Illustrative Mathematics
Tilt of Earth's Axis and the Four Seasons
Geometry meets earth science as high schoolers investigate the cause and features of the four seasons. The effects of Earth's axis tilt features prominently, along with both the rotation of the earth about the axis and its orbit...
Curated OER
It's All in the Pattern
Here is a fantastic, nine-page, multi-session lesson plan on the Zia Sun Symbol (found on the New Mexico state flag), and the seasons of the Earth. Everything you need to implement the lesson is here, and the many engaging activities are...
Illustrative Mathematics
Global Positioning System II
Intricate details of a modern technology that many of us take for granted in our phones, computers (and some cars) are laid bare in a short but deeply investigative activity. The math behind a seemingly simple GPS device...
Curated OER
The Flat Earth
Students differentiate between different planes. In this geometry lesson, students differentiate between a plane and a sphere. They discuss the Great Circle, Geodesic and Lune as it relates to the earth.
Curated OER
Tennis Ball Tubes
Students determine whether the height of a tennis ball tube or the distance around the tube is greater, or whether they are the same. Using the formula for the circumference and diameter of a sphere, they discuss the word problem, and in...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Lighthouse Problem
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...
Curated OER
A Model Solar System
If Earth is modeled by a grapefruit, what planet could be represented by a golf ball? This activity uses everyday and not-so-everyday objects to create a model of the Solar System.
Curated OER
Measuring the Earth
Young scholars identify types of arcs and angles in a circle, find the measure of arcs and angles, and solve real world problems involving lengths of segments in circles, lengths, and areas.
Curated OER
Puck's Girdle
Fifth graders calculate the perimeters, areas, and volumes of everyday objects. They discuss the word problem involving Puck from the Shakespeare play "Mid-Summer Night's Dream," and invent and plan a method for solving the problem in...
Curated OER
Scale Models to Planet Size
Students consider the comparative sizes of the planets in the solar system. For this scale lesson, students select balls of different sizes to represent the planets in the solar system.
Ministry of Education and Universities of the Region of Murcia (Spain)
Ministerio De Educacion Y Ciencia: El Globo Terraqueo
In Spanish. What size and shape is the Earth? What abstract body is closer? Gain this knowledge through this interactive activity. A 31 question quiz is provided at the end.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Numb3 Rs: Traveling on Good Circles
Based off of the hit television show NUMB3RS, this high-level math lesson has students delve into the topic of Great Circles on a sphere (specifically, the Earth), in order to find the shortest distances between locations. Students will...