Discrete Mathematics Teacher Resources

What's the least number of colors needed to color a U.S. map? The lesson begins by having pupils view a video clip on continuous and discrete phenomenon, then launches into an activity reminiscent of Zeno's paradox. A separate video and...

There is one bridge too many. A video presents the history of the Konigsberg Bridge problem. To solve the problem, Euler invented a new branch of mathematics—and graph theory was born. Using this new branch of mathematics, mathematicians...

Show your class the path to understanding graph theory. Scholars learn about basic graph theory using an activity based on the Bridges of Konigberg problem. They draw networks on the playground and decide whether it is possible to travel...

Find the best path through town. The lesson teaches future computer programmers about networks and paths in graph theory. They develop a network of their towns to determine the most efficient path to visit each of their homes.

Ever wonder how the Internet works? The lesson teaches scholars the basics of graph theory and how it applies to the Internet. They perform simulations to see how information is sent on the Internet.

Students explore graph theory.  In this geometry lesson,  graphs are used to solve problems in a variety of domains.  In this lesson the term graph refers to a collection of vertices and edges used to depict travel routes.

Students complete math puzzles. In this graph theory lesson plan, students look at an image and attempt to trace it without picking up their pencil or retracing their line. They see to count the nodes to find where to begin tracing. 

Students explore the concept of graph theory. In this graph theory lesson, students participate in hands-on activities that enforce graph theory. Students manipulate graph applets on the internet. Students create a graphical model of...

Getting three wildebeest across a river should be no problem— but what happens when you add three lions to the mix? Watch a video that features a classic river-crossing puzzle with a crocodile twist. Viewers listen as the narrator...

Middle schoolers, using Pascal's triangle, find the number of items given each day in the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas."

Fourth graders analyze the data in a bar graph, pictograph, line graph, and a chart/table and draw conclusions based on the data. They discuss each type of graph, write questions for each graph, and analyze the data as a class.

Learners investigate different online tutorials as they study graphing. In this graphing lesson, students apply the concept of graphs cross curricular and use it to make predictions. They define the purpose and theories behind graphs.

Color the town red. Demonstrate the concept of graph theory with a task that involves determining the least number of colors needed to color a map so that neighboring countries are not represented by the same color. Pupils make...

Show your class how engineers use graphs to understand large and complex systems. The resource provides the beginnings of graph theory by introducing the class to set theory, graphs, and degree distributions of a graph. 

Eighth graders investigate the concepts of probability while performing data analysis. They apply statistical methods in order to measure or predict some possible outcomes. The information is collected and graphed, 8th graders analyze...

Students find the total cost of the items in the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas."

Students explore the concept of euler paths and circuits. In this euler paths and circuits lesson, students discuss the bridges of Königsberg problem. Students discuss how to determine if an euler circuit exists. Students discuss the...

How does all this math fit together? The resource creates a graphical view of the extent of mathematics. The map shows the pure and applied sides of studying mathematics and breaks them down into their many disciplines.

Use the age-old Traveling Salesman Problem to introduce Hamilton circuits to your young travelers. Individuals then plan an efficient route to visit all the places they want to go.

Count the connections between dots. Young mathematicians come up with a method to determine the number of connections between pairs of dots. The assessment leads the class to determine the connections they can make when groups are...

Pupils attempt to solve the Wireless Hotspot Problem and learn why it is considered a computationally hard problem in the ninth lesson of the series on 12. They also learn about one-way functions and how the Wireless Hotspot Problem is...

Even computers find this to be a hard problem. In the eighth installment of a 12-part unit, young computer scientists learn about the traveling salesperson problem. They formulate algorithms to solve the problem and find out why it is...