Activity
Illustrative Mathematics

Box of Clay

For Teachers 5th - 7th Standards
What happens to a volume when you scale the dimensions of a rectangular prism? In this problem, a box of clay is increased in each dimension, with the intent to see if learners can generalize the result. The addition of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Area, Perimeter and Rations Using Pentominoes

For Teachers 3rd - 10th
Learners of all ages investigate area and perimeter through pentominoes. In this geometry lesson plan, students calculate the are and perimeter of different geometric shapes and describe the properties of similar and congruent shapes....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Effect on Surface Area and Volume

For Teachers 8th - 10th
Learners identify the effect the change of dimensions causes for the volume and surface area. In this geometry lesson plan, students compare perimeter, area and volume as they play around with the dimensions of the polygons. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Dredging the Mississippi

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Young scholars determine the amount of earth that needs to be removed from the Mississippi and the amount of time it takes the Army Corps of Engineers to complete a dredging project. Given specific dimensions of a channel, calculations...
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Beam Focusing Using Lenses

For Students 11th - 12th
Explore optics using an inquiry-based experimental approach! Young scholars use a set of materials to design and build a unit capable of focusing a beam of light. They experiment with different lenses to determine the best approach to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction To Orbital Mechanics

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Students use NASA drawings to build a model satellite for a specific mission. They design a set of drawings for their satellite showing its subsystems as well.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Inquiry Unit: Modeling Maximums and Minimums

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Young mathematicians explore the maximun area for patio with the added complexity of finding the mimimum cost for construction. First, they maximize the area of a yard given a limited amount of fence and  plot width v. area on a...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Blast Off

For Teachers 5th - 8th
In this physical science exploration, small groups place a piece of antacid tablet into a film canister and step back to time how long it takes for the top to pop. They repeat the activity, altering either the amount or temperature of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Pop Rocket - Trash to Treasure

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
First off, Newton's laws of motion aren't often taught at 2nd grade, so this lesson may be more appropriate for upper elementary learners. It begins with a discussion and demonstration of the laws of motion, and then has individuals...