Math Strategies Teacher Resources

Eighth graders explore problem solving strategies to build a paper bridge with a partner. As a class they discuss a variety of techniques to solve a simple problem, then in pairs construct the longest non-supported single span bridge...

Twelfth graders perform basic calculations for saving and investment strategies. they simulate the investment of $1,000 in the stock market and savings account. they determine which pays the greater dividend.

Children learning to add numbers up to 11 develop the strategy of using the larger number as the first addend and counting on from there to find a sum. They define addition and review the meaning of the plus (+) symbol. To practice, they...

In this addition worksheet, students solve and complete 5 different problems that include working backwards to get their answer. First, they use the strategy of working backwards to fill in the missing values on each mobile shown. Then,...

Sixth graders classify numbers as abundant, deficient, or perfect based on the relationship between the number and its factors. They review factor game using the completed lab sheet. When playing the factor game which type of numbers...

The hour is nigh for your class to practice equivalency problems in the form of time-zone conversions. They write equations to describe elapsed time and apply problem solving strategies, including writing a plan, to solve the problems.

Young scholars study story problems and learn how to find and justify their answers. They will use a story problem and then respond to the prompt questions from the teacher. They must add and subtract facts to 6 and learn how to justify...

Practice basic operations for young mathematicians in fun ways! Using two decks of cards (Ace through 10 plus the joker), learners play "memory" by matching numbers that can be added to make 10 and writing number sentences. In another...

Sixth graders use problem solving strategies to determine the amount of gravel needed to fill the bottom of an aquarium that is 50 cm long, 20 cm wide, and 30 cm high. Students use centimeter cubes and brainstorm strategies they might...

What does popcorn have to do with math?  Seventh grade mathematicians are provided an opportunity to develop a conceptual understanding of the formula for volume and to use it as a tool to solve problems. The instructional activity...

Young mathematicians review fact families and create a Math Fact Family Tree. This clever lesson plan includes some excellent printouts that support the lesson.

Upper graders are introduced to the topic of fractions and percentages. In groups, they discuss real world situations in which fractions are present, and they complete a worksheet solving problems with common and uncommon denominators....

Young learners listen to the book Rooster's Off to See the World, and complete simple math activities using the book. In this simple math lesson, students read and list the animals in the book. They arrange animal picture squares using...

Fourth graders use dancing methodology in a polygon and shape activity. In this shape and dance lesson, 4th graders discuss shapes in dance, math, and everyday life. Students use dancing activities to recognize and analyze shapes.

Fifth graders analyze how to divide space or shape into mirror sections to create lines of symmetry. In this lines of symmetry instructional activity, 5th graders discuss symmetry in dance, math, and living. Students participate in a...

Fourth graders use polygons to create animal figures with symmetry. In this polygons and symmetry lesson, 4th graders create a symmetrical animal collage by cutting and gluing geometric shapes and figures from math activities.  

Teach your math class to determine the value of fractions. The group will explore how to break a fractional part into smaller pieces, which helps strengthen their understanding of the part/whole relationship of fractions. A written...

This unit enables scholars to apply the rule for area of a triangle (area equals half base times height). They practice multiplication and division strategies as they calculate areas.

Fifth graders use a software program to practice their problem solving skills. As a class, they identify patterns in their days at school and review problem solving patterns in math. They solve different problems and discover that the...

Eat your math manipulatives, are you serious? Yup, Learners listen to the story The M & M's Addition book, add single digit numbers to reach sums up to six, and demonstrate addition and subtraction number combinations using several...

Students practice skip counting strategies, estimation, and higher number addition. They estimate the number of seeds in bell pepper, and count seeds in groups of tens and ones after the teacher removes seeds from the pepper.

Students memorize four key decimal values for quick and accurate conversion. They convert decimal foot measurements to inches and fractions using math tables, computation or memorization. They memorize decimal foot conversions.

This is a great puzzle like challenge for your advanced learners. They are given 5 problems to solve, they must show how many ways they can make to provided number using the given numbers in the box. For example: To make 800 they need to...

Future environmental scientists compare data from two different conservation strategies. Alone this lesson plan is sufficient, but as part of the Exploring Biomes unit produced by the Arizona Fish and Game Department, it becomes...