Long considered the symbol of safe harbor and steadfast waiting, the lighthouse gets a mathematical treatment. The straightforward question of distance to the horizon is carefully presented, followed by a look into the...

The accuracy required by the design and measurement of an Olympic running track will surprise track stars and couch potatoes alike. Given a short introduction, the class then scaffolds into a detailed analysis of the exact nature of the...

Forgive me, I regress. Building upon previous modeling activities, the class examines models using the regression function on a graphing calculator. They use the modeling process to interpret the context and to make predictions...

Investigating the large numbers of science is the task in a simple but deep activity. Given a one-sentence problem set-up and some basic assumptions, the class sets off on an open-ended investigation that really gives some...

A mixture of quinoa and corn is for dinner in this collaborative task that sets up nicely as a system of linear equations. Your supper guests discuss numerical precision and percentages as they formulate a plan of how to solve the problem.

Here is an activity that is intended to highlight a very important issue about precision in reporting and understanding statements in a realistic scientific context. Discuss different ways of reporting the half life of Carbon 14...

Fifth graders investigate the Maya's as mathematicians. In this Mayan math lessons, 5th graders work with the ancient Mayan numbering system by comparing it to the American Number System. They tell the differences and similarities...

Learners define accuracy and precision, and differentiate between the two terms, apply the concepts of accuracy and precision to a given situation and correctly apply the concept of significant figures to measurement and mathematical...

How many points are needed to define a unique parabola? Individuals work with data to answer this question. Ultimately, they determine the quadratic model when given three points. The concept is applied to data from a dropped...

We use basic units of measurement to break down things and communicate clearly. The first lesson in an 11-part series teaches the proper way to measure various items. It starts simply with measuring the dimensions and areas of geometric...

Students explore approximate and exact solutions. In this interdisciplinary lesson, 6th graders will be placed in 'family groups' to create a budget that is subject to random events as chosen from the 'things happen' box. This lesson...

Not only do future engineers learn the difference between accuracy and precision, they also get some hands-on experience using different measuring tools. 

Can people really measure time just by using the sun? Scholars venture outside on a nice, sunny day to build sundials and learn how people measured time 600 years ago. The class builds two different sundials while gaining practice with...

Students graph linear http://www.instructional activityplanet.com/review?id=180542equations. In this problem solving instructional activity, students calculate slope and plot ordered pairs on a coordinate grid. Using a real-life example...

Drawing from a scenario of the history of the penny, learners write and solve a system of linear equations from a context.

Learners discover that a system of linear equations models this mixture of quinoa and corn in a collaborative task. Your learners receive all the relevant information in this second of three variants of tasks that ask them to find...

Elementary schoolers learn about metric units and how they are used by engineers. They learn how engineers use the units to measure mass, distance, and volume. Then, they estimate measurements of units, and compare them to actual...

Young scholars pace a Gunther Chain, a measurement used by foresters to determine distance and area. They discuss that pacing is individualized depending on age, gender, etc. They practice to find an average pace. Teams estimate, pace...

High schoolers identify rectangular volume calculations, and calculate using formula, concrete table, and calculator.

Students explore "area."  In this tangram geometry and measurement lesson plan, students arrange tangram pieces to find the area of characters presented in a story they listen to on a website.  Website information and related...

Students measure a variety of objects using the appropriate measuring tool. In this measurement lesson, students explain the importance of accuracy and precision in collecting data. They discuss the difference between the two.

Students critique their own drawings for accuracy and make constructive suggestions prior to reworking them. They discover how scale in maps and drawing relate to relative size and distance. In addition, students comprehend the...

Sixth graders explore cooking by creating food in class. In this ingredient measurement lesson, 6th graders discuss some of their favorite foods and review the proper recipes to cook them. Students utilize fractions to create a new...

Middle schoolers examine how navigation is based on mathematics and how making a mistake in measuring an angle could have an impact on a target. They observe a teacher-led lecture, use a calculator to complete two worksheets, and...