Illustrative Mathematics
Finding an Unknown Angle
Teach your class how to apply their knowledge of geometry as they explore the unknown. In order to find an unknown angle, students must understand that rectangles have four interior right angles, that right angles have 90 degrees, and...
Noyce Foundation
On Balance
Investigate the world of unknown quantities with a creative set of five lessons that provides problem situations for varying grade levels. Each problem presents a scenario of fruit with different weights and a balance scale. Using the...
National Security Agency
Equations and Expressions
Learners demonstrate their knowledge pictorially, concretely, and abstractly in this unit meant to last three hours over three days. Using hands-on activities, manipulatives, real-world applications, and problem solving, learners write...
Curated OER
Word Problems: Algebra
Students discuss algebraic symbols, equalities and unknown quantities, review sample problems and complete associated worksheets.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Using Expressions and Equations
Sixth graders analyze expressions and equations. In this algebra instructional activity, 6th graders write algebraic sentences and solve for an unknown in a one-step equation. This instructional activity uses the formulas for the...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Comparing Fuel Economy
Compute fuel economy and gas mileage. Why? So you can teach rates and ratios, of course! Middle schoolers calculate the rate of miles per gallon for various vehicles. They research each vehicle, its mileage per gallon, and cost per...
PBS
Working with Coordinate Planes: Assessments
It's time for scholars to show what they know about coordinate planes with a collection of three assessments. The exams' objectives include plotting points on a single grid, measuring using the distance formula, and identifying points on...
Illustrative Mathematics
Morning Walk
Sometimes young algebra learners don't understand why they need to create an equation when they can just figure out the answer with it. This activity tries to encourage creating simple equations by balancing the use of more complicated...
Curated OER
Patterns in Pascal's Triangle
Students examine the patterns in Pascal's Triangle. In this recognizing lesson, students view a model of Pascal's Triangle and describe the patterns of the multiples. Students identify the shapes that are made within Pascal's Triangle.
Curated OER
Identical Twins
Sixth graders work with equivalent fractions, decimals, and percents. In this equivalency lesson, 6th graders participate in a number of activities aimed at increasing their understanding of equivalent expressions. They form a human...
Curated OER
Task: Miniature Golf
"Fore!" All right, no one really yells this out in miniature golf, but this well-defined activity will have your charges using lots of numbers in their unique design of a miniature golf hole. Included in the activity criteria is the...
Noyce Foundation
Gym
Give the class a mental work out with an assessment task in which young mathematicians compare several gym membership options. They use substitution to calculate the cost for given numbers of months.
Illustrative Mathematics
Shirt Sale
Everyone loves a good deal, and your mathematician's job is to calculate the original price when given the discount. A different type of problem than the traditional "find the percent change" has your learners working backwards to...
Curated OER
Recognizing Patterns
Learners explore the concept of patterns. In this patterns lesson, students use applets to manipulate tessellations. Learners predict the next number in a sequence by recognizing patterns.