This lesson introduces the idea of slope and defines it as a numerical measurement of the steepness of a line. Pupils then use the definition to compare lines, find positive and negative slopes, and notice their definition holds for...

Pupils determine the pattern in collinear points in order to determine the next point in a sequence. Using the definition of slope, they practice using the slope formula, and finish the activity with three different ways to...

The slope of the land is an important feature when considering the erosion that will occur. In this resource, which is part of a rain garden unit, learners calculate the slope of the proposed garden site. Even if you are not planning a...

What does slope have to do with lines? Pupils work with lines and determine the slope of the lines informally and with the slope formula. Groups use their knowledge to calculate the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines. They also...

Where is the best place to work? Small groups map out a kitchen on a coordinate plane and find the centers of the work triangle to find the best place to install an island. The teams use algebraic methods to locate the center by finding...

Create a linear equation for a problem when the intercept information is not given. The two-day lesson introduces the class to the point-slope form, which can be used for problems when the initial conditions are not provided. Pupils...

Find the faster rate. The resource tasks the class to compare proportional relationships represented in different ways. Pupils find the slope of the proportional relationships to determine the constant rates. They then analyze the...

Before graphing and finding distances, learners investigate the coordinate plane and look at patterns related to plotted points. Points are plotted and the goal is to look at the horizontal and vertical distances between coordinates and...

The class takes a trip about the school and find four places to measure the rise and run of objects that represent slope in the building. Pairs work together to calculate the slope of each object and determine whether any ramp they find...

As of 2015, there are 53,481 oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico. Scholars determine how species diversity is impacted based on the ecosystem's distance from a drilling platform.  It focuses on finding the mean of data sets...

Connect algebra and geometry on the coordinate plane. The eighth unit in a nine-part integrated course has pupils develop the distance formula from the Pythagorean Theorem. Scholars prove geometric theorems using coordinates...

Middle and high schoolers explore the concept of slope. In this slope lesson, learners graph lines using a life-size graph. They use chalk on a blacktop to create a coordinate plane and use each other as the tick marks on the grid....

Show your class that linear equations produce graphs of lines. The 20th segment in a unit of 33 provides proof that the graph of a two-variable linear equation is a line. Scholars graph linear equations using two points, either from...

The coordinate plane links key geometry and algebra concepts in this approachable but rigorous unit. The class starts by developing the distance formula from the Pythagorean Theorem, then moves to applications of slope. Activities...

Have you ever tried to find hidden items in a picture when you don't know what you are looking for or how many things are hidden? A lesson applies that same concept to sampling the deep sea habitats. Participants must first create a...

A geometry module connects algebraic reasoning to geometry. It challenges scholars to investigate the slope criteria for parallel and perpendicular lines, prove theorems involving coordinate geometry, and write equations for circles and...

Make sure it flows smoothly. Pairs research plumbing codes to find the required slope for a sewer line. Using the information, groups answer several questions involving interpreting the slope. Pupils determine the cost of pipe to run a...

Four is the perfect number—if you're talking about parallelograms. Scholars determine a possible fourth vertex of a parallelogram in the coordinate plane given the coordinates of three vertices. They read a conversation...

Flip, turn, and slide about the coordinate plane. Pupils define the rigid motions and experiment with them before determining the relationships of the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines. The sixth unit in a nine-part series...

The more you text, the less you study. Have classes test this hypothesis or another question related to text messages. Using real data, learners use technology to create a scatter plot and calculate a regression line. They create a dot...

The bounce of a golf ball changes the result in golf, mini golf—and a great math activity. Scholars graph the height of golf ball bounces before finding a line of best fit. They analyze their own data and the results of others to better...

Making a clear connection to algebra concepts helps learners understand the definition of a derivative. The lesson begins with looking at limits of simple linear and rational functions, and leads to the definition of the...

Learners analyze the difference between the slope intercept and standard forms of a line in this task. Given two general points using letters they explore linear functions and linear equations.

Solving systems of equations underpins much of advanced algebra, especially linear algebra. Developing an intuition for the kinds and descriptions of solutions is key for success in those later courses. This intuition is exactly what...