Who knew there were so many fun educational opportunities featuring pasta? Scholars read a brief informational text about the history of pasta (note that "macaroni" is spelled two different ways, so address this if kids are reading...

Is there a better, and more motivating, math manipulative than money? Kids love to use it, and it's a great teaching tool. Here, there are three good activities using coins. Learners create patterns, sort change, and have a...

Factor polynomials using electronic manipulatives. Your class will create a spreadsheet in excel and use it to multiply and perform basic operations and solve problems correctly. They create a visual to go along with each multiplication...

Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using tiles as manipulatives. In this math operations lesson, young learners choose the appropriate sized tiles, arrange them according to directions given by the teacher, and...

Discover the results of reflecting an image. Learners use transparency paper to manipulate an image using a reflection in this fourth lesson of 18. They finish by reflecting various images across both vertical and horizontal lines.

There are architectural parabolas all around us! A creative lesson analyzes the architecture of a parabolic bridge. Learners must manipulate the bridge to satisfy given criteria and then answer questions about the dimensions of the...

Build a soccer field through a little mathematical analysis. Individuals manipulate the dimensions of a soccer field as they drag points to new positions. The simulation shows the corresponding intercepts and area. As pupils explore the...

When it comes to rating educational calculators, this calculator is always near the top of this list. Now it's available as an app. There is a lot of calculator power wrapped up in this app. Not only is this a fully functioning...

Students solve one step linear equations. In this algebra lesson, students manipulate their variables and numbers to answer each problem. They make sure the equations stay balanced at all times.

Students solve the mystery of dead Mr. Potato Head using physics and algebra. They discuss Newton's Law of cooling as it applies to the mystery scenario involving a cooling baked potato as the "victim". They manipulate algebraic...

Playing with matches (unlit, of course) becomes an engaging learning experience in this fun instructional unit. Teach pupils how to apply properties of exponential functions to solve problems. They differentiate between quadratic and...

Candy is always an effective motivator! A fun math activity uses M&M's and Skittles to explore two-way frequency tables and conditional probability. The candy can serve a dual purpose as manipulatives and experimental data.

There are many different ways to show a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem.  Here is a nice hands-on paper cutting activity that shows a graphic representation. You can even challenge your young Pythagoreans to come up with their own...

Introduce young mathematicians to concepts of financial literacy with this open-ended word problem. With seven dollars to spend during field day and given a list of available items and their prices, children must determine how they want...

Examine the segment addition postulate through an online simulation activity. An interactive lesson allows scholars to manipulate points and watch as the lengths of segments change. Through their study, they are able to apply the Segment...

Apply geometry to find the distance as the crow flies. An engaging lesson compares the distance a car must drive to the straight line distance between two locations. Scholars must manipulate a simulation, note the change in distances,...

Model expression division using online manipulatives. Learners drag C's representing a term into equal groups. Guiding questions help them see their groups as the division of the term.

Junior geometers use hands-on manipulatives to explore and describe the properties and attributes of a fundamental polygon, the triangle. They learn different kinds of angles and their measurements. This well-written lesson plan provides...

Uncover the properties of translations through this exploratory lesson. Learners apply vectors to describe and verify transformations in the second installment of a series of 18. It provides multiple opportunities to practice this...

Students demonstrate place values using pumpkin seeds as a math manipulative. They use manipulatives, models, known facts, properties and relationships to explain thinking processes. They estimate the number of seeds in their pumpkin.

Explore early algebra by participating in a pattern identification activity using a random assortment of different household materials. The class creates, completes, and analyzes different patterns with the help of leggos, buttons,...

Explore the geometry of treasure hunting! Learners use geometry to design a treasure recovery strategy. The objective is to create a design that minimizes the amount of work required. Budding mathematicians use properties of triangles as...

Represent the relationship between independent and dependent variables through a modeling situation. The activity expects learners to graph the volume of water in a bathtub during a given scenario. The graph should result in two areas of...

Demonstrate the abstract process of solving equations by using algebra tiles as a concrete representation. Scholars begin by solving equations through the use of manipulatives. As they gain more confidence, they progress to...