6-8
In this lesson, students transition from arithmetic to algebraic thinking by exploring problems that are not limited to single-solution responses. Values organized into tables and graphs are used to move toward symbolic representations. Problem situations involving linear, quadratic, and exponential models are employed. This lesson is based upon the article "Building Bridges to Algebraic Thinking" by Roger Day, which appeared in the February 1997 edition of
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.
6-8
This lesson sets the stage for a discussion of travel in the solar system. By considering a real-world, hands-on activity, students develop their understanding of time and distance. Finally, students plot the data they have collected.
6-8
This lesson presents two classic problems (
Mangoes Problem and
Sailors and Coconuts)
that can be represented and solved in several different ways.
Middle-grades students work in groups on the problems to promote
communication of mathematical ideas, and a variety of classroom
solution attempts are described. This lesson plan was adapted from an
article, written by Jerry Stonewater, which appeared in the
November‑December 1994 issue of
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.
6-8
In this lesson students explore the concept of orbits, focusing on
altitude, velocity, and distance traveled. The lesson explores the
connection of Earth-orbiting satellites to the study of the
environment. Both geometric and algebraic concepts are presented to
students in this application of science and mathematics to a real-world
situation.
6-8
Students investigate properties of perimeter, area, and volume related
to various geometric two- and three-dimensions shapes. They conjecture,
test, discuss, verbalize, and generalize patterns. Through this process
they
discover the salient features of the
pattern,
construct understandings of concepts and relationships, develop
a language to talk about the pattern,
integrate, and
discriminate
between the pattern and other patterns. When relationships between quantities in
a pattern are studied, knowledge about important mathematical relationships and
functions emerges.
6-8
Students explore the relationships among lines, slopes, and
y-intercepts
in the context of printing their algebra textbooks. Students use a
spreadsheet to facilitate their exploration. This activity is based on
an idea from
Navigating Through
Algebra in Grades 6-8 (NCTM, 2001).
6-8
In this year-long project, students design, "build," and "sell" a
house; after which they simulate investment of the profits in the stock
market. Along the way, students make scale drawings, compute with
fractions and decimals in various contexts, and even solve simple
equations. This lesson plan was adapted from an article by David B.
Smith, which appeared in the September 2000 edition of
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.
6-8, 9-12
This grades 7-12 activity allows students to look for patterns within the given data. After looking at the pattern, the student should be able to form generalizations for the problem. Furthermore, this activity sharpens the algebraic skills of the students. The problem sharpens visualization skills.
3-5
The following activities deal with patterns and the importance of
looking at data from more than a single perspective. Included are
explorations designed to encourage open-mindedness and to help students
develop alternative viewpoints. Students investigate a series of items
that appear to be ordered in some "obvious" ways. Students also explore
ways of sorting items into two disjoint groups on the basis of some
definable characteristic. This lesson was adapted from "What Comes
Nex_?", written by William R. Speer & Daniel J. Brahier. It
appeared in the October, 1995
Teaching Children Mathematics Vol. 2, no. 2.
3-5
This lesson provides an introduction to the use of variables, and
develops students' algebraic thinking. Students create variable
machines to discover the value of words.
This lesson was adapted from a lesson by Gilbert Cuevas and Karol Yeatts, as found in Navigating Through
Algebra in Grades 3 ‑ 5, from the Navigations Series, NCTM 2001.
