Could Becca Swanson, current women's deadlift record holder, lift that tree trunk? That depends on the volume and the density. In this investigation students gather some tree data and construct their understanding of the formula for the volume of a cylinder and the role that density plays in determining weight. Read the story behind Tree Trunk Math here. 3-5
This lesson is based on the MTLT article, “Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in K-12 Mathematics” by Brandie E. Waid. In this lesson, students identify lines of symmetry for various symbols, create line-symmetrical figures and examples and non examples of images that have lines of symmetry, and analyze and discuss similarities and differences between their identify and that of their classmates. 9-12
This lesson is based on the MTLT article, “Visualizing Complex Roots of a Quadratic Equation” by Thomas Edwards, S. Asli Özgün-Koca, and Kenneth Chelst. In this lesson students use various tools to discover the geometric relationship between complex roots of a quadratic equation and the graph of the associated quadratic function.9-12
This lesson is based on the MTLT article, "Pythagoras, PVC Pipes, and Pianos" by Danielle Divis. The lesson uses a music-related activity to engage students in using and connecting multiple representations of exponential growth. If you have taught math and you have shopped at the dollar store, how about combining the two? In this lesson students use toys from the dollar store to construct understanding of central data analysis and linear trends. Read the story behind Dollar Store Math here. Nature packages things in peels and shells and other sorts of outer wrappings that we just throw away or compost. People package things in bags and boxes and cans and so forth. Which kinds of packages are the most efficient? Learners have fun with food as they develop a clear conceptual basis of understanding of percentages. Read the story behind Natural Packages here. If it's hot outside how much good does it do to move to the shade? In this investigation students gather, organize and analyze temperature data from sun and shade, and then build their understanding of some standard ways to represent a set of numbers with statistics such as the median, mean and the interquartile range. Read the story behind Sunny & Shady Math here. 6-8
This lesson is based on the MTLT article, “Geometric Reflections: Why Should They Not Be Just a Flip?” by Dawn Teuscher, Shannon Dingman, Travis Olson, and Lisa Kasmer. In this lesson, students reflect points and figures to formulate a mathematical definition of reflection. Then, they identify and justify whether points and figures are reflections!
