Curated OER
Explaining the equation for a circle
By first starting with an explicit example of a radius and center point, this challenging lesson tries to help students gain an understanding of the Pythagorean theorem and the equation of a circle. Once they have accomplished the first...
Illustrative Mathematics
Equivalent Expressions
Here is a straight-forward problem of multiplying two binomials with a twist. It is up to algebra learners to decide how to turn this product of sums into a sum of products. However, it is not the quadratic that is the answer; it is the...
Curated OER
Tile Patterns I: Octagons and Squares
This can be used as a critical thinking exercise in congruence or as a teaching tool when first introducing the concept. Four octagons are arranged in such a way that a square is formed in the middle. With this information, geometry...
Curated OER
Agriculture and the Environment
Young scholars investigate the interdependence of agriculture and the environment. They research areas of interdependence and provide examples of situations where farmers are practicing conservation in the local area. Their findings are...
Curated OER
Dan's Badge
Students solve a math problem using area formulas of circles and squares. They read and discuss the problem, analyze images of badges, reconstruct the badge from the problem using circles and rulers, and share the solution with the class.
Willow Tree
Order of Operations
It's the classic please excuse my dear aunt sally strategy to remembering the order of operations. Young mathematicians practice to develop an understanding of the order of operations. Examples and practice problems include...
Teach Engineering
Energy Storage Derby and Proposal
Small groups use the engineering design process to build and test a vehicle capable of carrying 250 grams a distance of five meters. The design must allow for the storage of potential energy and turn it into motion,...
Teach Engineering
Understanding the Air through Data Analysis
Is there a correlation or causation relationship between air pollutants? Groups develop a hypothesis about the daily variation of air pollutants, specifically ozone and CO2. Using Excel to analyze the data, the groups evaluate their...
Teach Engineering
Drawing Magnetic Fields
Class members use a compass and several points to map out the magnetic field of a magnet. Pairs trace the magnetic field lines produced by a permanent magnet by positioning the compass in numerous spots around the magnet to view the...
Teach Engineering
Exploring Acceleration with an Android
Small groups use rubber bands to accelerate an Android device along a track of books. They collect the acceleration data and analyze it in order to determine the device's velocity.
University of Minnesota
Neurotransmission Model
Don't lose your marbles — you'll need them for a instructional activity on neurotransmission. Young scholars build a neurotransmission model using marbles, beads, rubber bands, string, and other elements. After studying specific...
Discovery Education
Hurricane Force
It's important to make sure houses can withstand winds. A hands-on activity has learners create a structure out of household materials. They use a fan to simulate hurricane-force winds to see if their structures can withstand the...
Curated OER
Is This a Rectangle?
How do you show that something is a rectangle? This activity starts with four coordinate points and asks young geometers to explain whether they create a rectangle. Knowledge from both geometry and algebra come into play here, as well...
Curated OER
Braking Distance
This real-life model of braking distance motivates learners to approach quadratic equations algebraically, numerically, graphically, and descriptively.
Curated OER
Seeing Dots
Your algebra learners interpret algebraic expressions, in order to compare their structures, using a geometric context. They also discern how the two expressions are equivalent and represent a pattern geometrically and algebraically.
University Interscholastic League
English Lesson to Prepare for UIL Spelling and Vocabulary Contest
"i before e. . ." Spelling is easier if kids know the eight basic spelling rules contained in this resource packet.
Illustrative Mathematics
Paper Clip
With minimal setup and maximum freedom, young geometers are encouraged to think outside the box on a seemingly simple application problem. Though the task seems simple, measuring a given paper clip and finding how many 10 meters can...
Space Awareness
Navigation in the Ancient Mediterranean and Beyond
Ancient texts, like Homer's Odyssey, mentions navigating ships by observing constellations. Pupils learn about the link between history and astronomy as they relate to navigation in the Bronze Age. Scholars complete two hands-on...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Triangle Area: No Height? Use the Sine
No height? No problem! Learners use their knowledge and a little help from GeoGebra to develop the Law of Sines formula. The Law of Sines helps to determine the height of triangles to calculate the area.
Curated OER
Genetic Testing
Complete a variety of activities to examine the pros and cons and ethical issues behind genetic testing. Your high school students will role play and examine various scenarios to determine if genetic testing is justified.
Explore Learning
Quadratics: Polynomial Form
Throught this subscription-based sight, learners explore different aspects of the parabola by changing equations from standard to vertex form. Next, find the general form of the vextex based on the values of a, b, and c, and investigate...
Curated OER
Reading Graphs
Working independently or in teams, your class practices connecting graphs, formulas and words. This instructional activity includes a guided discussion about distance vs. time graphs and looking at how velocity changes over time.
Shodor Education Foundation
Estimating With Fire
Watch the damage from a forest fire in this interactive simulation activity that challenges learners to estimate the burn area using different approaches. Learners are given a worksheet to track the different burn patterns and practice...
Natinal Math + Science Initative
Slope Investigation
Context is the key to understanding slope. A real-world application of slope uses a weight loss scenario with a constant rate of change to introduce the concept of slope of a line, before it makes a connection to the ordered pairs...