Pre-K-2, 6-8
This lesson encourages students to explore another model of subtraction, the balance. Students will use real and virtual balances. Students also explore recording the modeled subtraction facts in equation form.
6-8
This lesson explores magic squares from both a historical and
mathematical perspective. The mathematical analysis leads into symbolic
algebraic representation of the patterns. This lesson is based upon an
article from the April 2001 edition of
Mathematics
Teaching in the Middle School. 6-8
In this lesson, students investigate relationships between numbers, identify number patterns,
represent the information in graphic chart form, and generalize the results of an investigation. Specifically, students explore the relationship between a whale's length and its weight.
6-8
Students develop their skills in collecting and recording data using the real-world situation of a bouncing tennis ball. They use the data collected to formulate the relationship between the dependent and independent variable in their experiment.
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).
