Illustrative Mathematics
Crude Oil and Gas Mileage
Here is an activity that presents a real-world problem about the relationship between crude oil production and the gas mileage of modern automobiles. After learners write functions to describe the relationships, they are asked to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Above and below sea level
Using the real-world example of elevation, above or below sea level, young mathematicians interpret expressions using negative signs, and absolute value. This task provides a good opportunity to discuss the notion of magnitude and...
Curated OER
Stock Swaps, Variation 2
If Microsoft wanted to take over Apple, how many shares would they need to break even? This is an ideal task for seventh graders who are studying proportional relationships and applying them to real-world scenarios. Use it as an...
University of Utah
Functions
Define, explore, compare, and analyze functions with the fourth chapter of a 10-part eighth-grade workbook series. After encountering the definition of a function, pupils begin to explore linear and nonlinear functions. They then...
EngageNY
Ordering Integers and Other Rational Numbers II
Individuals build on prior knowledge to order a set of rational numbers from least to greatest or greatest to least. As part of the activity, they order rational numbers written in different forms.
EngageNY
Absolute Value—Magnitude and Distance
Do you want to use the resource? Absolutely. Scholars learn about absolute value and its relation to magnitude and distance on a number line. They compare numbers in context by applying absolute value.
Illustrative Mathematics
Busy Day
This activity gets at the heart of algebraic reasoning and setting up equations with one variable to solve real-world problems. The worksheet has only one problem, but it requires that learners first use their own reasoning...
Illustrative Mathematics
Running Laps
If you run more laps, did you run further? Well, it depends. If the laps are different lengths, you need to do some math to answer that question. The goal of this task to is compare two fractions. Young learners represent the real-world...
Curated OER
Residential Power System
Perform data analysis on energy consumption to apply algebraic expressions to the real world. Learners will write and solve equations that answer various questions from residential power use. They will collect data at home and calculate...
Illustrative Mathematics
Throwing Baseballs
This is a wonderful exercise for learners to apply their critical thinking skills along with their knowledge of quadratic functions and parabolas. Young mathematicians investigate a real-world scenario about the height a baseball reaches...
Illustrative Mathematics
Mile High
What is the meaning of sea level? This resource helps your class understand the meaning of elevations above, below, and at sea level. Provides for good discussion on using positive and negative numbers to represent quantities in the real...
Curated OER
Minutes and Days
Elapsed time is a skill developed by the single question that is the center of this activity. Fifth graders are asked to find out the time that is 2011 minutes after the beginning of 2011. This question addresses the standard that...
Illustrative Mathematics
Lake Algae
Introduce learners to exponential growth with this real-world problem about algae that is rapidly spreading across a lake in a city park. The task presents the rate of growth and an end value and asks learners to determine what happened...
Illustrative Mathematics
Influenza epidemic
This activity presents a real-world problem about an epidemic of influenza spreading through a city. Learners refer to a graph that shows the number of individuals infected in relation to the number of weeks that have elapsed since...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Florist Shop
A real-world approach to common multiples asks learners to find different groups of flowers based on their multiples. Useable as a class activity or independent exercise, they will have to organize their thoughts to explain the totals of...
Curated OER
Be Direct - Oil Spills on Land
Students participate in an activity to simulate direct variation. In this oil spills on land lesson plan, students participate in a simulation using toilet paper and vegetable oil to explore the characteristics of direct variation. They...
Curated OER
Problem Solving Page 1
In this math activity students read 7 word problems. Students are to solve each word problem and label the answers. Students are also asked to illustrate each problem.
Curated OER
Modular Arithmetic
Students investigate modular arithmetic and how to use it to solve real world problems. In this modular arithmetic lesson, students use computers to work on modular arithmetic after a teacher guided lesson. They complete guided practice...
Curated OER
Go Figure! Using Percents in the Real World
Sixth graders solve sales tax problems. In this solving sales tax problems instructional activity, 6th graders find the sales tax on various items. Students are given a list of expenses that a family spent on vacation before...
Curated OER
Handcarts - A Unique Form of Transportation
An interesting historical fact about how handcarts benefitted to the Mormon pioneers is the context behind this math lesson. Using given facts and figures regarding the handcart, pupil pairs create math word problems, share them with the...
Curated OER
Learning Unit: The Pythagorean Theorem
Middle and high schoolers research the life of Pythagoras and the Pythagorean theorem. They write a short biography of Pythagoras and learn to apply the theorem in their study of right triangles.
Center for Innovation in Mathematics Teaching
Vectors
Investigate vectors and learn how to use them. Explore why size and direction, as well as knowing speed and distance, are important components of the vector problems you are trying to solve. This is an extensive lesson which includes six...
CCSS Math Activities
Vincent’s Graphs
What in the world are they doing? Given two graphs, scholars interpret the graphs and connect them to a real-world situation. They must also draw a graph given information about a context.
EngageNY
Logarithmic and Exponential Problem Solving
Just how old is it? The 22nd portion to a 23-part Precalculus unit uses radiocarbon dating and other exponential modeled real-world problems. Learners use the inverse relationship between logarithms and exponentials to solve the problem...