6-8, 9-12
Each student creates parallelograms from square sheets of paper and connects them to form an octagon. During the construction, students consider angle measures, segment lengths, and areas in terms of the original square. At the end of the lesson, the octagon is transformed into a pinwheel, and students discover a surprising result.
6-8
Using the isometric drawing tool, students build three-dimensional figures and find the surface area and volume of each figure.
6-8
Students explore drawing the front-right-top view when given a three dimensional figure built from cubes. Students also explore building a three dimensional figure when given the front-right-top view.
6-8
Using three dimensional figures they have constructed, students determine when two isometric drawings can represent the same shape and explain their reasoning. Students will also determine what possible shapes might have the same isometric drawing and explain their reasoning.
6-8
Students examine some isometric drawings that seem to be impossible and
investigate one way Escher used to create these "impossible" figures.
6-8, 9-12
Each student constructs a tetrahedron and describes the linear, area and
volume measurements using non‑traditional units of measure. Four tetrahedra are combined to form a similar tetrahedron whose linear dimensions are twice the original tetrahedron. The area and volume relationships between the first and second tetrahedra are explored, and generalizations for the relationships are developed.
6-8
Students use the Balance Pans Applet- Expressions Tool to explore algebraic expressions. They determine if algebraic expressions are equal. They balance pans to solve a system of equations and use graphing to find the solutions to a system of equations.
6-8
Students will balance shapes on the pan balance applet to study equality, essential to understanding algebra. Equivalent relationships will be recognized when the pans balance, demonstrating the properties of equality.
6-8
Using a balance in the classroom is a first step to algebraic understanding. Use this pan balance (numbers) applet to practice the order of operations in simplifying numerical expressions and to demonstrate the conventions of using algebraic logic in simplifying expressions.
6-8, 9-12
The consideration of cord length is very important in a bungee jump—too short, and the jumper doesn’t get much of a thrill; too long, and
ouch! In this lesson, students model a bungee jump using a Barbie
® doll and rubber bands. The distance to which the doll will fall is directly proportional to the number of rubber bands, so this context is used to examine linear functions.
