Four polygons each have a fraction with unlike denominators printed on them. Creative math minds select several shapes to create a design with and then write and solve a math problem involving the addition of all of the fractions...

Visual models support young mathematicians as they deepen their fractional number sense in this elementary math instructional activity. Using fraction circle manipulatives, children explore basic unit fractions as they develop...

Young mathematicians bottle up colorful bugs as they learn to sort and count objects. With six different colored jars and six different colored bugs, children must place the creepy crawlers in their respective containers and see how many...

Trace the links between a variety of math concepts in this far-reaching unit. Ideas that seem very different on the outset (like the distance formula and rigid transformations) come together in very natural and logical ways. This...

How do you create a residual plot? Work as a class and in small groups through the activity in order to learn how to build a residual plot. The activity builds upon previous learning on calculating residuals and serves as a...

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. 

Are pyramids and cones similar in definition to prisms and cylinders? By examining the definitions, pupils determine that pyramids and cones are subsets of general cones. Working in groups, they continue to investigate the relationships...

What function will describe the insect population growth? Pairs or small groups work together to determine which type of function and specific function will model given scenarios. The scenarios differentiate between linear,...

Pupils analyze group data to identify significant differences. They use simulation to create their own random assignment data for comparison. 

Show your class members that if they can graph a linear function, they can graph an absolute value function. Groups create an absolute value graph using a table, then entertain the idea of an absolute value function defined as two...

What happens to a function whose graph is translated horizontally? Groups find out as they investigate the effects of addition and subtraction within a function. This nineteenth lesson in a 26-part series focuses on horizontal...

Groups sort through NASA data provided in a graphic to create a graph using uniform units and intervals. Individuals then make connections to the increasing, decreasing, and constant intervals of the graph and relate these...

Does complex number multiplication have the class spinning? Here's a resource that helps pupils explore and discover the geometric effect of multiplying complex numbers. In the 14th installment in the 32-part unit groups look at the unit...

Class members use the powers of multiplication in the 19th installment of the 32-part unit has individuals to utilize what they know about the multiplication of complex numbers to calculate the integral powers of a complex...

A career in aeronautics might be calling your class members. Building from the previous two lessons in the series, learners continue analyzing the mathematics of aeronautics. Groups create a paper airplane using paperclips for balance....

Elementary schoolers find out which month has the most class birthdays (mode) and which birthday represents the middle point of all the birthdays (median). They gather and organize data to find one number that fairly represents the whole...

Start your engines! Small groups collect data from websites pertaining to the Indianapolis 500 in order to determine average speed per lap and miles in each lap. The instructional activity requires prior knowledge of the the formula d=rt.

Students apply abstract concepts, such as stress, fulcrums, the law of gravity, and the strength of different geometric shapes. Groups of student contractors operate simulated architectural firms to create strong, economical bridges.

Students see how to identify regular polygons, how to slide, turn and flip polygons, and why certain polygons tessellate better than others. Groups create a one foot square design to be used to tile the classroom. Great lesson plan!

Working in small groups young scholars develop three alternative boat designs. They discuss the rationale for the type of hull, propeller, location of ballast, and type of building material used in their design. They build their boat.

Investigate division through the use of array models. The lesson focuses on using area models to compare division as sharing with division as grouping. Students evaluate the usefulness and limitations of the two array models.

First graders place some specific types of objects (e.g., shoes, favorite food) on concrete graphs and pictographs. They listen and respond to others in a variety of contexts (e.g., pay attention to the speaker; take turns speaking in a...

First graders recognize and write numerals from 1 to 10. They estimate and count to identify sets with more, fewer, or the same number of objects, listen and respond to others in a variety of contexts, and take turns speaking in a...