Students describe techniques helpful in solving spatial problems which utilize the notion that a model is a simplified version of something complicated. They utilize methods such as sketching or drawing possible solutions to a problem.

Students investigate nets as they relate to volume and area. For this geometry lesson, students use nets as a visual to deepen their understanding of surface area and volume of objects. They make conjectures about different objects and...

Students watch a video clips before problem solving the use of angles in real world situations. They problem solve using spatial reasoning while connecting math to a sports activity that investigates the path of a bouncing ball.

Students create models of the Mean Value Theorem.  In this Mean Value lesson, students use their knowledge of derivatives and exponential functions to explore the Mean Value Theorem.  They illustrate the meaning of the throrem,...

Sixth graders graph translations (slides) and reflections (flips) on a coordinate plane. They visualize and identify geometric shapes after applying transformations on a coordinate plane. Finally, 6th graders write a paragraph telling...

Second graders demonstrate understanding of symmetry and identify objects that have symmetry. They use a mirror to get a visual illustration of what symmetry is. They create a collage of symmetrical pictures they find in magazines.

Students design a train route using a topographical map. In this historical and spatial thinking lesson plan, students must plan a route through the Sierra Nevada mountains that a train could physically travel. Links to printable student...

Designed to thoroughly reinforce your classrooms' rules with young learners, this lesson makes several suggestions for instructional procedures to accomplish this goal. For example, repeated questioning and procedures as well as...

In this maze worksheet, learners challenge themselves and their visual and spatial abilities by tracing their way through a complex maze. However, this maze starts the trace in the middle of the maze and works outward.

In this maze worksheet, students assist Mary to find her way home by tracing their way through the maze. The maze promotes visual and spatial abilities.

Children who are three to five years old study two rank badges from the Qing dynasty to develop an understanding of social rank, language skills, and symbolism. The instructional activity is discussion-based and requires learners to...

Take young scholars on a trip through history with this unit on the mathematics and architecture of the Mayan civilization. Starting with a introduction to their base twenty number system and the symbols they used, this eight-lesson unit...

Fifth graders explore the context of how and when to use tangrams in geometry. They create and draw a number of different geometric figures using tangrams. Students work on their visual spatial skills.

Students create a larger than life modified contour drawing of hands in an expressive situation. Hands have linear value, contain a object, and have a patterned background.

Students create a timeline on the development of the Pajaro Valley Area. In this social science lesson, students discuss the changes that took place in the area over the past 300 years. They draw a pictures of how the area has changed...

Students analyze the work of Diego Rivera. They participate in a class discussion, critique various paintings, write a short story based on a Rivera mural, and create a class mural.

Fourth graders tap wands on the floor, attempting to guide a blindfolded teammate through a slalom course of five cones.

Students study introductory history and cultural purposes of selected Japanese dance forms. They analyze the philosophical beliefs, social systems, and movement norms that influence the function and role of Japanese dance in the lives...

Learners listen as the teacher reads "When Clay Sings," by Byrd Taylor. They discuss clay, and view a variety of clay items. Students watch a video clip "Interests in One of a Kind Pots." They watch a demonstration on working with clay....

Students explore the solar system.  In this solar system science instructional activity, students choose 3 out of 12 centers to visit, each of which contains an activity related to the planets. The station activities are designed to...

Students build a model of their school playground. They view models from the classroom (such as a globe, doll house, or cars). Students share observations about the models. They use a paper mat to represent the playground and use...

Third graders visit Early Huguenot Street and identify architectural structural and design elements that were in use before 1720. They consider how architecture has evolved and complete Venn diagrams with their observations.

You know you have stumbled on something interesting when you launch this app. You are suddenly taken into a world of mystery and intrigue, and of course, math-skills practice.

Students move with control in general space. They move with three different spatial distances and tempi. Students demonstrate understanding of the distance and speed of particles in matter: solid-close and slow; liquid-medium distance...