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Curated OER
The Same, But Different Part II
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...
Illustrative Mathematics
Box of Clay
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...
Curated OER
Effect on Surface Area and Volume
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...
Curated OER
Exploring Volume of Cylinders
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...
Curated OER
Two for One Box Company
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.
Curated OER
Surface Area, Who Needs it?
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.
Texas Instruments
Confectionery Delight
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...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Fearless Frames
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...
Radford University
Choosing the Best Cylinders
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...
Curated OER
The Same but Different Part II
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...
Curated OER
Collecting the Rays
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. ...
Curated OER
Dredging the Mississippi
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...
Curated OER
The Amazing Mathematical Race: Boxing the Rare Element
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...
Curated OER
Create your own thermometer
Students participate in an activity where they build a calibrated thermometer. For this thermometer lesson students complete this activity and take notes.
Curated OER
Bubbles Everywhere!
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...
Curated OER
Measuring with Mathematics
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.
Curated OER
Geometry and Shapes
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.
Curated OER
Inquiry Unit: Modeling Maximums and Minimums
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...
Teach Engineering
Discovering Relationships Between Side Length and Area
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...
Curated OER
Blast Off
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...
Curated OER
Beads, Balls, and Beakers
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...
Curated OER
Pop Rocket - Trash to Treasure
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...
Curated OER
Optimization For Breakfast
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.