Illustrative Mathematics
Which Weighs More? Which Weighs Less?
Expand the the comparative language of young mathematicians with a hand-on weight measurement activity. Working independently or in pairs, children compare the weight of large wooden blocks to various other classroom objects, recording...
101 Questions
Falling Rocks
Can you determine how far down a rock drops without visual clues? Viewers observe a clip from a movie testing vertical distance only based on sound. They must determine if it is safe to drop down themselves or if it is farther than their...
Curated OER
Operation Spaghetti
Find the math in recipes. Young chefs will follow a recipe and investigate the total cost for materials. They measure amounts of food necessary for the recipe and compute the per person cost.
EngageNY
Applying Probability to Make Informed Decisions
Use simulations to determine the probabilities of events to make decisions. Class members are presented with several scenarios, some with known probabilities and others without. Groups run simulations to gather data that they then use to...
Curated OER
The Metric System
Applying this metric activity, mathematicians will provide standard metric units of measurement, identify the largest and best way to measure items using the metric system, and convert units using King Henry.
EngageNY
Distance and Complex Numbers 2
Classmates apply midpoint concepts by leapfrogging around the complex plane. The 12th lesson in a 32 segment unit, asks pupils to apply distances and midpoints in relationship to two complex numbers. The class develops a formula to find...
North Carolina State University
Construction
Engineering design projects serve as great opportunities for collaborative problem solving. In this case, students work in small groups designing, building, and eventually testing a structure that meets a teacher-specified objective. It...
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools
The Sum of the Interior Angles of a Polygon
Junior geometers discover that polygons can be decomposed into triangles and that the number of triangles can be determined by a rule. Note that the Geometer’s Sketchpad® software is required to carry out all components of this lesson.
Curated OER
Going the Distance
Students experiment in small groups to answer the question, "Is there a relationship between ramps and speed?" They apply a formula to calculate the speed of the cars used in the experiment, complete the associate lab report, and...
Curated OER
Sports and Geometry
Pupils investigate shapes in sports. In this geometry lesson plan, students identify geometric shapes in sports equipment, fields, etc. Pupils present their findings.
Curated OER
Reflections
Fifth graders create a reflection of a poygon using a Mira. They discover that a line connecting a vertiex of a polygon and the corresponding vertex of its reflection is perpendicular to the line of reflection. Students create a glide...
Curated OER
The Grouchy Ladybug
Pupils complete a Cirlce Map about time. They recall times during the grouchy ladybugs travels, and add dots on ladybugs using turn-around facts. Pupils correctly sequence the events of The Grouchy Ladybug. Students compose new...
Curated OER
Tiling the Plane
Fifth graders use pattern blocks and triagular grid paper to reivew shape names, be introduced to the concept of a tiling of the plane, and determine which pattern blocks tile the plane. They are asked if they comprehend what a...
Curated OER
Amazon Rainforest Conservation, Brazil
Learners explore the concept of understanding the effects of disturbances in an environment. In this life science lesson, students use the game Jenga to help capture the idea of environment disturbances. Learners discuss the effects of...
Curated OER
Learning by Sorting
Students sort Lego Duplo pieces after determining the attributes to classify them by. They work in pairs to sort a group of Duplo pieces and explain their process to others.
Missouri Department of Elementary
Are You Balanced?
Balance scales create a strong visual of how an individual prioritizes one's self alongside their commitments to the community, school, and home. Scholars complete a graphic organizer then discuss their findings with their peers. A...
Curated OER
The Strongest Shape
Young scholars work collaboratively to design and construct a roof out of Legos for a house that was built in a previous lesson. The roof must be structurally sound and pass certain criteria determined by the teacher.