Curated OER
The Math in the Design and Building of Bridges
Research various types of bridge designs. Your class will be asked to consider what it would be like without bridges while learning about how they work. They will construct a model bridge based on given parameters. They then calculate...
Curated OER
Modeling Natural Disaster with Mathematical Functions
Ninth graders investigate the functional relationship of different environmental phenomena. In this math lesson, 9th graders create models of various natural disasters. They use logarithmic and exponential functions to interpret...
Curated OER
Graphing Calculator Investigation - Second Degree Polynomial Functions
Students solve quadratic functions. In this solving quadratic functions lesson, students determine the height of an object at a given time. Students determine the time at which an object hits the ground. Students answer questions...
Curated OER
Rainbows, Bridges & Weather, Oh My!
Explore how real-world applications can be parabolic in nature and how to find quadratic functions that best fit data. A number of different examples of modeling parabolas are explored including a student scavenger hunt, the exploration...
Illustrative Mathematics
Two Wheels and a Belt
Geometry gets an engineering treatment in an exercise involving a belt wrapped around two wheels of different dimensions. Along with the wheels, this belt problem connects concepts of right triangles, tangent lines, arc length, and...
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...
Curated OER
The Random Walk II
Deep mathematical thinking is found with just a coin and a number line. Combining computing some probabilities in a discrete situation, and the interpretation of a function, this simple task gives learners a lot to think about on their...
Curated OER
Construction Technologies: Construct the Strongest Bridge
Middle schoolers investigate how engineers use different types of bridges for different places. In small groups they design and construct bridges for three different scenarios, and answer a series of investigating questions applied to...
Teach Engineering
Coordinates and the Cartesian Plane
The plot thickens to get a functional understanding. After a short review of plotting points on the coordinate plane, class members learn the difference between functions and relations in the second lesson in a series of nine. They show...
Curated OER
Fair Haven Community and the Grand Avenue Bridge
High schoolers use the internet to research the history of Fair Haven, Connecticut. In groups, they are introduced to the socio-economic developments and how the area has grown over time. They work together to create their own bridge...
Curated OER
Building a Bridge
Third graders discover architecture and functionality by constructing a bridge. In this bridge engineering lesson, 3rd graders utilize cardboard, straws, towel tubes and plastic bottles to create a model bridge similar to ones seen in...
Curated OER
Functioning as a Team
Students work as a team to build a freestanding bridge from newspapers and masking tape and analyze the effectiveness of their group. In this teamwork lesson plan, students view and summarize a video on Service Learning Projects....
Curated OER
Bridging the Gap
Learners explore the role that bridges play in our society. They conduct an investigation to examine the various shapes and functions of bridges. They determine which type of bridge would best suit a given scenario.
Curated OER
Bridges
Ninth graders use model-building to help comprehend the forces and phenomena at work in the world around them. They describe gravity as a universal force that pulls everything toward the center of the earth. Students distinguish between...
Curated OER
Stressed to the Breaking Point
Young scholars explore the relationship between the amount of weight that can be supported by a spaghetti bridge, the thickness of the bridge, and the length of the bridge to determine the algebraic equation that best represents that...
Curated OER
Built To Last
Students face the challenges of building big, functional structures, like bridges, domes and skyscrapers. They turn their talents to satisfying clients who have hired them to design their new home.
Curated OER
Young Engineers: Understanding Engineering Through Cooking
Second graders explore different engineering careers. In this math instructional activity, 2nd graders create a winning cooking recipe. They role play a mock cookie sale during the culminating event.
Curated OER
A Cylinder Workshop
Students work with given formulas to solve for specific variables. The calculation of the volume of a cylinder and the change in volume when there is a constant surface area is analyzed in this lesson.
Curated OER
Introduction to Tangent Lines using the TI-Nspire
Students make mathematical argument using the concept of Limit. For this algebra lesson, student calculate the instantaneous rate of change from the linear graph. They use a TI-calculator to create a visual of the graphs.
Curated OER
The Truth About Triangles and Squares
Fourth graders investigate the patterns associated with both triangular and square numbers. They use counters as manipulatives to depict the numbers as needed but focus on problem solving using mental math techniques.
Curated OER
How Plants Help Us Breathe
Third graders discuss how humans breathe and how plants help us to stay alive. In groups, they identify and label the different parts of plants and describe their functions. They compare and contrast the ways plants and animals breathe...
Curated OER
Application of Parabolas
Learners graph quadratic equations. In this algebra lesson, students relate the parabola to real life applications. They identify the maximum and minimum of the parabola.
Curated OER
Describing Patterns
Fourth graders investigate repeating and growing patterns. Models, graphs and words are used to describe, extend and represent patterns. Students use evidence from models and graphs to support the identification of patterns.
Curated OER
Parabolas Exist Where?
Students recognize how parabolas are used in architecture and calculate a constant of variation.