Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Same, But Different Part II

For Teachers 3rd
Learners characterize a physical change as something that changes to a different size, but retains its basic substance. They measure volumes using milliliters, and perform an experiment that proves that gases expand when hot and contract...
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

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

Exploring Volume of Cylinders

For Teachers 10th
Tenth graders investigate the volume of a cylinder.  In this geometry lesson, 10th graders create three-dimensional cylinders and use a ruler to determine the dimensions.  The lesson progresses to the use of the formula to find...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Two for One Box Company

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders experiment to decide if a box that is twice as big holds twice a much. They work the concept of volume and how changing dimensions affect it.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Surface Area, Who Needs it?

For Teachers 6th - 10th
In this geometry lesson on cylinders, geometers explore how to find the smallest surface area for a given volume.  They use their knowledge to relate it to the real world by making a model of a livestock tank.
Lesson Plan
Texas Instruments

Confectionery Delight

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
High schoolers explore the problem of maximizing the volume of a box by making a physical model and observing how changes in the orientation of the paper changes the volume. They use the symbolic capacity of their calculators and...
Assessment
Mathematics Assessment Project

Fearless Frames

For Students 7th - 9th Standards
Show class members how to connect algebra to geometry. A high school assessment task has pupils determine volumes of two different containers given limitations on material for box frames. Pupils then write a paragraph on...
Performance
Radford University

Choosing the Best Cylinders

For Teachers 9th - 12th Standards
Don't be fooled: the taller glass doesn't always hold the most. Given the dimensions of different cylindrical containers for beverages and popcorn, pupils calculate the volumes. They see how changing the dimensions affects the volume and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Same but Different Part II

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders experiment with beakers of water and balloons to measure the volume of the gas in the balloon. They determine ways to change the volume of air in the balloon which changes its size but not its physical state. By heating the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Collecting the Rays

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students investigate the affect shape has on the ability of a solar panel to collect sunlight.  In this collecting sunlight using a solar panel lesson, students determine which solar panel shape collects the most sunlight. ...
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
Curated OER

The Amazing Mathematical Race: Boxing the Rare Element

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students enter a race against time to determine the maximum sized box that can be formed from a standard sheet of copy paper. The boxes are to be used to contain a valuable and rare element which is light as cotton and corrosive to all...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Create your own thermometer

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students participate in an activity where they build a calibrated thermometer.  For this thermometer lesson students complete this activity and take notes. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bubbles Everywhere!

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders use concrete and graphic models to derive formulas for finding perimeter, area, surface area, circumference, and volume of two- and three-dimensional shapes. This lesson is a fun way to practice measurement and circle and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Measuring with Mathematics

For Teachers 8th
Eighth graders discover how the change in the dimensions of a shape cause a change in the overall area of the shape, but the perimeter stay the same. They, in groups, go out to the playground and construct large areas using stakes and rope.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Geometry and Shapes

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers discuss and identify polygons and lines. In this geometry lesson plan, learners review liner, square and cubic units so they can incorporate it into the lesson plan on measurement and creating packing that are cost effective.
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
Teach Engineering

Discovering Relationships Between Side Length and Area

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Consider the relationship between side length and area as an input-output function. Scholars create input-output tables for the area of squares to determine an equation in the first installment of a three-part unit. Ditto for the area of...
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

Beads, Balls, and Beakers

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Students analyze the amount of space required to pack round objects. In this geometry lesson, students practice using space economically by practicing packing spheres into beakers. They then translate this concept to molecules being...
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...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Optimization For Breakfast

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students identify he proportion of a cereal box. In this algebra lesson, students define the relationship between patterns, functions and relations. They model their understanding using the cereal box.