There's more than one way to solve an equation — three, actually. Scholars learn how to solve simple linear equations in one variable using three different methods, which include using balance scales, using decomposition (e.g., turning...

You literally need to use the resource. Young mathematicians solve geometric problems by using literal equations. They go on to solve distance/rate/time problems by using literal equations — a great progression that helps introduce the...

So many different ways to solve equations, so little time! Scholars learn how to solve equations with variables on both sides by using several different methods. They apply bar models, decomposition, and traditional algebraic methods to...

Don't throw away those transparency sheets just yet! Young scholars first review inequalities on a number line, then learn about graphing inequalities in the coordinate plane. Finally, they use overhead transparencies to create systems...

An equation is an equation is an equation. Scholars see there are many ways to solve them when they first sort a set of linear equations as written in standard form, point-slope form, or slope-intercept. They then write equations in all...

Why do we have to do so much work? Scholars learn how to set up bar models to represent a situation involving work. They use these bar models to help set up equations with rational coefficients to solve the problem situation.

Transform your lesson on transformations. Learners use given congruent triangles and tracing paper to determine the single transformation that carries one to the other. The concept is extended to combinations of transformations to...

Tired of going around and around for a resource on circles? Scholars determine the general equation of a circle on a coordinate plane, then participate in an activity matching equations to the radii and centers of the circles...

Laws are meant to be broken, right? Learners derive the Law of Sines by dropping a perpendicular from one vertex to its opposite side. Using the Law of Sines, mathematicians solve for various parts of triangles.

Parallel lines seem so right for each other. It's too bad they'll never, ever meet. Learners use tracing paper to discover relationships among angles formed by two parallel lines cut by a transversal. They apply this information to find...

Challenge scholars to prove the Pythagorean Theorem geometrically by using a cut-and-paste activity. They then must solve for the missing sides of right triangles.

Scholars first learn the definitions of the sine ratio, the cosine ratio, and the tangent ratio. After mastering these definitions, they use the new information to solve triangles.

Let your use of the resource be in proportion to its usefulness. Pupils investigate similar triangles by measuring side lengths and considering given angle measures. The results of the investigation help develop generalizations about...

The Civil War made slavery illegal, but all ex-slaves were not totally free. Scholars visit eight different classroom stations to uncover life during the Reconstruction Era in America. Groups discover items such as Black Codes, 13th,...

A geographic perspective helps historians learn about significant eras such as the civil rights movement. Through research and source analysis, learners create a report depicting a significant location of this time. They synthesize their...

Which animal is best for you—a dog or cat? Why? Engage third graders in an opinion writing assessment that prompts them to read facts about both pets, and then write and decide which pet is best for them.

Even if you've never picked up a musical instrument, chances are that music has directly impacted your mental and emotional development. Sixth graders engage in a reading activity in which they read two articles on the impact of music on...

"Words, words, words." Despite Hamlet's opinion, words can be significant. In this inquiry lesson, middle schoolers learn how the words in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, in the view of many, lead to the American Civil War. To...

Students discover how to integrate file management systems on Web servers into the classroom. In addition to maintaining digital portfolios, they develop various Internet functions such as authoring directly onto an Internet domain.

Pupils graph polynomial functions and analyze the graphs. They identify the inverse of the functions and find the domain and range. Learners will then label the functions as one to one and use the horizontal and vertical line test to...

Young mathematicians solve composition of functions. They add, subtract, multiply and divide functions and then identify the domain and range of each function. An embedded animation shows three different applications of function...

Seventh graders identify the quadrants and axis of a coordinate plane. In this algebra instructional activity, 7th graders discover the correct way to graph using the coordinate plane. They discuss the relationship between x and y...

Mathematicians graph logarithmic equations. Teach your students how to identify the intercepts of logarithmic equations and tell whether the function is increasing or decreasing. They find the domain and range of each function.

Scholars identify the domain of a rational function in this precalculus lesson. They identify the removable discontinuity and label what will make the denominator zero. Learners also describe properties of the graph as it relates to the...