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.
6-8
Students recall and model the square root as the length of one side of a square. But what if the square is not a perfect square? This collection of activities explores the square roots of not-so-perfect squares and develops an algorithm to express the not-so-perfect square root as a rational value.
6-8
Students studying linear equations inevitably explore the concept of slope. Slope is a recurring topic found in algebra when studying linear equations, in trigonometry when studying the tangent ratio, and in calculus when studying the derivative. Lead students to a deeper understanding of slope and linear equations using elevation and distance data from a popular mapping website.
6-8
In this lesson, students determine the time it takes for a roller coaster to reach the bottom of its tallest drop. They use tables and graphs to analyze the falls of different roller coasters. Students conclude the study by creating their own roller coaster and providing an analysis of its fall.
6-8
In this lesson, students explore linear equations with manipulatives
and discover various steps used in solving equation problems. Students
use blocks and counters as tactile representations to help them solve
for unknown values of
x.
6-8
Students will plot points on a coordinate grid to represent ships
before playing a graphing equations game with a partner. Points along
the
y-axis represent cannons and slopes are chosen randomly to
determine the line and equation of attacks. Students will use their
math skills and strategy to sink their opponent's ships and win the
game. After the game, an algebraic approach to the game is
investigated.
9-12
In this lesson, students use remote-controlled cars to create a system of equations. The solution of the system corresponds to the cars crashing. Multiple representations are woven together throughout the lesson, using graphs, scatter plots, equations, tables, and technological tools. Students calculate the time and place of the crash mathematically, and then test the results by crashing the cars into each other.
6-8
In this investigation, students learn about the notion of equivalence in concrete and numerical settings. As students begin to use symbolic representations, they use variables as place holders or unknowns. This investigation illustrates the continued transition from the concrete balance view of equivalence to a more abstract view.
6-8
In this lesson, students take on the role of a villager in a
third-world country trying to feed her village. While listening to you
read aloud the book
One Grain of Rice by Demi, students work
collaboratively to come up with a bargaining plan to trick the raja
into feeding the village using algebra, exponential growth, and
estimation.
9-12
In this lesson, students consider the costs of owning a car and ways to lessen those costs. In particular, highway and city mileage are considered, and optimal mileage is calculated using fuel consumption versus speed data.
