Understanding the concept of equality is fundamental to the success of young mathematicians. To explore this basic idea, children compare the dots arranged in pairs of rectangles in order to determine whether or not they contain an equal...

Is there a way to connect creative thinking, logical reasoning, mathematical understanding, and humor? You bet there is! Kids begin by creating creative math quizzes, which require creative thinking to solve. For example, 1+1=24, one...

Learners explore linear functions concretely using tables of values in a cooperative task. The concept of the values of linear functions changing by equal differences over equal intervals of one is emphasized. Learners will discover...

Young scholars create equal groups of objects. In this math activity, students create predictions as to how many objects they can get in each equal group. Additionally, young scholars explore and record findings. 

Flip a coin to determine whether the probability of heads is one-half. Pupils use simulated data to find the experimental probability of flipping a coin. Participants compare the long run relative frequency with the known theoretical...

Students use paper cups and colored chips to observe properties of operations with real numbers. As a class, students brainstorm and use manipulatives to demonstrate associative, commutative, distributive identity and inverse properties....

If you use a fabulous lesson plan, then your pupils can become fabulous at solving equations. The 24th installment of 25 incorporates the use of if-then statements to illustrate the properties of equality used in solving two-step linear...

Continuing from the previous lesson plan in the 28-part series, learners write equations to model problem situations. They then solve the problem by applying the properties of equality. In contrast to the previous lesson plan, they do...

How do you balance a set of data? Using a ruler and some coins, learners determine whether the balance point is always in the middle. Through class and small group discussions, they find that the mean is the the best estimate of the...

Roll the dice with this multimedia math lesson on probability. After first viewing a series of three short videos explaining probability, independent events, and dependent events, young mathematicians complete a set...

Take a spin to determine experimental probability. Small groups spin a spinner and keep track of the sums of the spins and calculate the resulting probabilities. Pupils use simulated frequencies to practice finding other probabilities to...

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...

What do Sherlock Holmes and geometry have in common? Why, it is a matter of deductive reasoning as the class learns how to justify each step of a problem. Pupils then present a known fact to ensure that their decision is correct.

Determine whether there is a difference between two grades. Teams generate random samples of two grade levels of individuals. Groups use the mean absolute deviation to determine whether there is a meaningful difference between the...

Visual models are a great tool for demonstrating the concept of equivalent fractions. Given two pictures, young mathematicians first identify each fraction and then write an explanation for why they are equivalent. Use as a guided...

What better way to learn about fractions than with a couple pizzas? Help Jessica figure out how much of the pizza she has eaten, while teaching your class that fractions refer to a specific whole amount. This problem will be challenging...

What properties does area possess? Solidify the area properties that pupils learned in previous years. Groups investigate the five properties using four problems, which then provide the basis for a class discussion.

As they investigate scaling figures and calculate the resulting areas, groups determine the area of similar figures. They continue to investigate the results when the vertical and horizontal scales are not equal. 

Investigate equivalent fractions with your class. They compare and order fractions. Then they work cooperatively in groups to experiment and problem solve with fractions using a game format. Multiple resources are provided.

Linear or not linear — that is the question. The lesson plan has class members translate descriptions into algebraic expressions. They take the written expressions and determine whether they are linear or nonlinear based upon the...

Students use jelly beans to gain an understanding of fractions. In this fraction lesson plan, students receive jelly beans and count the number of beans they have in each color. Students then name the fraction for each color they...

Students analyze a symmetrical stamp design with an equal balance of light and dark to create a pattern in succession. In this shape design lesson, students review concepts of sign, symbol and language across cultures. Students analyze...

Learners look at bands of colors and estimate how many rings of color there are. While working in groups, they come up with a plan of how to accurately count the rings. They attempt to find a pattern in the colors, and decide whether...

Develop young mathematicians' ability to compare fractions with investigation into the number 1/2. After brainstorming a list of fractions equivalent to 1/2, children identify a pattern in the numerators and...