EngageNY
An Area Formula for Triangles
Use a triangle area formula that works when the height is unknown. The eighth installment in a 16-part series on trigonometry revisits the trigonometric triangle area formula that previously was shown to work with the acute triangles....
Illustrative Mathematics
Invertible or Not?
What determines whether a function has an inverse? Learners investigate that criteria when they examine values in a partially completed input-output table for two different functions. The task is to complete the table so that one of the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Kimi and Jordan
Kimi and Jordan have taken summer jobs to supplement their weekly allowances. Kimi earns more per hour than Jordan, but Jordan's weekly allowance is greater. This activity asks students to determine how the incomes of the two workers...
Illustrative Mathematics
Peaches and Plums
According to the resource graph, which costs more: peaches or plums? Algebra learners compare two proportional relationships and then throw in a banana. Leaving out the scale helps students become intuitive about graphing.
Illustrative Mathematics
Delivery Trucks
Algebra learners are to make sense of two different-sized sand trucks and the number of trips each truck makes. The resource lists four different expressions based on the size of each truck and the number of deliveries the trucks make....
Illustrative Mathematics
Animal Populations
Assume all you know is that the variable Q represents a value that is bigger than the value represented by the variable P. Which is larger P + Q or 2P? The problems in this activity get more complex than that example, and they do a good...
Curated OER
When Does SSA Work to Determine Triangle Congruence?
Your learners will make good use of the Socratic method in a collaborative task that begins with an assumed solution and ends with deeper understanding of the idea of determining two triangles congruent.
Curated OER
Feed The Whole Class
Students solve word problems and determine quotients of fractions and mixed numbers. They practice multiplying fractions by increasing a recipe found on a food website. In addition, they increase the numbers to feed the whole class a...
Kent State University
How Does that Work?
Sixth and seventh graders explore algebra word problems. They work with a partner to solve word problems distributed by e-mail. Learners simplify mathematical expressions following a "think aloud" algebra strategy modeled by the teacher....
Illustrative Mathematics
Fundraising
In order to solve for who raised the most money, learners will need to choose an appropriate math strategy or tool to help them. Two possible solutions, one involving pictures and one involving abstract thought, are presented in the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Using Benchmarks to Compare Fractions
Introduce a new strategy for comparing fractions by analyzing Melissa's use of benchmarks. Walk the class through her process, calling on students to explain their understanding of each step she took. Then practice this method on two...
Curated OER
Why Does SAS Work?
Your geometry learners are guided by questions that help them use the language of reflections to explain the Side-Angle-Side congruence between two triangles in this collaborative task. Given a sample solution, declaring the triangles...
Math12
Conditional Probability
Conditional probability can be a confusing concept. A straightforward lesson provides reasonable examples of conditional probability, and models the most effective ways to reinforce the more complex parts of the lesson.
Virginia Department of Education
Weather Patterns and Seasonal Changes
Get your class outside to observe their surroundings with a lesson highlighting weather patterns and seasonal changes. First, learners take a weather walk to survey how the weather affects animals, people, plants, and trees during...
Mathematics Vision Project
Equations and Inequalities
Help learners get their facts in line to build and solve complicated linear equations and inequalities. Pupils build upon their knowledge of solving basic equations and inequalities to solve more complex ones. Individuals work with...
Howard County Schools
To Babysit or Not to Babysit?
Would you work for a penny today? Use this activity to highlight the pattern of increase in an exponential function. Scholars compare two options of being paid: one linear and one exponential. Depending on the number of days worked, they...
Howard County Schools
Constant Rate Exploration
Question: What do rectangles and bathtub volume have in common? Answer: Linear equations. Learn how to identify situations that have constant rates by examining two different situations, one proportional and one not proportional.
Illustrative Mathematics
Traffic Jam
How many cars would be involved in a traffic jam 12 miles long? A slightly ambiguous writing prompt gives learners the opportunity to practice making reasonable assumptions to tackle a real-life problem. Few details are given, so they...
Illustrative Mathematics
Fractions on the Number Line
Fractions are a common fear in school, but visualizing them on a number line can help your learners understand their relationship to one another. The activity provides two solutions; use either a number line or a common denominator....
Curated OER
Mixing Candies
Mixture problems are a classic in first-year algebra. Unfortunately, many learners approach them in a formulaic fashion and don't truly understand the meaning of the algebraic expressions they are using. Here, the questions are not the...
Noyce Foundation
Between the Lines
Explore linear and square dimensions by comparing areas of similar figures. A creative set of five activities designed for elementary through high school classes asks young scholars to compare areas of specific polygons. The first two...
Noyce Foundation
Movin 'n Groovin
Examine the consequences of varying speed. An engaging set of five problem sets challenges young mathematicians by targeting a different grade level from K-12. In the initial lesson, scholars make conclusions about the time it takes two...
Illustrative Mathematics
Felicia's Drive
Learners consider several factors to determine if Felicia has enough gas to make it to her destination. They must explain the approximations Felicia might make while driving to determine if she needs to stop for gas. They are also asked...
Illustrative Mathematics
Identifying Multiples
Administer an activity that fosters a child's understanding of multiples. Young mathematicians are guided to complete three tasks on a multiplication chart. Once they color the boxes with multiples of two, three, and four, learners...