Curated OER
More and Less Handfuls
Working as a pair, two kindergartners will sit at a table and will pick two handfuls of counters. They will combine their individual handfuls into one, and count their own selection. They will then draw and record their count on a record...
Curated OER
Five by Two
Help young mathematicians read and interpret numbers from 1 to 10 and sequence them correctly with this card game. Using a deck of cards and two to three classmates, have one player hand out ten cards to each gamer and then put the extra...
Illustrative Mathematics
Counting by Tens
With this daily counting activity, your kindergartners will master counting in sequence automatically from 0 to 100, and will count in multiples of ten to 100. With the whole class, count to 100. With each number, learners will whisper...
Illustrative Mathematics
Assessing Sequencing Numbers
Assess whether your kindergartners can identify numbers in random order using two sets of numeral cards 1-10 and 11-20. Starting with a small group and the 1-10 deck give your learners the task of putting the cards into order from...
Curated OER
Stochastic and Deterministic Modeling
Explore the difference between stochastic and deterministic modeling through programming. First have the class write algorithms for relatively simple tasks using pseudocode. Use the Python 2.7 program app to simulate Mendel's Pea Pod...
Illustrative Mathematics
Box of Clay
What happens to a volume when you scale the dimensions of a rectangular prism? In this problem, a box of clay is increased in each dimension, with the intent to see if learners can generalize the result. The addition of...
Illustrative Mathematics
Cari's Aquarium
The volume of a fish tank is a rather important measure when it comes to building an aquarium for different species of fish. In this problem, your kids look at how many different ways they can make a fish tank of a specific volume,...
Curated OER
Complex Distance
Have learners graph complex numbers to gain a visual and mathematical understanding of the distance and the midpoint between two complex numbers. This lesson is short, but to the point, and addresses an important complex number...
Curated OER
Quick Graphs of Linear Equations
Graph equations of lines using the slope-intercept method or by plotting both x and y intercepts. Determine if two lines are parallel or perpendicular by comparing their slopes. This handout includes step-by-step directions and four...
Curated OER
Fast Growing Plants
Negative exponents can be tricky, but this resource makes a mathematical conundrum an easier concept to grasp by relating the concept of exponents to the amount of time a plant has been owned. Fifth, sixth, and seventh graders will...
Illustrative Mathematics
Calculator Trouble
When is not solving the expression the correct answer? When you are checking the understanding of a math concept that is not number dependent. The real question being asked here is to look at the initial number, fraction, mixed number,...
Curated OER
Egyptian Fractions
You don't have to be an ancient Egyptian to decipher fractions in this activity that focuses on adding fractions with unlike denominators and developing fraction number sense. Egyptians represented fractions differently than we do. They...
Illustrative Mathematics
How Much Pie?
The connection between fractions and division is not always intuitive for 5th graders. Pie, on the other hand, is something 5th graders can connect with. Multiple pies divided among multiple people provide the platform for your...
Illustrative Mathematics
Making S'Mores
Fifth graders will be clamoring for s'more fractions after they finish this one! Motivated by a chocolate bar used for a yummy campfire treat, learners have to decide how to add fractions without like denominators by discovering the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Jog-A-Thon
Adding fractions with unlike denominators can be cloudy, but attaching the fractions to real-life math can add to fraction number sense. Alex needed to run only a mile, will completing the training in two segments satisfy this...
Illustrative Mathematics
Painting a Wall
Red and yellow do not make orange in this activity, but they do create a real-life, multiplication of fractions word problem. As either a lead-in or an assessment, math masters display their understanding of 1/2 x 5/6 when a wall...
Illustrative Mathematics
Mixed Numbers with Unlike Denominators
There is more than one way to add mixed numbers. This learning exercise asks 5th graders to find and record two ways. The purpose is to help pupils realize there are different ways to reach a common solution in math. The two most common...
Illustrative Mathematics
Salad Dressing
Aunt Barb's salad dressing is a mixture of oil, vinegar, salt, herbs, and a pinch of math. Fifth graders add the fractional measurements of ingredients to find a total amount. The fractions have unlike denominators. After finding the...
Illustrative Mathematics
To Multiply or not to multiply?
When do you multiply a fraction by a fraction? Here, fifth graders are given 10 different word problems and asked to decide if multiplying 2/5 x 1/8 is appropriate. Many times, real-world word problems sound similar although the required...
Curated OER
Sitting across from Each Other
What is the probability that two randomly seated people will be across from each other at a square table? Check learners' understanding of theoretical probability and compound events with this short assessment. A great opportunity to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Seeing is Believing
How many visual models can be used to show multiplication? Three basic kinds of models can be used to represent and explain the equation 4 x (9 + 2). The commentary section provides description and graphics to explain the set...
Fraction Bars
Solving Word Problems - Whole Numbers Times Fractions
An impressive instructional activity where pupils visualize models and solve problems involving multiplying a whole number times a fraction. Fraction bars are used to help learners truly understand what's happening during this...
Oklahoma State University
Math for Peanuts
Peanuts! Get your peanuts! Kids explore math, art, and agriculture concepts focused on peanuts. There is a brief informational text to get them started, and you'll find definitions of five in-text vocabulary words to address. Kids...
Illustrative Mathematics
Toll Bridge Puzzle
Here is a great problem-solving activity for young mathematicians. Intended solely for instructional purposes, the activity is appropriate for learners to add four numbers together. Not only must they add four numbers together,...