Teach the connection between area models and the distributive property through problem-solving. The 22nd activity in a series of 29 explains the distributive property graphically. Learners build area models from word problems and convert...

There are many ways to work through a multiplication problem. Using an area model, kids complete several worksheets with different types of multiplication problems, including multiplying by ten, and explain how the new strategies differ...

If you can multiply multi-digit integers, you can multiply polynomials. Learners use an area model to compare multiplying numbers to multiplying polynomials. They progress to using the distributive property. 

Create rectangle and area models to help students understand expressions. The third installment in the 28-part series has pupils first represent expressions using rectangular array models. The exercises help scholars understand the...

Polynomial multiplication and factoring go hand in hand. Why not teach them together. This resource begins with an area model for distributing a monomial and then connects the process to factoring the GCF. Learners then advance to...

Factor in different strategies in a lesson for factoring quadratics. Young mathematicians first create tables and area models to factor quadratic trinomials into two binomials by guess and check. Learners then investigate how they can...

Explain algebraic relationships through an understanding of area and perimeter. Continuing concepts built in the third instructional activity of the series, the fourth installment of 28 asks learners to identify common expressions...

From z-scores to probability. Learners put together the concepts from the previous lessons to determine the probability of a given range of outcomes. They make predictions and interpret them in the context of the problem.

Young scientists play tag as they act out the food pyramid in the ocean ecosystem. Energy circles pass from the smaller prey to the predators and at the end of the activity, a data chart and analysis questions allow pupils to apply their...

Young scholars construct a defined plot on school grounds and observed patterns in plant life. They count trees, shrubs, cacti and record on a data sheet. They compare data and generate a plant diversity overlook for their school.

Militaries throughout history have used topography information to plan strategies, yet many pupils today don't understand it. Scholars use Legos and a contour gauge to understand how to construct and visualize topographic profiles. This...

Show scholars the importance of recognizing a normal curve within a set of data. Learners analyze normal curves and calculate mean and standard deviation.

Should we continue to spend money on nanotechnology? Groups engage in a problem-solving unique process around the newly emerging research field of nanotechnology. In order to propose a solution, the groups must research nanotechnology...

Five out of four people have trouble with fractions! After comparing simplifying fractions to simplifying rational expressions, pupils use the same principles to multiply and divide rational expressions. 

Students model formulas for rectangles and squares. In this area, arithmetic and algebra lesson, students explore the formula for the area of squares and rectangles. They use squares to model the formula for the area and identify...

Does increasing the pressure between two moving plates provide a stabilizing force or create more destruction? The hands-on lesson encourages exploration of strike-split fault models. The sixth lesson in a 20-part series asks...

Explore fractions using different manipulatives and illustrations. Your class can create a variety of models of fractions and mixed numbers with drawings and manipulatives. They then work to compare fractions, mixed numbers, and whole...

Sixth graders connect numerical expressions to geometric area. They first complete an assessment task requiring them to identify area models for numerical expressions. Learners then participate in an activity to match area models to...

Students use a visual to introduce the Distributive Property. The lesson is chronologically numbered and follows a distinct plan. The class works with the teacher to complete the lesson. The plan is not written in a traditional way, but...

Learners find the surface area and volume of the solid figures by measuring the length and the height of each face and base. They use concrete models to derive formulas for finding perimeter, circumference, area, surface area, and volume...

Explore the concept of multiplication by using arrays. Classmates use arrays to gain a better understanding of multiplication. They break arrays apart to model the distributive property of multiplication over addition. The relationship...

Scholars make a giant scale model of an object. They will take a regular item and enlarge it to five times its length and width. They attempt this same concepts with a 3D model.

Make two parts into a whole. Scholars learn to multiply polynomials to create a simplified polynomial expression. Polynomials include monomial, binomials, and trinomials. 

Learners analyze patterns of exponential models by collecting data in paper folding and M&M investigations. They use graphing calculators to create scatter plots that lead to equations for the exponential models. They then apply this...