Illustrative Mathematics
Equivalent Expressions
Here is a straight-forward problem of multiplying two binomials with a twist. It is up to algebra learners to decide how to turn this product of sums into a sum of products. However, it is not the quadratic that is the answer; it is the...
Inside Mathematics
Swimming Pool
Swimming is more fun with quantities. The short assessment task encompasses finding the volume of a trapezoidal prism using an understanding of quantities. Individuals make a connection to the rate of which the pool is filled with a...
Education Development Center
Writing Numerical Expressions—Hexagon Tables
Explore a basic pattern to practice writing expressions. In collaborative groups, learners examine a contextual pattern and write an expression to model it. The task encourages groups to describe the pattern in multiple ways.
California Education Partners
Soccer Snacks
Make the cookies healthy. The assessment task asks pupils to determine the number of cookies they could make based on a given amount of ingredients. Given two sugar substitutes, learners determine which substitute would be better and...
NASA
Rocket Wind Tunnel
Using a teacher-built wind tunnel constructed from a paper concrete tube form, a fan, and a balance, individuals determine the amount of drag their rocket design will experience in flight. Pupils make modifications to increase the...
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
Planetary Distances on the Playground
There's no need to stay inside; get out of the classroom and create a scaled map of the solar system on your playground field! In collaborative groups, scholars identify the distance between the sun and other planets, place planet...
Shodor Education Foundation
Spinner
Go round and round to compare theoretical and experimental probabilities. Learners set the number of sectors and the number of spins for a spinner. Then, a table displays the experimental and theoretical probabilities of the spinner for...
Shodor Education Foundation
Crazy Choices Game
Wanna take a chance on which game is best? The resource provides three games of chance using multiple types of games. Games range from coin toss to cards. Choosing a type of game, pupils determine what wins and enter the theoretical...
NASA
Lights on the International Space Station
Groups explore illumination with NASA's Lighting Environment Test Facility (LETF) as a context. Using the TI-Nspire app, groups determine the lux equation that models their simulation. They then use the lux equation to solve problems...
Space Awareness
Where on Earth Am I?
Almost every phone has GPS installed, but a large number of teens don't know how the technology works. An initial activity illustrates how GPS determines a location on Earth. Scholars then apply trilateration procedures to a...
Shodor Education Foundation
Spread of Disease
Control the spread of a contagious disease. An applet allows pupils to run a simulation on the spread of a disease. Rules govern how the disease is spread and the length of time it takes to recover. Learners view the spread visually and...
Curated OER
Visual and Number Patterns
Fourth graders develop strategies for identifying geometric and number patterns. In this mathematical patterns lesson, 4th graders use pattern blocks to make repeating patterns with numbers and shapes. Students then explore number...
Curated OER
Comparing Positive Fractions, Mixed Numbers & Decimals
Seventh graders explore the concept of fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals. In this fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals lesson, 7th graders compare different forms of rational numbers on a number line. Students order rational...
Curated OER
Investigation-Operations
Sixth graders explore equations. In this math instructional activity, 6th graders discuss the rules for solving equations. Students apply the rules and solve various equations.
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
Which Pair?
Students practice solving equations adding decimals and integers. Using a worksheet, they identify which pair of numbers goes correctly with the problem. They review their answers and are graded based a rubric given to them.
Curated OER
The Great Button Sort
Students practice figuring out how items have been sorted. They also sort buttons in small cooperative groups. They color and sort their own paper buttons and then give their button sort to another student to see if he or she can figure...
Curated OER
Mathematics Within: Algebraic Patterns
Students discover patterns in linear equations by playing a dice game to collect data. They graph the data and analyze the patterns of the lines created by the data. The class then compares the individual graphs to evaluate the position...
Curated OER
Using Key Words to Unlock Math Word Problems
Students act as math coaches to solve word problems. In this math word problems lesson, students brainstorm key words in math operations, create flash cards to review relationships between words and operations, coach each other in the...
Curated OER
Tower of Hanoi Lesson Plan
Young scholars investigate the Legend of the Tower of Hanoi and complete mathematical problems related to the legend. They play the Tower of Hanoi game online in order to discover the number pattern involved. They solve problems using...
Curated OER
Pizza Topping Combinations
Learners brainstorm pizza toppings and determine the number of possible ways to order a pizza. In this algebra activity, students analyze and investigate geometric patterns as they relate to the concept of a variable. Learners then use a...
Curated OER
Dividing a Candy Bar
Fourth graders explore number values by utilizing a candy bar in class. In this fraction instructional activity, 4th graders divide pizza and candy amongst each other in order to identify parts of a whole and fractions. Students answer...
Curated OER
1st Grade Problem Solvers
First graders investigate, represent and solve problems using number facts, operations, and their properties. They solve on-step addition and subtraction number sentences and word problems using concrete materials. Students construct...
Curated OER
Finding PI
Students select and use appropriate operations, methods and tools to compute or estimate using whole numbers. They develop and use formulas for determining the circumference and area of circles. Students determine and describe the...