EngageNY
Bacteria and Exponential Growth
It's scary how fast bacteria can grow — exponentially. Class members solve exponential equations, including those modeling bacteria and population growth. Lesson emphasizes numerical approaches rather than graphical or algebraic.
EngageNY
Deriving the Quadratic Formula
Where did that formula come from? Lead pupils on a journey through completing the square to discover the creation of the quadratic formula. Individuals use the quadratic formula to solve quadratic equations and compare the method to...
Curated OER
Problem Solving I
In this problem solving learning exercise, students estimate possible solutions to given functions. They determine the solution to given equations. This two-page learning exercise contains 2 multi-step problems.
Curated OER
Dividing by 4's
Third graders explore math functions by completing problem solving activities. For this division lesson, 3rd graders utilize the division strategies acquired earlier to divide multiple digit numbers by 4's. Students complete problems on...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Stressed Out Sally
Life changes may cause stress. Here, scholars identify stressful situations in a peer's life and offer coping skills to make for a better day. A short story, "Stressed Out Sally," provides pupils with a look inside a bad day. After...
Learning for Life
Building Relationships
Understanding how to relate to others and participate in healthy human relationships is an important life skill for young learners to develop. Learners will use the worksheets to discuss problem solving in human interactions, and how...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Managing Conflicts
Conflicts happen. Learning how to manage conflicts in mature and positive ways is an important part of social-emotion growth. The lesson offers insight into behaviors that exacerbate conflicts as well as suggestions for how to resolve...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Modeling Motion: Rolling Cups
Connect the size of a rolling cup to the size of circle it makes. Pupils view videos of cups of different sizes rolling in a circle. Using the videos and additional data, they attempt to determine a relationship between cup measurements...
Missouri Department of Elementary
I Know What You Did This Summer
Developing and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships is difficult, especially as middle schoolers begin dating. A short activity permits eighth graders to practice their skills as they consider how they should respond to a...
EngageNY
The Power of Algebra—Finding Primes
Banks are responsible for keeping our financial information safe. Mathematics is what allows them to do just that! Pupils learn the math behind the cryptography that banks rely on. Using polynomial identities, learners reproduce the...
Curated OER
How Advertisers Persuade
This plan centers around the article "How Advertisers Persuade," although it is not included in the instructional activity itself. Get your class thinking about advertising, appeals, and techniques that companies use to get their...
Concord Consortium
Line of Sight
There's no way around it—learners must use trigonometry to model the line of sight around a race track! Using the starting line as the origin, pupils model the straight line distance to any car using a trigonometric expression. The...
Mathed Up!
Trial and Improvement
Try to find an estimate when the exact answer is not clear. Using the General Certificate of Secondary Education Math review resource, pupils learn how to find an estimate to a cubic equation. Class members use the trial-and-improvement...
Mathematics Assessment Project
“Ponzi” Pyramid Schemes
Use mathematics to show your classes the power of a good model. Young mathematicians analyze the famous Ponzi pyramid scheme using an exponential pattern. They make conclusions on the reliability of the plan and why it is illegal.
Curated OER
Everyone's Playing Basketball
To foster number sense and build problem solving skills, pupils will work through a complex word problem. They will be asked to analyze the data given, solve the problem, then share their thinking process with the class. This activity...
Curated OER
Creating Open-ended Problems in Algebra
Creating open-ended algebra problems can help students develop the critical thinking skills they need.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Rotational Equilibrium
Physics stars design mobiles that demonstrate rotational equilibrium. They take measurements and solve related equations for force by graphing, substitution, or determinants. This is a well-developed lesson plan, complete with student...
Curated OER
Friendship
Learners identify qualities of a friend and discover an acronym to help with problem solving. In this friendship lesson, students use notecards to identify qualities of a friend and write a definition. Learners discuss the acronym...
Willow Tree
Formulas
Help learners understand the benefits of rearranging a formula. Scholars practice rearranging formulas for specific variables. They also analyze formulas to understand one variable's effect on the other.
Curated OER
Solving Equations and Formulas
Learners rearrange equations and formulas to solve for a specified variable. Includes multi-step equations with a variety of different variables and a few real-world applications. Great for use as a study guide when presenting the...
Curated OER
Problem-Solving Application- Multiple-Step Problems
For this multiple-step problem solving application worksheet, 2nd graders determine how to write a number sentence for each section of a word problem. They apply the technique in 2 problems using counters when needed and deciding which...
Curated OER
Fraction Two-Step Word Problems - Mixed Numbers
In this fraction activity, 4th graders solve for fractions reading word problems. Students read and solve for 6 problems using the given information provided in each.
Curated OER
Transformations
Students identify the types of transformations in their lives. As a class, they determine the ones they have control over and which ones they do not. They practice solving problems in math and oral communication that they are faced with...
Curated OER
Problem Solving: Compare Data Sets
There are a variety of techniques students can use to compare fractions. In this worksheet on fractions, 5th graders are shown a way to create a visual comparison and asked to solve word problems. Students are encouraged to draw a...