Curated OER
Jon and Charlie's Run
Let's use math to solve an argument. Jon and Charlie are debating about who can run farther, but who is right? That's what your class will figure out as they apply their understanding of fractions to this real-life situation. A simple,...
Curated OER
Using Algebra to Explore Problem Space
Students apply their knowledge of math by rewriting word problems using equations. In this word problem lesson, students build upon previous knowledge as they set up the correct steps to solve word problems. This lesson is full of hints...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Stamp Collection
By using language like "half of the stamps," children are exposed to patterns in arithmetic that requires solving a two-step word problem. This type of language opens a new door for transitioning learners toward understanding fractions...
Education Development Center
Word Problem with Rational Numbers—Balancing Bars of Soap
Here's a resource teachers won't want to wash their hands of. Given a task where a full bar of soap is on one side of a balance and 3/4 of a bar of soup and a 3/4-ounce weight is on the other side, young mathematicians must determine the...
EngageNY
Using Trigonometry to Determine Area
What do you do when you don't think you have enough information? You look for another way to do the problem! Pupils combine what they know about finding the area of a triangle and trigonometry to determine triangle area when they don't...
Curated OER
Using Tiles to Solve Word Problems
Students solve problems using equations. In this algebra lesson, students identify the correct symbols and steps when solving word problems. They graph their lines and analyze the slope using tiles.
EngageNY
Margin of Error When Estimating a Population Proportion (part 2)
Error does not mean something went wrong! Learners complete a problem from beginning to end using concepts developed throughout the last five lessons. They begin with a set of data, determine a population proportion, analyze their result...
Curated OER
Estimating Solutions to Word Problems
Fourth graders explore number sense by completing word problems in class. In this estimation lesson, 4th graders define terms such as sum, difference, estimate and best. Students complete estimating worksheets based on the concept of...
Curated OER
Math in the Wetlands Field Trip
Get your class out in the environment for hands on math activities. In this wetlands lesson, learners transplant native plants, calculate how much soil is needed, and perform math activities based on this experience. They then make...
Curated OER
Tax, Tip and Discount Word Problems
Students solve problems involving tax, tips and discounts. In this algebra instructional activity, students convert between percents and decimals. They calculate commission using conversion from percents and fractions.
Curated OER
Do These Add Up?
Common Core mathematical practices require that young mathematicians not only know how to add fractions with unlike denominators, but also to recognize when adding fractions are appropriate for the word problem. Fifth graders are given...
Curated OER
Snow Day
It's a snow day, and two brothers attending schools with different schedules each got a late start to the day. But who had the shorter school day? That's what your class will find out as they apply their knowledge of fractions to this...
Illustrative Mathematics
To Multiply or not to multiply?
When do you multiply a fraction by a fraction? Here, fifth graders are given 10 different word problems and asked to decide if multiplying 2/5 x 1/8 is appropriate. Many times, real-world word problems sound similar although the required...
National Security Agency
Are You Game? A Lesson Connecting Fractions and Probability
Exactly how fair are the board games children grow up playing? Young mathematicians investigate this questions as they work their way through this five-lesson series on basic probability.
Illustrative Mathematics
Painting a Wall
Red and yellow do not make orange in this activity, but they do create a real-life, multiplication of fractions word problem. As either a lead-in or an assessment, math masters display their understanding of 1/2 x 5/6 when a wall...
Noyce Foundation
Fractured Numbers
Don't use use a fraction of the resource — use it all! Scholars attempt a set of five problem-of-the-month challenges on fractions. Levels A and B focus on creating fractions and equivalent fractions, while Levels C, D, and E touch on...
Curated OER
The Tipping Point
Students rewrite word problems and solve using math. In this word problem lesson plan, students gather data and observe the data. They relate this process to the scientific method and math. They review their data to be able to answer...
Curated OER
4 Step Approach to Problem Solving
Students explore problem solving. In this middle school mathematics instructional activity, students investigate the four-step approach to problem solving. Students solve word problems by employing the four-step process and...
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Products
How can 5th graders show understanding that 30 x 225 is half of 60 x 225 without completing the computation? They can use an area model and draw it out. An array, or an open array, is an area model that allows for young learners to...
Curated OER
Three Squirrels and a Pile of Nuts
Students solve story problems using a spreadsheet in combination with various problem-solving strategies. Working in teams of three, students create attempt to solve a story problem using three different methods; using manipulative,...
Curated OER
Relationship Between Addition and Subtraction
Students are taught how to add and subtract and use number sense to solve basic math problems. In this addition and subtraction lesson, students are being taught using theories from different philosophers in education. They are given a...
Curated OER
Using Ratios to Taste the Rainbow
Students solve problems using ratios and proportion. In this algebra instructional activity, students analyze skittles and their different colors as they apply the properties of ratios and proportions to solve their problems.
Curated OER
Questioning NASA
Space science and math collide in this inquiry that investigates launching times for antacid-tablet rockets! Upper elementary or middle school learners collect data as they launch these mini rockets. They apply concepts of place value...
5280 Math
Step by Step
One step at a time! A seemingly linear relationship becomes an entirely new type of function. Young scholars build their understanding of step functions by completing a three-stage activity that incorporates multiple representations of...