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).
6-8
Students use Venn diagrams to represent the relationships between the factors or products of two numbers.
6-8
Students make connections and expand on what they have learned in the first three lessons. Students explain the effects of different moves on the game board. Finally, students "Guess My Number" using various clues.
6-8
Students identify and classify polygons according to various
attributes. They then sort the polygons in Venn Diagrams, according to
these attributes. Extensions to fundamental ideas about probability and
statistics are also included. This lesson was adapted from an article
written by Carol G. Williams, which appeared in the March‑April 1998
edition of
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.
6-8
Students time balls rolling down inclines of varying lengths and
heights, then try to make inferences about the relationship among the
variables involved. Students decide which variables are important (and
can be measured), how best to collect the data, and how to interpret
the data. This lesson plan is adapted from an article by Thomas
Edwards, which appeared in the November - December 1995 edition of
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.
6-8
In this year-long project, students design, "build," and "sell" a
house; after which they simulate investment of the profits in the stock
market. Along the way, students make scale drawings, compute with
fractions and decimals in various contexts, and even solve simple
equations. This lesson plan was adapted from an article by David B.
Smith, which appeared in the September 2000 edition of
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.
6-8
Students explore two-dimensional space via an activity in which they
navigate the coordinate plane. This NCTM Publication-Based Lesson Plan
is adapted from the article,"Tips for Teaching Cartesian Graphing:
Linking Concepts and Procedures" by Cathy G. Schloemer, which appeared
in Teaching Children Mathematics, Vol. 1, No. 1 (September 1994) pp. 20-23.
6-8, 9-12
This grades 7-12 activity allows students to look for patterns within the given data. After looking at the pattern, the student should be able to form generalizations for the problem. Furthermore, this activity sharpens the algebraic skills of the students. The problem sharpens visualization skills.
