flexibility. This is the fifth installment in a series of 42...
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Structure in Graphs of Polynomial Functions
Don't allow those polynomial functions to misbehave! Understand the end behavior of a polynomial function based on the degree and leading coefficient. Learners examine the patterns of even and odd degree polynomials and apply them to...
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The Remainder Theorem
Time to put it all together! Building on the concepts learned in the previous lessons in this series, learners apply the Remainder Theorem to finding zeros of a polynomial function. They graph from a function and write a function from...
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Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Five out of four people have trouble with fractions! After comparing simplifying fractions to simplifying rational expressions, pupils use the same principles to multiply and divide rational expressions.
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Solving Rational Equations
What do fractions and rational expressions have in common? Everything! Learners use common denominators to solve rational equations. Problems advance from simple to more complex, allowing pupils to fully understand the material before...
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The Definition of a Parabola
Put together the pieces and model a parabola. Learners work through several examples to develop an understanding of a parabola graphically and algebraically.
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Are All Parabolas Similar?
Congruence and similarity apply to functions as well as polygons. Learners examine the effects of transformations on the shape of parabolas. They determine the transformation(s) that produce similar and congruent functions.
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Obstacles Resolved—A Surprising Result
The greater the degree, the more solutions to find! Individuals find the real solutions from a graph and use the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra to find the remaining factors.
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Analyzing a Graph
Collaborative groups utilize their knowledge of parent functions and transformations to determine the equations associated with graphs. The graph is then related to the scenario it represents.
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Extending the Domain of Sine and Cosine to All Real Numbers
Round and round we go! Pupils use reference angles to evaluate common sine and cosine values of angles greater than 360 degrees. Once they have mastered the reference angle, learners repeat the process with negative angles.
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Secant and the Co-Functions
Turn your class upside down as they explore the reciprocal functions. Scholars use the unit circle to develop the definition of the secant and cosecant functions. They analyze the domain, range, and end behavior of each function.
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Basic Trigonometric Identities from Graphs
Have young mathematicians create new identities! They explore the even/odd, cofunction, and periodicity identities through an analysis of tables and graph. Next, learners discover the relationships while strengthening their understanding...
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Calculating Conditional Probabilities and Evaluating Independence Using Two-Way Tables (part 2)
Without data, all you are is another person with an opinion. Show learners the power of statistics and probability in making conclusions and predictions. Using two-way frequency tables, learners determine independence by analyzing...
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Experiments and the Role of Random Assignment
Time to experiment with mathematics! Learners study experimental design and how randomization applies. They emphasize the difference between random selection and random assignment and how both are important to the validation of the...
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Wishful Thinking—Does Linearity Hold? (Part 2)
Trying to find a linear transformation is like finding a needle in a haystack. The second lesson in the series of 32 continues to explore the concept of linearity started in the first lesson. The class explores trigonometric, rational,...
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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...