Pennsylvania Department of Education
Expressions Involving Variables
Sixth graders practice translating verbal expressions into algebraic expressions. In this introductory algebra lesson, 6th graders practice writing written/verbal sentences into algebraic expressions and vice versa. Students also review...
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The Powers of National and State Government
Students define term federalism, identify the powers granted to state and national government, and identify powers shared by the state and national governments.
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Special Interest Groups
Students define term interest group, identify interest groups that people in the local community belong to, and contact an interest group and evaluate the impact of that group on the political process.
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Balancing the Budget
Students identify the different components that make up the federal budget. They discuss the relationship between government revenues and spending and between budget deficits and the national debt. Students predict how changes in...
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Function-al Machines and Spaghetti Graphs
Sixth graders identify the relationship between patterns and functions. In this algebra lesson, 6th graders use a "Functional Machine" to identify the rule. Students use a function table to plot the points using play dough dots.
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Is the System Fair?
Students investigate shapes and patterns. In this algebra lesson plan, students move from concrete to abstract understanding of shapes and concepts. They use variable to identify the unknown.
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The Quadratic Formula
Students solve quadratic function by completing the square. For this algebra lesson, students use the quadratic formula to factor quadratics and find the roots. They graph the parabola and identify its properties.
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Solving Equations as Word Problems: Practice B
Ninth graders investigate solving word problems. In this Algebra I lesson, 9th graders explore the four step process for solving word problems: Step 1-make a table of values, Step 2-identify the constant, Step 3-indetify the variable,...
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Solution Sets and Linear Independence of Vectors
Eleventh graders study homogeneous linear systems. In this linear system of equations lesson, 11th graders write linear system solutions in parametric vector form. Students also identify the connection between linear independence and...
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Sound Box
Students make simple observations and identify relevant variables, such as frequency and diameter. They then discuss the relationship between variables. The task assesses students' abilities to make simple observations and make...
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Using The Scientific Method
Pupils are given a problem or hypothesis, they can create a relevant experiment using the steps to the scientific method. They collect quantitative and qualitative observations in scientific experiments. Students identify the difference...
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Algebra 2 - Linear Programming
Young scholars read real world problems, determine the variables, and set up the function using algebraic statements. After entering data into the graphing calculator, they display information in the form of graphs and scatter plots. ...
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Bigger Better Bubbles
Students research different types of bubble gum and identify the variables in them. In this bubble gum lesson students design an investigation to test their hypothesis and graph their data.
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Miles of Tiles - The Pool Border Problem
Students recognize patterns and represent situations using algebraic notation and variables. In this variables and patterns lesson, students identify a pattern involving the number of tiles required to form a border around a pool given...
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Journal of the Stars
Students receive balloons representing the "Life Cycle of the Stars." As the attached script is read, students follow the directions for the color of balloon they are given. Students chart the results for their star. They plot data from...
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Open Sentences
In this open sentences learning exercise, students solve and complete 10 different problems related to identifying various types of open sentences. First, they state whether each equation is true or false for the value of the variable...
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What's The Matter?
Fourth graders accurately describe various states of matter, Through experimentation, they change a variable to create a new state of matter. Students record their observations about the way matter is changed and the changes that occur...
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Altering a Plant Environment
Students investigate what a controlled group is by creating an experiment. In this plant growth lesson, students identify the different parts of a plant and discuss what is needed for a plant to be successfully grown. Students grow a...
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Inequalities
In this inequalities learning exercise, 9th graders solve and complete 18 different types of problems. First, they use systems of 2 equations/2 unknowns to solve each word problem shown. Then, students graph each and identify the vertex...
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Shells and Subshells
Students explore how to show evidence of subshells and electron filling on the visual scale. They examine subshell filling and evaluate unknowns based on the atomic emission spectrum. Students design an experiment to identify colors of...
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Survival
Middle schoolers determine the best material from which to make a jacket to keep the body warm in a cold, dry, windy climate. This task assesses the student's ability to perform an entire investigation. In this question the independent...
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Density and Buoyancy Experimental Design
Students must plan, design, and conduct an experiment that answers the scientific question: "Come up with a question that addresses the factors (variables) of the water and its effect on whether an object floats or sinks."
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How Can Sounds Be Different
Second graders explore energy and motion. They investigate how sound energy moves in waves. Students explore how sounds are varied and how the instruments that make those sounds are built. They observe sounds being produced and predict...
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Introduction to the Scientific Method
Young scholars designs and conduct a scientific experiment that identifies the problem, distinguishes manipulated, responding and controlled variables, collects, analyzes and communicates data, and makes valid inferences and conclusions.