Curated OER
Matchstick Math: Using Manipulatives to Model Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions
Playing with matches (unlit, of course) becomes an engaging learning experience in this fun instructional unit. Teach pupils how to apply properties of exponential functions to solve problems. They differentiate between quadratic and...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Generalizing Patterns: Table Tiles
As part of a study of geometric patterns, scholars complete an assessment task determining the number of tiles needed to cover a tabletop. They then evaluate provided sample responses to see different ways to solve the same problems.
EngageNY
Integer Sequences—Should You Believe in Patterns?
Help your class discover possible patterns in a sequence of numbers and then write an equation with a lesson that covers sequence notation and function notation. Graphs are used to represent the number patterns.
EngageNY
Graphs of Exponential Functions
What does an exponential pattern look like in real life? After viewing a video of the population growth of bacteria, learners use the real-life scenario to collect data and graph the result. Their conclusion should be a new type of graph...
EngageNY
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...
Curated OER
Pattern Power
Young elementary students will discover there are patterns all around them in their daily lives. In groups, they sort pattern blocks by size and color. Using the internet, they create their own type of patterns and share them with the...
Project Maths
Trigonometric Functions
From a circle to a cycle! The final instructional activity of a five-part series challenges learners to use points from the unit circle to plot a repeating pattern. The repeating patterns become the graphs of the trigonometric functions....
EngageNY
Graphing Quadratic Functions from Factored Form
How do you graph a quadratic function efficiently? Explore graphing quadratic functions by writing in intercept form with a lesson that makes a strong connection to the symmetry of the graph and its key features before individuals write...
02 x 02 Worksheets
Inverse Functions
Young mathematicians look for patterns in inverse functions as they relate to the original functions. The comprehensive lesson emphasizes vocabulary throughout as well as algebraic and graphical characteristics of the inverse functions.
EngageNY
Exploring the Symmetry in Graphs of Quadratic Functions
Math is all about finding solutions and connections you didn't expect! Young mathematicians often first discover nonlinear patterns when graphing quadratic functions. The lesson begins with the vocabulary of a quadratic graph and uses...
K20 LEARN
Didn’t We Already Learn That Pattern? Functions/Arithmetic Sequences
Just how many toothpicks does the pattern take? After watching a video of someone building a pattern with toothpicks, groups create methods to find the number of toothpicks needed to accomplish that task. Groups either use explicit...
EngageNY
Transforming Rational Functions
Move all rational functions—well, maybe. Learners investigate the graphs of the reciprocals of power functions to determine a pattern between the graph and the power. Pupils graph rational functions where transformations are clearly...
EngageNY
Nonlinear Models in a Data Context
How well does your garden grow? Model the growth of dahlias with nonlinear functions. In the activity, scholars build on their understanding of mathematical models with nonlinear models. They look at dahlias growing in compost and...
Virginia Department of Education
Rational Functions: Intercepts, Asymptotes, and Discontinuity
Discover different patterns by making connections between a rational function and its graph. An engaging instructional activity asks scholars to explore the behavior of different rational functions. Groups discover a connection between...
Kentucky Department of Education
Patterns: Beads under a Blanket - Intermediate and Middle School Grades
Apply pattern knowledge to bead patterns. The formative assessment activity provides pupils the opportunity to show what they know about patterns and functions. Learners take a pre-assessment, then build upon their answers at the...
Kenan Fellows
Dinner Party: Using Pattern Trains to Demonstrate Linear Functions
Nothing fancy here ... just your run-of-the-mill Algebra party! Learners explore the patterns of linear functions while designing seating arrangements for a dinner party. Comparing the number of tables to the perimeter of the combined...
Curated OER
Patterns, Relations, and Functions: Geometric Shapes
Students explore patterns involving objects or figures and geometric shapes. They identify the missing shapes in patterns and discuss what would come next in the pattern, analyze patterns using different objects, and complete a...
Curated OER
Graphs and Functions
Middle schoolers describe plotting functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane. They solve functions on paper and using an online tool to plot points on a Cartesian coordinate plane creating lines and parabolas.
Mathematics Assessment Project
Generalizing Patterns: The Difference of Two Squares
After completing an assessment task where they express numbers as the difference of squares (i.e., 9 = 5^2 – 4^2), class members note any patterns that they see in the problems.
Curated OER
Monster Frog Function Machine
Elementary schoolers use a function machine in order to help them look at the relationship between input and output, and to look at the rule for the change. The machine is actually a cardboard box, and it serves quite well for the...
K20 LEARN
Transformers Part 1 - Absolute Value and Quadratic Functions: Function Transformations
Transform your instruction with an exploratory lesson! Young scholars manipulate absolute values and quadratic functions to look for transformation patterns. They use the patterns to write general rules of transformations.
EngageNY
End Behavior of Rational Functions
Connect end behavior to previous learning. Pupils connect finding the end behavior of rational functions to finding end behavior of polynomial functions. The 13th segment in a 23-part unit starts with finding the end behavior or power...
Teachers Network
A World of Symmetry: Math-Geometry
Define and identify the three basic forms of symmetry translation, rotation, and glides with your class. They cut out and arrange paper pattern blocks to illustrate symmetry, create a Cartesian graph, and design a rug with a symmetrical...
EngageNY
Comparing Linear and Exponential Models Again
Making connections between a function, table, graph, and context is an essential skill in mathematics. Focused on comparing linear and exponential relationships in all these aspects, this resource equips pupils to recognize and interpret...