What caused that to happen? Using three aspects, a video demonstrates how to describe an enlargement or dilation. The presenter counts the lengths of the sides to determine the scale factor and a ruler to find the center of dilation.

String the class along to help them understand large numbers. A multi-disciplinary lesson uses literature, science, and math to look at very large numbers. Pupils conceptualize how much a million is using literature before performing a...

What city has the most consistent temperatures? Pupils use the mean and mean absolute deviation to describe various data sets including the average temperature in several cities. The 10th lesson in the 22-part series asks learners to...

Everyone does their fair share. The sixth segment in a 22-part unit presents the mean as a fair share. Groups build a conceptual understanding of the mean of a data set, rather than simply learn an algorithm. Learners use the...

What is the typical length of a yellow perch? Pupils analyze a histogram of lengths for a sample of yellow perch from the Great Lakes. They determine which measures of center and variability are best to use based upon the shape of the...

What do you get when you combine a matrix and a cube? Well that depends on the matrix! Pupils use online software to graph various transformations of a cube. Ultimately, they are able to describe the matrix that is responsible for a...

Learners see application of construction techniques in a short but sophisticated problem. Combining the properties of inscribed triangles with tangent lines and radii makes a nice bridge between units, a way of using...

Determine whether there is a difference between two grades. Teams generate random samples of two grade levels of individuals. Groups use the mean absolute deviation to determine whether there is a meaningful difference between the...

Table the decision to land. Pupils form flight crews by matching up different representations of linear equations. Given a set of coordinates for an airstrip, the crews determine the equation of the line that will position their planes...

How many boys are in the class? Here is an introductory exercise describing ratios. The commentary shows different ways learners can approach the problem, using a tape diagram of boys to girls and using a table. The activity includes...

Seven real-life math problems require the solving of simultaneous pairs of linear equations. Although a similar approach is taken for most of the problems, the topic of sports stadium concessions should keep the interest level high. As a...

Even though pennies seem to be relatively thin, stack enough of them into a single stack, and you could have quite a high stack. Enough so, that the final result can be a surprise to you as well as your class. This activity centers...

The 11th lesson in the series of 22 is similar to the preceding lesson, but requires scholars to compare distributions using the mean and mean absolute deviation. Pupils use the information to make a determination on which data set is...

Early learners explore shapes using colored blocks. They first get some hands-on time with the blocks and then look at beginning math concepts regarding spatial relationships. They work with a partner to build a 6-8 block tower...

Viruses can spread like wildfire, and mathematics can model the speed of infection. Given a function, scholars analyze it to describe the spread of a disease within a stadium. Learners find the initial number infected and the maximum...

So the mean is not always the best center? By working through this exploratory activity, the class comes to realize that depending upon the shape of a distribution, different centers should be chosen. Learners continue to explore...

Put those numbers to work by completing a statistical study! Pupils finish the last two steps in a statistical study by summarizing data with displays and numerical summaries. Individuals use the summaries to answer the statistical...

Plot the relationship of characteristics of creepy creatures. Learners plot the coordinates to describe the number of eyes, horns, and/or brains different creatures have. Pupils fill out a table to plot the points and complete the...

The penny arcade gets the statistics treatment in this fun probability investigation. A non-standard game of chance is described and then the class is set loose to find missing probabilities, determine common outcomes, and evaluate...

What do you do when you don't think you have enough information? You look for another way to do the problem! Pupils combine what they know about finding the area of a triangle and trigonometry to determine triangle area when they don't...

Elementary or middle schoolers use ratios to discover some nearly constant relationships between measurements of parts of the human body. They find and record pairs of measurements and determine the relationship between the pairs. Pupils...

Pupils use the provided census data to guess the future height of a child. They organize and plot the data, solve for the line of best fit, and determine the likely height and range for a specific age. 

Word problems offer class members an opportunity to learn the concept of solving linear systems using graphs. Individuals choose a problem based upon preferences, break into groups to discuss solution methods and whether there...

Wearable devices have become more the norm than the exception. Learners analyze data from a sample device with a regression analysis in a helpful hands-on instructional activity. Their focus is to determine if there is a connection...