Ice Cream Cones

Students are encouraged to discover all the combinations for ice cream cones. They use problem-solving skills (including elimination and collection of organized data) to draw their conclusions. Students also discuss whether or not order matters mathematically for the given problem.

Maintaining the Balance

In this lesson for grades 3‑5, students participate in activities in which they focus on patterns and relations that can be developed from the exploration of balance, mass, length of the mass arm, and the position of the fulcrum. The focus of this lesson is determining the position necessary to balance uneven objects and the effect on balance of moving the fulcrum.

A Brownie Bake

Students determine the amount of each ingredient needed to make brownies, and then they figure out how to divide the brownies evenly among their classmates. This lesson helps students reinforce their measurement skills in a practical situation.

Name Your Tune

The activities in this lesson focuses on studying information displayed in pictographs that report the sales of records, tapes, and compact discs for one week at a music store. The students are asked to discuss and then describe the information and to explain the numbers sold in each category. They are asked to defend their explanation.

Estimating Volume by Counting on Frank

In this lesson, students read the book Counting on Frank. They use information in the book to make estimates involving volume. In particular, students explore the size of humpback whales.

Classroom Paper

Students participate in an activity in which they investigate data in connection with recyclable materials and develop plans to help the environment. This activity requires students to keep track of their own paper use for a week then interpret their results with partners. After studying information on paper use, students will be ready to discuss ideas and implement plans for saving paper in the classroom.

Aluminum Cans

Students participate in an activity in which they investigate data in connection with recyclable materials and develop plans to help the environment. Students collect data about aluminum can usage and graph that data in a line plot.

How to Bag It?

Students participate in an activity in which they investigate the data in connection with recyclable materials and develop plans to help the environment. Students discuss the pros and cons of using various types of bags at the grocery store. Classmates are surveyed to determine which type of bag is the "best".