Pre-K-2, 3-5
Students often view linear measurement as a procedure in which a number is simply read off a ruler. The goal of this lesson is to have students gain experience in linear measurement by using a variety of measuring instruments to measure the heights of classmates, to discover the error inherent in measurement, and to search for patterns in data that are represented on a table. In this lesson, students compare results of measuring the same height using different methods, and discuss measurement error. They measure the heights of classmates and the heights of older students in their school, and construct a table of height and age data. The lesson is also designed to serve as a springboard for a second lesson in which students relate measurement to algebra and data analysis concepts.
Pre-K-2, 3-5
A key goal for instruction on algebra at the elementary level is to analyze change, and to understand how change in one variable can relate to change in a second variable. The goal of this lesson is for students to explore how changes in students’ ages relate to changes in their heights.
Pre-K-2
Students are introduced to the concepts of greater than, less than and equal to
by observing quantities and making comparisons. Using various
instructional materials such as modeling clay, buttons, beans, and
cotton balls, students create amounts to compare using the open-mouthed
fish. Depending which fish is chosen, the fish cut-out (with its mouth
open) represents either greater than or less than. For equivalent amounts, a clam cut-out represents equal to.
This introductory lesson can be assessed through visual observation
and verbal questioning. A group size of 3 – 6 students per group is
optimal.
Pre-K-2
Students build upon their understanding of
greater than,
less than, and
equal to
by observing quantities and making comparisons using various
instructional materials. The fish cut-out, with its mouth open,
represents the greater than or less than symbol; the clam cut-out
represents the equal to symbol. Using fish lips as a transition point,
students will apply their understanding of
greater,
less, and
equal to the standard symbols (>, <, =) as you introduce symbolic notation at a developmentally appropriate level.
Pre-K-2
In this lesson, students will play the role of a consumer as they learn how to use different combinations of coins to make money amounts up to 25 cents. Students will earn money and save it in their piggy banks until they have the exact amount to purchase an item of their choice.
Pre-K-2
In this lesson, students encounter the magical effect of reflection as they use a mirror to visually experience the concept of doubling quantities. This experience focuses student’s attention to using doubles as a strategy to make number operations easier, specifically addition. Literature is used as an introduction to provide a connection and motivation, a game is used for discovery and practice, and writing is used as closure to this lesson.
Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
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Pre-K-2
In this lesson, students use 2 colors of snapping cubes and
other manipulatives to model addend pairs for the number 10. They explore the
different addend pairs, and play a game to apply their understanding.
Pre-K-2, 3-5
In this lesson,
students will use operations to discover
patterns with integers in magic squares. They will apply what they have learned when building their own magic
squares.
Pre-K-2
In the book
Balancing Act by Ellen Stoll Walsh, two mice find a
teeter-totter and have a fun time balancing each other. When more animal
friends come along to join them, they find their teeter-totter unbalanced. This
hands-on lesson uses the book as an introduction to the concept that both sides
of an equation need to be equal and balanced in order to use the "equal to" symbol; otherwise the "not equal to" symbol must be used. In
addition, students use pictures and symbolic letters to represent variables in
an equation.
