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Geometry

Mars Orbit

9-12
Astronomers now know that the planets in our solar system travel around the Sun in roughly circular orbits. However, people used to believe that the Sun and other planets orbited the Earth. If that were the case—if the Earth were the center of our solar system—what would the orbit of the other planets look like relative to Earth? That is the question that students will explore in this lesson. Students will generate parametric equations to describe the position of planets relative to the Sun; then, they will combine the equations to describe the position of Mars relative to Earth.
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Algebra

Making Change

Pre-K-2

To begin this lesson, children model prices mentioned in a children’s book. Then they make change from a given amount by counting on from the price.

Note: Counting on to make change is a very challenging activity. In initial instruction, it is best to restrict the coins used in making change to pennies and dimes.

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Data Analysis and Probability

Making Glyphs

Pre-K-2
In this lesson, students learn a powerful way to display data—using a glyph. They collect data and create pictures using the data. Students also interpret glyphs made by other students.
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Geometry

Making Rectangles

Pre-K-2
In this activity, students use their knowledge of number, measurement and geometry to plan the steps necessary for a ladybug to draw rectangles of different sizes. As they experiment, students begin to understand the relationship between the shape of a rectangle and the lengths of its sides. They also develop a sense of the amount of turn in a right angle.
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Number and Operations

Too Big or Too Small?

6-8
In this lesson, students develop number sense through a series of three hands-on activities. Students explore the following concepts: the magnitude of a million, fractions between 0 and 1, and the effect of decimal operations.
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Measurement

Maya Constructions

6-8, 9-12
In this lesson, students learn to use a compass and a straight edge to construct rectangles of leg ratios 1:1; 1:√2; 1:√3; 1:2; and 1:√5. The lesson culminates with the class constructing a full size façade of a house using the proportions of the Ancient Maya.
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Measurement

Measuring Uncertainty

9-12
By measuring long jump results, students will discover how to determine the appropriate number of digits they should report when taking a linear measurement. Students will realize that measured numbers are never exact and researcher skill and tools can be analyzed to determine the precision of a measurement.
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Geometry

Making Triangles

Pre-K-2
In this activity, students use 45- and 90-degree angles to create triangles, and develop an understanding of the relationship between angles and the shape of triangle. Students use their knowledge of number, measurement and geometry to design a "virtual path" using two different angles to help a ladybug reach its hiding place under a leaf.
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Geometry

Making Virtual Triangles

Pre-K-2
In this lesson, students use virtual manipulatives to explore triangles. They create virtual representations of triangles on an electronic geoboard. They also identify shapes within shapes using tangrams. This activity is appropriate for a computer lab, so all students have access to the virtual manipulatives.
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Data Analysis and Probability

Making Your First Million

3-5, 6-8
In this activity for grades 4-6, students attempt to identify the concept of a million by working with smaller numerical units, such as blocks of 10 or 100, and then expanding the idea by multiplication or repeated addition until a million is reached. Additionally, they use critical thinking to analyze situations and to identify mathematical patterns that will enable them to develop the concept of very large numbers.