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. Aluminum cans get thrown out and run over - flattened. And when they do they provide a vehicle for students to construct their understanding of some important aspects of volume and surface area. Read the story behind Flat Cans here. 6-8
In this lesson, students classify polygons according to more than one
property at a time. In the context of a game, students move from a
simple description of shapes to an analysis of how properties are
related. This lesson was adapted from an article which appeared in the
October, 1998 edition of
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.
3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Use this interactive tool to create dynamic drawings on isometric dot paper.
6-8
Explore
polyhedra using different representations and perspectives for three
dimensional block figures.
3-5
Three
pieces of literature are used to teach geometry and measurement topics.
6-8
Understand ratio, proportion, scale factor, and similarity
using perimeter, area, volume and surface area of various rectangular shapes.
9-12
This activity allows students to look for functions within a given set of data. After analyzing the data, students should be able to determine what type of function best represents the data.
6-8
Students explore drawing a mat plan when given a three dimensional figure built from cubes. Students also explore building a three dimensional figure when given the mat plan.
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.
