3-5
In this lesson, students explore the relationship
between perimeter and area. Students use pattern blocks to build polygons to
explore how the perimeter can be different for two or more polygons with the
same area.
Pre-K-2
In the book
Balancing Act by Ellen Stoll Walsh, two mice find a
teeter-totter and have a fun time balancing each other. When more animal
friends come along to join them, they find their teeter-totter unbalanced. This
hands-on lesson uses the book as an introduction to the concept that both sides
of an equation need to be equal and balanced in order to use the "equal to" symbol; otherwise the "not equal to" symbol must be used. In
addition, students use pictures and symbolic letters to represent variables in
an equation.
Pre-K-2, 3-5
In this lesson, students
use a visual model using snap cubes or grid paper to build numbers in two
columns to show whether they are odd or even. They then use the models
to generalize about sums of odd and even numbers.
3-5
In this lesson, students use pattern blocks to create
polygon "chains" and calculate the perimeter of the trains as they get
longer. The students will recognize and create patterns based on adding the
same shape repeatedly to the train. The students then write algebraic
expressions to describe the patterns.
6-8, 9-12
This lesson is based upon a story from Virgil's
Aeneid. Students work in groups to
investigate maximizing area with a fixed length of rope. They investigate which
figure results in the greatest area by real-life experimentation as well
algebraically. Students gain an understanding of quadratic functions, the
isoperimetric principle, and parabolas.
9-12
This
activity uses a 2009 study based on the book
The Joy of Cooking that found portion sizes in the iconic cookbook
had expanded 60% since 1936 and 33% since 1996. Students use linear functions
to create models of weight as a function of calories and time, then use the
models to make projections about what impact increased portion sizes may have on
weight.
9-12
Many
problems in mathematics classes are exactly defined and require very specific
solutions. This lesson is intended to be an open-ended problem with multiple solutions
and multiple entry points. Students use volume formulas and have some decisions
to make about how to use them. After making an initial estimate, students will
use modeling with more concrete parameters to help them refine their choices.
9-12
Congressional districts are redrawn after a census year
(conducted by the federal government every 10 years) to reflect shifting
populations. Political scientists say there is a major advantage for whichever
political party has control of a state legislature when districts are redrawn.
However, during the process, the minority party tends to make accusations that
districts are being gerrymandered, or drawn in unnatural ways to manipulate
voter populations that would favor the majority. In this lesson, students
explore how mathematics can be used to make decisions about whether a given
congressional district is or is not being gerrymandered. They also use
objective measurements to explore the ambiguity that is inherent in the
process.
3-5
In this lesson, students develop their understanding of the
terms
quadrilateral,
parallel, and
right angle. They apply that understanding in problem-solving
activities with tangrams.
3-5
Students learn to calculate elapsed time by using a
timeline, and then complete three engaging and fun activities that plan a
circus performance, their class schedule, and their day.
