Illustrative Mathematics
Running a Mile
The single question in this activity has multiple ways to be solved. Two boys ran a mile. Their times were similar, except one time was a fraction of the other. Who ran faster? In demonstrating the answer to this problem, upper graders...
Illustrative Mathematics
Reasoning about Multiplication
In critiquing someone else's theory, learners share insight into their own understanding of mathematical concepts. Fifth graders will explore the notion that products are always larger than their factors. While this statement is true 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
Rainfall
Ideal for use as an introduction to the idea of inverse functions, this activity investigates rainfall as a function of time. Learners use the data displayed in a table of values to analyze the function and its inverse, including why the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Medieval Archer
This activity presents a problem about a computer game which uses functions to simulate the path of an arrow fired by an archer. Learners use the given function to determine where the archer must stand in order to fire an arrow that will...
Illustrative Mathematics
Temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius
Learners investigate the relationship between the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales. Given two data points, they construct a linear function to describe the relationship, find the inverse of the function, and make observations...
Illustrative Mathematics
Identifying Rational Numbers
Eight different numbers are listed for mathematics masters to analyze. They simply tell if each number is rational or irrational. They can also explain their reasoning. A simple and straightforward worksheet that is a handy tool for...
Illustrative Mathematics
Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem
Use the given tasks and detailed teacher's commentary to introduce your 8th graders to the Pythagorean theorem and its converse. Embedded links to information about Egyptian geometry make your presentation interesting. Consider giving...
Curated OER
Fuel Efficiency
Looking for a real-world situation to practice converting units? In this problem, learners must change miles per gallon to liters per km (or vice versa) to determine which car gets better gas miileage. It is a relatively short problem,...
Illustrative Mathematics
Runners' World
Learners must investigate the validity of a claim made in a running magazine. They must identify and look up unprovided information, make appropriate estimations, and be able to convert units. Might be best used as a group or whole-class...
Illustrative Mathematics
Calculating the square root of 2
Does a calculator give you the exact value of the square root of 2? Here, learners must decide if 1.414236 is equal to the square root of 2. They must also explain why the square root of 2 could never be equal to a terminating decimal....
Curated OER
Weed killer
Is buying in bulk always better? In this real-world scenario, learners must decide which weed killer is the best bargain. Students work with units and percentages to calculate cost per fluid ounce.
Illustrative Mathematics
Traffic Jam
How many cars would be involved in a traffic jam 12 miles long? A slightly ambiguous writing prompt gives learners the opportunity to practice making reasonable assumptions to tackle a real-life problem. Few details are given, so they...
Illustrative Mathematics
Ice Cream Van
In an open-ended problem, learners calculate costs involved in driving an ice cream van. Is it better to park in one place or drive through different neighborhoods? Learners look at these and other factors and must make reasonable...
Illustrative Mathematics
Harvesting the Fields
This problem involving rates may look simple at first, but it is actually quite challenging. Two different sized fields are harvested by a team of workers and learners must use different rates to calculate the number of workers on the...
Curated OER
Bus and Car
Would you go by bus or car on the autobahn? Here, learners use distance, time, and average speeds to investigate the fastest way to get from Berlin to Frankfort for a soccer game. It might be fun to start with a discussion or short video...
Illustrative Mathematics
Felicia's Drive
Learners consider several factors to determine if Felicia has enough gas to make it to her destination. They must explain the approximations Felicia might make while driving to determine if she needs to stop for gas. They are also asked...
Illustrative Mathematics
Crude Oil and Gas Mileage
Here is an activity that presents a real-world problem about the relationship between crude oil production and the gas mileage of modern automobiles. After learners write functions to describe the relationships, they are asked to find...
Illustrative Mathematics
Invertible or Not?
What determines whether a function has an inverse? Learners investigate that criteria when they examine values in a partially completed input-output table for two different functions. The task is to complete the table so that one of the...
Curated OER
Tag Questions - With Assorted Verbs
If they are intrinsically motivated, your learners complete a 10-question matching online interactive quiz. They match sentences with the tag questions that go with them. They don't need to try on their own before the answers are...
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: 8th Grade Math – Target C
Target C from the Smarter Balanced assessment for eighth grade is understanding the connections between proportional relationships, lines, and linear equations. A slide show includes items about graphing proportional relationships and...
Concord Consortium
Three Rubber Bands
Stretch your mind about triangles. Given a triangle, scholars consider a smaller triangle formed when they stretch three rubber bands from each vertex to the opposite side. They determine the ratios of the areas and perimeters of the...
CCSS Math Activities
Scatter Diagram
Don't let a great resource scatter to the winds. Pupils analyze two sets of test scores on a scatter plot. They draw a line of best fit and use it to make predictions about the test scores. They also consider any apparent trends in the...