Pennsylvania Department of Education
Shapes Around Us
Learners use manipulatives to study shapes. They sort shapes and use correct geometric terminology to describe them. Students find real-life examples of 2 and 3 dimensional shapes, and classify figures in their classroom according to...
Curated OER
Art or Junk? Discovering the Triangle Inequality
Middle schoolers study the triangle inequality. They will identify, compare, and analyze attributes of two and three-dimensional shapes. Then they develop vocabulary to describe the attributes. They also use manipulatives to analyze the...
Curated OER
Addition Math Lesson Plan
Students write a math lesson plan with manipulatives, drill and practice, and assessments. In this math lesson plan, students do this for addition.
Curated OER
Math 4 - Act. 06: Spaghetti and Meatballs for All
Fourth graders use manipulatives to practice math patterns.
Curated OER
Algebra: Evaluating Expressions Using Tiles
Sixth graders evaluate algebraic expressions. In this introduction to algebra lesson plan, 6th graders use manipulatives (algebra tiles) to solve problems involving one and two variables. Students apply this knowledge to real life...
Curated OER
Measuring Math Vocabulary
Students go over math vocabulary words and show examples of the terms on the board. In this math vocabulary lesson plan, students go over many words and are given a worksheet with words and definitions.
Curated OER
Math Lesson Study Plan
Second graders find missing addends by solving math word problems. In this missing addend lesson, 2nd graders work in a whole group setting to find the missing addends in word problems before using the strategies to work independently....
Beacon Learning Center
The Fun Polygon
Junior geometers use hands-on manipulatives to explore and describe the properties and attributes of a fundamental polygon, the triangle. They learn different kinds of angles and their measurements. This well-written lesson plan provides...
Curated OER
Fruity Math
Students solve one step linear equations. In this algebra lesson plan, students manipulate their variables and numbers to answer each problem. They make sure the equations stay balanced at all times.
Curated OER
Story Problems - Math
Students participate in hands-on, computer activities to demonstrate the addition and subtraction of mathematical situations. Given a story problem, students determine when to add or subtract. Using word processing technology, students...
Curated OER
Dead Body Math
Students solve the mystery of dead Mr. Potato Head using physics and algebra. They discuss Newton's Law of cooling as it applies to the mystery scenario involving a cooling baked potato as the "victim". They manipulate algebraic...
Curated OER
Can You Name That Shape?
Learners use materials to build, investigate, and draw two-dimensional shapes (polygons). They combine the shapes they have built and draw from the pile to begin a round-robin activity to name and determine the attributes of a selection...
Curated OER
Twelve Days of Christmas--Prediction, Estimation, Addition, Table and Chart
Scholars explore graphing. They will listen to and sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and estimate how many gifts were mentioned in the song. Then complete a data chart representing each gift given in the song. They also construct...
Curated OER
Pythagorean Theorem by Graphic Manipulation
There are many different ways to show a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem. Here is a nice hands-on paper cutting activity that shows a graphic representation. You can even challenge your young Pythagoreans to come up with their own...
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
Rep Tiles
In addition to the catchy title, this lesson plan provides upper graders an opportunity to more closely scrutinize the attributes of plane figures. In particular, they focus on the similarity of different shapes. Both whole-class and...
Curated OER
Fraction Strips
Get a handle on equivalent fractions through the use of manipulatives. Using area models, sets, and length manipulatives like fraction strips and Cuisenaire rods, the class will gain a deeper understanding of equivalent fractions....
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Problem Solving with Fractions
Solve story problems using fractions or decimals. Then, determine the reasonableness of answers using estimation.The detailed activity includes essential questions, vocabulary, a materials list, and links to related units.
Curated OER
Three-Digit Addition
Learners work with hundreds place value, create and manipulate three-digit addition problems, and add three-digit numbers.
Oregon Department of Education
Building and Expanding Patterns
The generation of a number, or shape pattern, is the focus of this math lesson. Pupils are presented with a variety of patterns shapes, and number patterns, then use worksheets embedded in the plan to gain further practice. The...
Exploratorium
Exploring Pattern Blocks
Pattern blocks are one of the best math manipulatives ever invented. They are used quite extensively in the math lesson presented here. Youngsters use the pattern block to fill in shapes that are present on the worksheet embedded in the...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Insides and Outsides
Give small groups handfuls of unit cubes and then dare them to build as many rectangular prisms as possible using only 12 cubes. This engaging activity serves as an introduction to the volume of solid figures. In addition to volume,...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
The Angle Tangle
Fourth and fifth graders identify three types of angles, recognize that angles are measured in degrees, measure angles using protractors or angle rulers. They classify angles as a class, classify angles on pattern blocks, and complete a...
Exploratorium
Exploring Tessellations
Kindergarten through second graders explore tessellations. Pupils learn a little bit about the history of tessellations, then get to construct one of their own by using worksheets embedded in the plan. They use two shapes in their...
Curated OER
Subtracting Fractions - Unequal Denominators
Subtracting fractions that have unequal denominators is a tricky process. The lesson utilizes fraction bars as a manipulative, in order to understand subtracting fractions and estimating differences. After completing three activities in...