Curated OER
SuperShapes, Part 1; "Tri"ing Triangles
An outstanding lesson on triangles awaits your math scholars. Learners focus on the triangle, which is the strongest of all polygons. They see the role that triangles play in the design of buildings, and learn about triangle...
Shodor Education Foundation
Pythagorean Theorem
Most adults remember learning about the Pythagorean theorem, but they don't all remember how to use it. The emphasis here is on developing an intuitive understanding of how and when to use the theorem. Young mathematicians explore...
Noyce Foundation
Which is Bigger?
To take the longest path, go around—or was that go over? Class members measure scale drawings of a cylindrical vase to find the height and diameter. They calculate the actual height and circumference and determine which is larger.
NY Learns
Investigation - Looking at Polygons
Middle schoolers construct polygons by plotting points on a coordinate plane. Pupils connect the points and identify which polygons they have drawn. They will need graph paper to carry out the assigned activities. A vocabulary list,...
Curated OER
Volume of Solids
In this volume of solids learning exercise, tenth graders solve and complete 20 various types of problems. First, they write the formula needed to find the volume of each solid. Then, pupils use the Pythagorean theorem to find the...
Curated OER
Ecology - Biodiversity Lab
Studnents examine the degree of biodiversity that exists in one's everyday environment, in order to develop an understanding of how scientists classify organisms and to explain why biodiversity is important for living things.
Shodor Education Foundation
Volume of Prisms
Explore the concept of volume of prisms using an applet to perform the calculations. The link to the interactive applet is embedded into the lesson plan as well as a link to associated data sheets. Get your math class to the computer lab...
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
Principles of Flight: Flying Paper Airplanes
Students investigate ways to enhance an object's flying ability. In this model construction lesson, students construct two paper airplanes, one of which is twice as big as the first. Students compare and contrast the two separate...
Curated OER
Geoboard Squares
Students create squares of different sizes on a geoboard. They find and describe a pattern. Students use the pattern to determine the number of squares possible on a 10-by-10 geoboard. They create squares with a horizontal base (and...
Curated OER
Introduction to Fractals: Infinity, Self-Similarity and Recursion.
This lesson introduces students to the ideas involved in understanding fractals. They develop a sense of infinity, self-similarity and recursion and
Curated OER
Scaled Rubber Band Drawings
Students demonstrate the process of creating a scaled rubber band enlargement of a simple drawing. They observe and discuss a teacher-led demonstration, and create a scaled rubber band enlargement of simple drawings and their invention...
Curated OER
What are Fractals?
Middle and high schoolers identify and analyze fractals and research information using the Internet to locate information about them. They look at fractals in relation to nature and other real world situations. Pupils create several...
Curated OER
Play Dough Day
Twelfth graders build a model of the following figures with the base from column I and the cross-section from column II. Draw the base with labeled axes on the graph paper and construct the figure on top of the base with the play dough...
Curated OER
The Circle's Measure
Students explore circumference and diameter. In this math activity, students apply their knowledge of circumference and diameter to solve mathematical riddles. Students apply this knowledge to find circumference and diameter of various...
Curated OER
Sled Kite
Students make and fly a sled kite out of plastic garbage bags, dowel rods, and more. In this kite lesson plan, students plan the kite to have symmetry and make adjustments as they test it.
Curated OER
Fractions and Halves
Fourth graders examine halves of a whole and discover through activities that they must be exactly equal in size. Working with Geoboards and Dot-Paper Squares, the class practices finding halves that are both congruent and incongruent.
Curated OER
What's Your Design?
Sixth grade learners: design a stained glass window, submitting their initial plan detailing the measurements of all lines and angles. Seventh grade students: create a scale drawing of their own geometric family of four members.
Curated OER
The Mandelbrot Set
Students are introduced to the notion of a complex number and function iteration in order to motivate the discussion of Julia sets and the Mandelbrot set.
Curated OER
Introduction To Cell Structure and Function: What's Inside a Cell?
Tenth graders are introduced to the cell and some of its parts. Through the use of video, 10th graders see animal and plants cells and their parts. They learn terms used to explain the cell.
Curated OER
Roll It! Creating an Entrance Ramp
Learners explore the concept of triangles. In this triangles lesson, students are to propose a plan for a ramp at their school. Learners use the Pythagorean Theorem and trigonometry to determine the length, height, and angle of the...
Curated OER
In The Garden
Students examine symmetry and transformation concepts. They create patterns that translate, reflect and rotate. Students participate in a variety of activities that explore transformation concepts through the context of a garden.
Curated OER
Patchwork Quilts
Fourth graders examine about traditional quilting patterns, the symmetry in such patterns, and practice creating patterns of their own. They design a quilting pattern, and groups make colorful "patches," of a pattern. They assemble the...
Curated OER
Math Vocabulary Multiple Choice Words Worksheet
In this math vocabulary activity, learners complete multiple choice problems where they match the correct math vocabulary word to its definition. Students complete 15 questions.