Just because one integer is larger than another doesn't mean it will make sense right away. Go beyond note taking and show learners, through the use of algebra tiles and a Four-Pan Algebra Balance, how the numbers relate to one...

Using the real-world example of elevation, above or below sea level, young mathematicians interpret expressions using negative signs, and absolute value. This task provides a good opportunity to discuss the notion of magnitude and...

Apply the properties of exponents to expressions with negative exponents. The fifth activity in the series explains the meaning of negative exponents through an exploration of the properties taught in the previous lessons of the...

Develop a solid understanding of multiplication and division properties of exponents. Individuals expand exponential terms to discover the patterns and create the properties in the second installment in a series of 15. The activity...

Are you rooting for your high schoolers to learn about rational exponents? In the third installment of a 35-part module, pupils first learn the meaning of 2^(1/n) by estimating values on the graph of y = 2^x and by using algebraic...

A hands-on lesson using the TI-CBR Motion Detector to provide information to graph and analyze. The class uses this information to calculate the slope of motion graphs and differentiate scalar and vector quantities. There is a real-world...

Is there a relationship between height and the number of siblings? Classmates collect data on their heights and numbers of brothers and sisters. They apply statistical methods to determine if such a relationship exists.

Round and round we go! Pupils use reference angles to evaluate common sine and cosine values of angles greater than 360 degrees. Once they have mastered the reference angle, learners repeat the process with negative angles.

How much land does a parcel hold? How much fertilizer does it take for a field of corn? Pupils answer these questions and more as they apply ratio reasoning and unit analysis. 

Can you add variables if you don't know their value? Using an empty number line, scholars first locate the position of the difference, sum, product, and quotient of two unknown integers. Later problems mix operations as well as add...

From more empathetic individuals to greater tolerance in government, learners explore the benefits of a culturally diverse world through a series of collaborative, discussion-based activities. 

Students solve absolute value problems, In this algebra activity, students discuss distance as they relate it to absolute values. They distinguish between negative and positive numbers inside of an absolute value bars and how the answer...

Which is colder -12 or -18? Temperature is natural real-world application of ordering rational numbers. It's also fun to talk about the lowest recorded temperature on Earth. Take the time to discuss this inquiry with your class. 

Students discover the significance of positive and negative numbers when working with money. In this addition and money lesson plan, students connect positive and negative numbers to money, solve practical examples together, and practice...

Fourth graders are read a story in which they identify the positive and negative thinking. In groups, they are given a scenerio in which they change the negatives into a positive. They perform the scenerio to tthe class and discuss how...

Students explore electricity.  In this interactive electricity instructional activity, students create static electricity with balloons, observe the rate at which ice melts to identify conductors and insulators, and create a static...

An 80-page resource provides four lessons and all associated worksheets to teach middle schoolers about expressions and equations. The lessons are hands-on, using games, "integer chips," a balance and cubes, and cut and paste activities....

Students solve negative exponential functions. In this algebra lesson, students define the properties for rewriting functions with negative and zero exponents. They use a robot to create a visual of what is happening to the negative...

Sixth graders examine microorganisms. In this germs lesson, 6th graders observe and record data on the positive and negative aspects of microorganisms.  Students complete activities, view a film, and explore websites. 

It's more than just numbers on a line, its an organizational, mental math machine to help learners understand the value of numbers. The tool is handy when introducing positive and negative integers to see their values and...

Build an understanding of the powers of 10. Pupils investigate the results of raising 10 to positive and negative powers. They relate this understanding to the magnitude these powers represent in this seventh lesson of 15.

How many times could California fit into the entire United States? Pupils use scientific notation to find the answer to that question in the 12th installment of 15 lessons. It asks scholars to write numbers in scientific notation and...

Learners compare and order integers on an umber line. In this algebra lesson, students differentiate between positive and negative numbers. They plot point in the correct order on a number line.

Apply the concept of magnitude to estimate values and compare numbers. The ninth lesson of the 15-part series asks learners to write numbers to their next greatest power of 10 and then make comparisons. Scholars begin to understand the...