Curated OER
Data Analysis and Froot Loops
Use this probability and graphing lesson to have your learners work with a partner to make a necklace out of Froot Loops. They record the cereal colors randomly chosen and strung, graph their data, then use a ratio formula to determine...
Curated OER
Do You Feel Lucky?
Young scholars explore probability by using games based on probable outcomes of events. They name all of the possible outcomes of an event and express the likelihood of such an event occurring.
Curated OER
A Model Solar System
If Earth is modeled by a grapefruit, what planet could be represented by a golf ball? This activity uses everyday and not-so-everyday objects to create a model of the Solar System.
Bowland
Fish Dish
Minimize the time it takes to create a fish dish. Scholars use their knowledge of time to devise an order that accounts for different constraints. Considering jobs that can be done in parallel is essential to solving the problem.
Curated OER
The Golden Students
Scholars view the video, "Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land," and discuss examples in nature which have proportions of the golden ratio. They measure and record different body lengths from a worksheet and convert the ratios to equivalent...
Curated OER
Algebraic Thinking - Equations
Fifth graders explore equality and inequality by participating in a Tilt/Balance activity. The students listen to the story "Lemonade for Sale" by Stuart J. Murphy and use equations to graph lemonade sale profits.
Curated OER
Exploration of "Pillbugs"
Fifth graders define vocabulary terms, identify the characteristics of a pillbug, and create a dichotomous key. Then they examine the pillbugs and make observations and record these observations. Finally, 5th graders observe specific...
Curated OER
Even/Odds Game
Using a game format, learners review what they know about theoretical probability. As they roll tetrahedron dice, they record their results as odd or even. Afterwards, they discuss their findings.
California Education Partners
Photos
Why do all sizes of pictures not show the same thing? Class members analyze aspect ratios of various sizes of photos. They determine which sizes have equivalent ratios and figure out why some pictures need to be cropped to fit particular...
Curated OER
Weather Watchers
Students are introduced to an Underground Weather Stations. In groups, they use the internet to research the weather in different parts of the United States locating each city. To end the lesson, they summarize the information they...
Curated OER
Groups Coming to America
Fifth graders use text or other references to locate different types of information about the Mayflower and pilgrims. They create a presentation for lower elementary classes about the Pilgrims.
Curated OER
Equations in the Park
Learners explore algebraic concepts using real life situations. For this equations lesson, students develop strategies to solve missing number problems. Learners participate in a board game based on algebraic equations.
Curated OER
Count The Letters
Students perform activities involving ratios, proportions and percents. Given a newspaper article, groups of students count the number of letters in a given area. They use calculators and data collected to construct a pie chart and bar...
Curated OER
Tall Tale Rollers
Students explore American tall tales. In this tall tale lesson, students discover the six characteristics that are included in tall tales. Students survey their class to find each student's favorite tall tale character and organize the...
Curated OER
When Life Serves You Lemons!
Students build their own lemonade stand. For this problem solving lesson, students measure the materials needed to build a stand and make lemonade. They find the cost of producing the lemonade and the profit they will make.
Curated OER
Touring Delmarva
Learners plan a trip. In this trip planning lesson, students use a map to find where they would like to visit with a pretend family of 4. They get a specific amount of money and time and need to decide where they will stay and what they...
Curated OER
Interpreting Data from Birdfeeders
What kinds of birds live in your area? Read a book about birds to your learners and explore their feeding patterns. Charts and graphs are provided in this three page packet, but consider assigning the basic questions if using with young...
Curated OER
Shaking Up Ice Cream
Upper graders use a variety of tools to measure liquid and solid ingredients in an ice cream making recipe. Following written and oral directions and accurately timing themselves forms the basis of this lesson.
Curated OER
Ideas for Making Class Books
I like to make enough class books throughout the year so that at the end of the school year, each child gets one book to keep. Here are a few easy ones. For every field trip we take, we make a class book.
Curated OER
2-D polygons
A hands-on activity uses the Zome modeling system, and helps young geometers either learn or review their knowledge of polygons. Students build as many different 2-dimensional polygons as possible: triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon,...
Curated OER
Finding Rates
Fifth graders explore the concept of rates and how to solve them in problems. They solve the problems using multiplication. The majority of the lesson is direct instruction with the students being included in the process.
Curated OER
Locating the Salt Front
Learners use Hudson River salinity data to create a line
graph that shows the location of the salt front, and use math
skills to explore how this location varies over time. They use the graph to estimate the location of the salt front...
Curated OER
Counting By 5s
Second graders count by 5's to 100. In this math instructional activity conducted on the 100th day of school, 2nd graders use picture stamps in the KidPix program to count by 5's and get to 100.
Curated OER
Comparing Densities of Different Liquids
Students experiment with a variety of liquids to calculate density. For this integrated science and math lesson, students listen to a story in which the characters must prove and explain why 5 "mystery" liquids react in a certain manner....