Illustrative Mathematics
How Many Cells Are in the Human Body?
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...
Noyce Foundation
Diminishing Return
Challenge individuals to compete as many tasks as possible. Lower-level tasks have pupils apply costs and rates to solve problems. Upper-level tasks add algebraic reasoning and conditional probability to the tasks.
Mathematics Vision Project
Circles: A Geometric Perspective
Circles are the foundation of many geometric concepts and extensions - a point that is thoroughly driven home in this extensive unit. Fundamental properties of circles are investigated (including sector area, angle measure, and...
Digital History
Compensation for Slavery
Should Americans provide compensation to those whose ancestors suffered from slavery? Read and analyze the arguments of two modern-day journalists on the topic. Then, have a discussion on both the merits of the arguments as well as what...
Beauty and Joy of Computing
Unsolvable and Undecidable Problems
Try as you might, some functions just cannot be computed. The lab introduces the class to the possibility of unsolvable problems. The fourth lesson in a series of seven begins with a logic problem, then progresses to looking at functions...
National Endowment for the Humanities
A Defense of the Electoral College
Each presidential election year, the debate about the electoral college rages. Michael C. Maibach's "A Defense of the Electoral College" offers young political scientists an opportunity to examine a reasoned argument for why the...
Cornell University
Isotopes
What better way is there to learn about isotopes than to play with them? Chemistry students manipulate the number of protons and neutrons in a hands-on activity. Individuals try to score the largest number of points...
Illustrative Mathematics
Equal Area Triangles on the Same Base II
A deceptively simple question setup leads to a number of attack methods and a surprisingly sophisticated solution set in this open-ended problem. Young geometers of different strengths can go about defining the solutions graphically,...
Schoolcraft College
Trigonometry
This trigonometry textbook takes the learner from a basic understanding of angles and triangles through the use of polar coordinates on the complex plane. Written by a mathematician-engineer, examples and problems here are used to...
National Woman's History Museum
Progressive Era Women
The National Women's History Museum provides this interactive resource that permits users to explore women who played key roles during the Progressive Era in the quest for workers' rights, the Settlement House Movement, the Suffrage...
Curated OER
Probability and Statistics
Students reason mathematically as they solve problems dealing with probability of an even occurring. In this probability lesson, students differentiate between different rankings of candidates running for leadership. They identify...
Curated OER
Cause and Effect
In this cause and effect worksheet, students read information about cause/effect, review signal words and read an article about Indiana weather and crops. Students then answer 3 related cause/effect questions.
Math Stars
Math Stars: a Problem-Solving Newsletter Grade 7
Put on your thinking caps because middle school math has never been more interesting in this huge resource full of thought provoking questions. Written as a newsletter, the resource has 10 two-page newsletters with a variety of...
Math Stars
Math Stars: A Problem-Solving Newsletter Grade 6
Think, question, brainstorm, and make your way through a newsletter full of puzzles and word problems. The resource includes 10 different newsletters, all with interesting problems, to give class members an out-of-the box...
California Academy of Science
Building Better Buses: Transportation Design Challenges
Scholars learn about a series of three challenges when they design a bus system for a small town. They determine the bus routes and then figure out the best type of fuel to use before considering the cost of going electric. Learners...
Curated OER
Number and Operations- Using Gift Certificates
Students apply number and operation skills to learn how to spend a gift certificate. In this mathematical reasoning activity, students use base 10 blocks as money and calculate how much money they have.
Spark Notes
I and Thou Study Guide: Questions and Answers
In this philosophy study, students respond to 4 short answer essay questions about Martin Buber's I and Thou. Responses to the questions are provided so that students may check answers.
Curated OER
Twenty Questions: The Hundred Chart
Use the 20 Questions game to practice math vocabulary and number properties! Project a hundreds chart and hand one out to learners. Ideally, give them counters (beans would work well) to mark off the chart so you can play multiple times....
Illustrative Mathematics
Find the Angle
This a fun problem for young geometers to play with while gaining important insight into deductive reasoning. Some will find the answers very quickly, others might take a less direct path, but all will use their knowledge of the sum of...
EngageNY
Mid-Module Assessment Task: Grade 7 Mathematics Module 4
Assess the ability of the class to solve percent problems with an assessment that covers a variety of percent problems from basic to multi-step. Pupils make connections between percent problems and proportional thinking to complete...
State Bar of Texas
Wisconsin v. Yoder
How far does freedom of religion truly go? The 1972 Supreme Court case Wisconsin v. Yoder introduces the concept of the free exercise clause of the First Amendment. Individuals examine the case with a short video and open discussion. To...
Curated OER
Movie Riddles: An ESL Activity to Get Student Talking About Movies
Enjoy the thrill of the movies with this ESL activity! Not only can learners talk about their favorite films, but in creating riddles about their chosen movies, they can practice the skills of context clues and deductive reasoning. This...
Curated OER
Cartoons in the Classroom: Gas Pains Again
The price of gas has increased around the country, and many political cartoons, such as this one, have used humor to get people thinking about it. With the help of three very good critical thinking prompts, learners will analyze a...
Curated OER
Arctica - An Interactive Mystery
Rumours of illness, poisoning, and madness - a ship disappears without a trace! Read this interactive science story and use deductive reasoning skills to solve a mystery. This engaging resource gives science stars a chance to practice...