Pennsylvania Department of Education
Using Polygons to Represent Fractions
Explore the world of fractions by using pattern blocks to show how different shapes can divide a hexagon. Elementary schoolers work in groups to complete these problems and to answer questions. Later, they work complete an independent...
Curated OER
Shape Sort
Sorting is a great way to familiarize learners with basic shapes in this partner activity. Pairs have sixteen shape cards with various sizes and types of triangles, rectangles, hexagons, and squares. They have four category cards in...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Stamp Collection
By using language like "half of the stamps," children are exposed to patterns in arithmetic that requires solving a two-step word problem. This type of language opens a new door for transitioning learners toward understanding fractions...
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Weighing the Evidence for a Mass Extinction: Part 1 – In the Ocean
Extinction events have happen throughout geologic history, but only five mass extinctions occurred over the last 4.5 billion years. Scholars view fossils from a layer of sediment during an extinction event and observe patterns to draw...
Las Cumbres Observatory
Plotting an Asteroid Light Curve
Data can tell us a lot about celestial objects that are just too far away to study otherwise. Learners examine data on the brightness of an asteroid to predict its rotation rate. Graphing the data reveals a periodic pattern that allows...
Curated OER
Data, Data, Everywhere... and What Am I To Think?
Students demonstrate good random sampling techniques for data collection, select and develop graphic presentations of data and analyze the data to solve a problem presented.
Curated OER
Four Color Map
Students explore geometry by completing a color puzzle. In this shape identification instructional activity, students utilize deductive reasoning to complete a Google SketchUp puzzle with trapezoid, triangles and rectangular shapes....
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Volume of Compound Figures
Fifth graders use patterns, models and relationships to solve equations. In this equations instructional activity, 5th graders define vocabulary for equations and complete worksheets explaining variables and solving problems.
Curated OER
Pattern and Color Activity
In this pattern and color learning exercise, students color in the last box in a row to correctly complete a given pattern of colored boxes, 4 rows total.
Curated OER
Working With Pairs
For this pairing worksheet, students circle the 2 pictures in each row that make a matching pair. There are 5 rows total, all pictures are of hearts colored with various patterns.
Curated OER
Patterns
Students explore the concept of linear patterns by moving into different body poses. They also use MathKeys software to create linear patterns across a computer screen. In groups of three they take turns adding to the pattern.
Curated OER
Number Patterns and Sequences
In this number patterns and sequences worksheets, students complete activities for number patterns and sequences including Fibonacci's Sequence, lines, regular polygons, and towers. Students complete 15 problems.
Curated OER
Math/Technology: Symmetry
Fourth graders, using KidPix, use stamps and pencil tools to illustrate which pictures have symmetry. They add text boxes to explain their answers in math terms. Students practice skills in rotation, reflection, and translation on an...
Curated OER
Earthquake Patterns
Students identify and interpret the cyclical nature of the Parkfield, California earthquakes. They then investigate and graph earthquake occurrences on the Mojave segment of the San Andreas fault and then on the Hayward fault in order to...
Curated OER
Probability Game
For this probability worksheets, students play a game where knowledge of probability helps you to win. The object, equipment, set up, rules for playing, as well a strategy hint for the game are provided.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Seed Dispersal in Tropical Forests
How do seeds get around? It's not like plants can control seed dispersal—or can they? Dig deeper into the amazing mechanisms of seed dispersal observed in tropical plants through interactives, a video, and plenty of hands-on data...
Curated OER
Fraction Problem Solving Process
Help your charges solve a variety of fraction and skip counting problems using a problem solving process. As a class they work through a fraction problem step-by-step, and discuss a real-life connection to the problem. Students then play...
Curated OER
Grade 2: Exploring Place Value
Creative problem solving is fun and helps kids conceptualize content. They use grid paper, manilla paper, and markers to cut, draw, and show given double-digit numbers as many ways as they can.
Curated OER
Spin a Window!
How many windows does this school bus have? If your class is new to counting, this will be a fun way to get them some practice. Cut out and laminate the spinner template and set it up to spin (instructions written out if you need them)....
August House
The Pig Who Went Home on Sunday
Turn your classroom into a pig sty with a instructional activity based on the Appalachian folktale The Pig Who Went Home on Sunday. Similar to the story of The Three Little Pigs, the folktale tells a story of four pigs who leave...
Rainforest Alliance
Forests of Guatemala
With 90 percent of its land area covered in forests, Suriname, a country in South America, contains the largest percentage of forests throughout the world. Here is an activity that brings classmates together to learn about the...
University of Colorado
Are All Asteroids' Surfaces the Same Age?
Did you know scientists can tell the age of an asteroid by looking closely at its craters? This final lesson of a six-part series focuses on two asteroids, Gaspra and Ida, in order to demonstrate the concept of dating asteroids. Scholars...
Rainforest Alliance
Investments in Forest Carbon
One hundred metric tons of CO2 can accumulate in one acre of forest over time—that's a lot of carbon! In the activity, groups of middle school learners determine what makes forests important. They then solidify the concept by using a...