Curated OER
How Long Can You Go?
Eighth graders examine the usefulness of a line of best fit by collecting and graphing data, using a graphing calculator to determine the line of best fit, and making a variety of predictions. They watch a video, then design a...
Curated OER
Prime and Composite Numbers
Prime and composite numbers are the focus of this mathematics lesson. In it, learners practice techniques for identifying these two types of numbers. They utilize the Inspiration program to complete a task that is clearly explained, 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...
Curated OER
Another Way of Factoring
Focusing on this algebra instructional activity, learners relate quadratic equations in factored form to their solutions and their graph from a number of different aspects. In some problems, one starts with the original equation and...
University of Colorado
Patterns and Fingerprints
Human fingerprint patterns are the result of layers of skin growing at different paces, thus causing the layers to pull on each other forming ridges. Here, groups of learners see how patterns and fingerprints assist scientists in a...
EngageNY
Vectors and the Equation of a Line
Represent linear equations in both two and three dimensions using parametric equations. Learners write parametric equations for linear equations in both two and three variables. They graph and convert the parametric equations to...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Division
When you divide two integers you can get a decimal form of a rational number that repeats. How do you interpret that number in real-world situations? Her is an example question: What does 2.6666666666 mean in terms of an amount of money?
EngageNY
Modeling with Polynomials—An Introduction (part 2)
Linear, quadratic, and now cubic functions can model real-life patterns. High schoolers create cubic regression equations to model different scenarios. They then use the regression equations to make predictions.
Illustrative Mathematics
Should We Send Out a Certificate?
Fred thinks his test score is high enough to earn him a certificate. Given the mean and standard deviation, use properties of normal distributions to calculate Fred's percentile ranking and see if he is right. Consider having your class...
EngageNY
Are All Parabolas Congruent?
Augment a unit on parabolas with an instructive math activity. Pupils graph parabolas by examining the relationship between the focus and directrix.
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Interpreting Algebraic Expressions
The title of this lesson should be "Algebraic Expressions Four Ways." Not only will your class be translating verbal descriptions of algebraic expressions to symbols, but also working with their geometric interpretation via area as well...
Curated OER
Philippine Banig Weaving
Learners create a Philippine banig mat. As part of designing and creating the mat, the class is introduced to the tropical rain forest of the Philippines and how the environment impacts the lives of the people. Individuals also discover...
Teach Engineering
Equal and Opposite Thrust in Aircraft: You're a Pushover!
It's the law—every action requires a reaction, no matter how small. Pupils experience two demonstrations of Newton's third law of motion as it relates to thrust in the 10th segment of a 22-part unit on flight. Using their mathematical...
Curated OER
Visualizing Vectors
Investigate vectors in standard positions and use the CellSheet application on the TI calculator to find the sum of two vectors. Convert from polar to rectangular coordinates and vice versa, and show graphs of the vectors.
Teach Engineering
Copycat Engineers
It's often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Young engineers learn about biomimicry, which uses nature to generate engineering ideas, in the fifth lesson of nine in a Life Science unit. Working in groups, they select...
Curated OER
Basketball Bounces, Assessment Variation 2
This un-scaffold summative assessment tasks learners to use the height of a bouncing basketball, given the data in graph and table form, to choose the model that is represented. Learners then use the model to answer questions about the...
Curated OER
Basketball Bounces, Assessment Variation 1
This highly scaffolded, summative assessment tasks learners to choose the model that represents the height of a bouncing basketball given the data in graph and table form. Learners then use the model to answer questions about the...
Teach Engineering
Engineering Brainstorming
Here is a instructional activity that offers a great hybrid of forming new skills and using current knowledge to come up with a plan. The class brainstorms information they would need to know or already know about hybrid vehicles. They...
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...
University of Minnesota
Dendritic Spines Lab
This is your brain on drugs ... literally! Your neuroscientists-in-training examine the evidence of drug use on the human brain and how neurons change their connectivity when altered by drugs. They then work together to create testing...
Howard County Schools
Building a Playground
Scholars crave practical application. Let them use the different models of a quadratic function to plan the size and shape of a school playground. They convert between the different forms and maximize area.
Fluence Learning
Construct Viable Arguments About Adding Fractions
Test mathematicians' knowledge of adding fractions with a brief assessment that challenges them to play teacher while correcting a peer's work. Scholars examine Carl's mathematical response, identify where he went wrong, then solve the...
Curated OER
How does the solution change?
Four simple equations, each with two variables, try to get at the important question of reasoning about equations. The problem isn't to solve the equations, but to understand the nature of their solutions. These equations address the...
Curated OER
You Can Survive! (Math Anxiety)
Learners explore strategies to manage stress in the math classroom. Through various activities, students discover the characteristics of math anxiety and determine if this affects them. Using computer technology, learners complete a...