Pennsylvania Department of Education
Shapes Around Us
Learners use manipulatives to study shapes. They sort shapes and use correct geometric terminology to describe them. Young scholars find real-life examples of 2 and 3 dimensional shapes, and classify figures in their classroom according...
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Experimental Probability
While just a simple lesson, this activity on experimental probability could provide a way to connect this concept to real life. Learners begin by participating in a probability activity using a coin, and then move on to create their own...
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Complexity Madness
Discuss different techniques for finding the area of a geometric shape, with a great visual guide. Using a real life example, learners calculate the area of a rectangle and a square.
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Investigation - Dividing a Candy Bar
Fourth graders explore dividing equally. They divide three-digit divisors by one and two digit divisors. Students work real life division problems. They examine possible solutions to each problem.
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Investigation - Snack TIme
Students explore solving addition and subtraction problems. They solve real life problems. Students participate in a simulation activity to find the missing addend. They demonstrate adding and subtracting whole numbers.
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Solving Polynomial Equations by Factoring
Students factor polynomial equations. In this algebra lesson, students apply the zero product property to factor quadratic equations. They solve real life scenarios by apply the concepts of parabolas.
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Probability
Using real life examples, learners discuss probability and ratios. They begin by answering a set of questions, and then participate in a probability activity involving a bag of colored cubes.
Illustrative Mathematics
Pizza Place Promotion
The longer you wait to try the new pizza place, the more it's going to cost you! This real-world problem about how the cost of pizza varies with respect to time is a good example of how piecewise functions are used to describe...
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Real Math
Students explore careers that require math knowledge and solve real life math problems. As a class, they compare and contrast classroom math to real life math and explore the links between algebra, geometry and math skills used in...
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The Life Cycle of the Mealworm
Fourth graders provide a habitat for live mealworms and observe their life cycle. In this animal life cycle and scientific inquiry lesson, 4th graders create a habitat for a live mealworm and observe and record related data as it grows....
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Using Measurement in the Everyday World
Students use an appropriate unit of measure to measure an item in the classroom. They create a PowerPoint to demonstrate the measurement process. Pupils are divided into pairs. Students use a concept map to discuss the terms for...
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American Indian Flute and Math
Students investigate the Math behind Musical instruments in this cross-curricular Math lesson on the Native American Flute and waveforms. The lesson can be accomplished in 6 days and includes an extensive materials list for successful...
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Problem Solving
Fifth graders read and write equations. In this equation writing lesson, 5th graders use real life scenarios to write equations. Students use manipulatives, draw pictures and make tables to understand how to write equations. Students...
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Proportionality Using Wind in the Willows
Students examine proportionality in Wind in the Willows by comparing Mr. Toad, objects proportional to him and objects proportional to humans. They then measure a stuffed Mr. Toad and make common objects proportional to Mr. Toad???s...
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Graphing Real World Situations
High schoolers solve linear equations using graphs. In this algebra instructional activity, students depict real life situation using lines and functions. They identify the slope, data and predict graphing behavior.
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Math Today - World Population Milestones
Students use the data from USA TODAY Snapshot "World population milestones" to explore and explain the trends in the world population.
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Hopper Hunt: IPM Decision-making in Alfalfa
Learners describe migrations and life cycle pattersn of a key alfalfa pest, the Porato Leafhopper. They define the Economic Inquiry Level and Economic Threshold. Students evaluate data in relation to profit as it applies to IPM. They...
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Slopey Math
Students identify the slope of a line and use it to solve real life problems. For this algebra lesson, students write linear equations in slope intercept form and make a correlation to its relation to the real world. They use the slope...
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Squares in the Light
Learners collect and analyze data using a graph. In this algebra activity, students explain their findings orally and with a graph. They use their knowledge to solve real life scenarios.
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Teaching Radicals in Less Than Five Minutes
Students simplify complex radicals following a specific technique. In this math lesson, students simulate the process using several decks of cards. They explore real life applications of radicals.
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Finding Value in the Renaissance
Young scholars explore art during the Renaissance period through the use of math. They solve word problems based upon historic documents of Renaissance Italy which contain real life situations, currencies and formulas. Students...
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Corn Field Math
Students complete problems dealing with whole numbers, fractions and percents. After exploring the history of corn and related farming vocabulary, students work in pairs to solve multi-step problems. They incorporate the use of number...
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Can You Make a Hole in One?
Students relate miniature golf to reflection of an image. In this algebra lesson, students collect and graph data as they study linear equations. They apply properties of graphing to solve real life scenarios.
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Time Problems in Context
In this time problems in context worksheet, learners solve 40 real life telling time problems. Students use timetables to calculate travel times and also use a pay scale to figure out weekly earnings in English pounds and pence. This...