6-8
Finding a rule for the number of hits is only the first step in exploring the Paper Pool game. Students can gain a deeper understanding of the patterns by considering graphical representations of the results.
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
A self discovery approach in understand the process of plotting points on a coordinate plane, using a program for TI Graphing Calculator.
3-5
Students investigate the number of chairs that can be placed around an arrangement of square tables. Three related problems in this lesson yield different linear relationships for students to discover.
6-8
During this lesson, students will explore the handshake problem, a
classic problem in mathematics that asks, "How many handshakes occur
when
n people shake hands with each other?" Groups work to
determine how many handshakes take place among the nine Supreme Court
justices, and then generalize to the number of handshakes in any size
group. Students explore the problem using a verbal description, a
table, a graph, a picture, and an algebraic formula.
6-8
Using spreadsheets, students will explore another pattern, that of the triangular numbers. This exploration will enhance students’ ability to generalize a pattern with variables.
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.
