Source: The Democracy Project
Brainstorm ways to raise support for members of a political party and their platform. Map cross-country campaign stops, estimating arrival and departure times and distance between stops, and then validate the estimations.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Measurement. Problem Solving. Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Mathline
Create, replicate and identify patterns, and use proportional reasoning to solve problems. Identify and replicate a bead pattern to repair a necklace, and examine another pattern and price list to calculate the cost of the necklace.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Describe the concept and importance of budgeting. Use tables and charts to help budget time and money, create a financial budget challenged by several constraints and adjust budgets accordingly to meet specified goals.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: The Democracy Project
Determine how much money the student has, how much he or she can afford to spend and how to create a budget. Identify local, state and federal government services, their cost and the income that pays for them.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving. Civics: Community & Citizenship. Civics: United States Government.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers and number systems. Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts, and select, apply and translate among mathematical representations to solve problems.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Describe the concept of bartering. Examine the use of a substance as the standard value for developing a monetary system, create a monetary system based on fractions and multiples of a standard unit and compare it to our U.S. monetary system.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: KERA: Math Can Take You Places
Allows students to work in pairs to match word problems to equation strips. Solve the equation for the missing quantity that makes the equation true.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Make and use line graphs to track changes and make predictions.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Data Analysis/Probability. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Mathline
Research the history and legend of the Chinese mathematical puzzle known as the Magic Square, and explore various methods for reconstructing magic squares.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving. Cultural Studies: Asian Studies. World History: 4000-1000 BCE.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Mathline
Investigate the history and rules of the Tower of Hanoi game, and attempt to solve the puzzle with various numbers of variables. Complete a table recording the number of moves, and use it to determine a rule for the minimum number of moves.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking. Problem Solving. Functions and Algebra. World History: 1750-1900.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Describe a fraction, understand the meaning of the parts of a fraction, add and subtract like fractions and apply fractions to problem situations. Recognize and use equivalent fractions, and represent them geometrically.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: The Democracy Project
Examine the causes, the consequences, the amount and the history of the national debt. Develop solutions for overcoming the debt.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving. Statistics. Civics: United States Government. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Class In America
Explore how income levels affect lifestyles, and identify differences in income levels between the richest and poorest in America and around the world. Solve problems relating to income levels and social class.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Data Analysis/Probability. Problem Solving. Sociology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: WBGU: MathTek
Collaborate with other students and agencies to solve a real-life problem. Survey students, compile data and analyze results to define steps they could take to help save tropical rain forests.
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5
Subjects: Math, Science & Tech
Topics: Data Analysis/Probability. Problem Solving. Life Science. Botany. Ecology.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: WBGU: MathTek
Examine different displays of data and how to analyze the data displayed. Learn about chance and probability while choosing the best day for a bake sale.
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Data Analysis/Probability. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: WBGU: MathTek
Investigate counting, grouping and place value concepts. Explore how to graph results of surveys.
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Data Analysis/Probability. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: WBGU: MathTek
Investigate using number sentences to model real world problems in this introduction to algebraic concepts.
Grade Level: K-2, 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: KERA: Math Can Take You Places
Use fractions, ratios, and measurement to make individual servings of ice cream. The catch? Students must use measurement tools that do not measure the exact amount of each ingredient needed.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math
Topics: Applied Mathematics. Measurement. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: KERA: Math Can Take You Places
Help students develop problem solving and logic skills as they use basic computation to play a game of strategy.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: KERA: Math Can Take You Places
Try various math activities related to real life situations such as eating, traveling and growing. Solve problems that use measurement, percentages, multiplication facts and fractions.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math
Topics: Applied Mathematics. Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Mathline
Investigate proportional reasoning through modeling, student sharing and questioning techniques. Identify the various strategies for solving proportional reasoning problems.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Describe techniques helpful in solving spatial problems, and understand how models can be used. Utilize methods such as sketching or drawing to solve a problem, and create a model requiring specific dimensions and materials.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Geometry and Spatial Sense. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Develop an understanding of coordinates in order to use a map grid and find a route.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math, Science & Tech
Topics: Problem Solving. Navigation.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Solve a visual logic puzzle involving sequence, and explain the reasoning behind the solution.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Analyze patterns of numbers and shapes to find the next two terms in a sequence.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Estimate the number of penguins in a pool by using an estimation method where one picks a section of the pool, counts the penguins inside, then multiplies by the number of sections to find an estimate for the total number of penguins.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Make and use bar graphs to represent information and to present a persuasive argument.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Data Analysis/Probability. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: NOVA
Model how scientists use indirect observations to define problems that are not directly measurable.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Science & Tech
Topics: Problem Solving. Atmosphere & Space Science. Design & Invention.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Analyze and evaluate a series of rules for a code, and apply the series of rules to strategically decipher a code. Construct a secret message using a code, and interact with an educational Web site to test coding skills.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Patterns and Algebraic Thinking. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Use logical reasoning and attributes to sort objects into overlapping circles.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: The Democracy Project
Examine jobs that affect the entire community and potential impact if those jobs were eliminated. Create an edible map of the city that is designed to scale and includes correct placement of landmarks, schools and other features of the city.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Measurement. Problem Solving. Civics: United States Government. Geography.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: KERA: Math Can Take You Places
Utilize front-end estimation, basic computation, and strategy skills to complete a course across a U.S.A. game board.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Big Apple History
Consider the importance of electricity and energy in one's own life, the costs of that energy and the importance of conserving energy. Examine how much energy one's own family uses, the cost and how much would be saved by using conservation methods.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Applied Mathematics. Problem Solving. Technology and Civilization.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: KERA: Math Can Take You Places
Explore how mathematics can be used to solve problems connected to everyday experiences. Calculate time and distance to plan a travel route between Texas attractions. Have students complete a travel log detailing the places they visit.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Applied Mathematics. Measurement. Problem Solving. Geography.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Big Apple History
Compare prices of 150 years ago to those of today. Figure the costs of items and services in New York in the 1850s and the costs for the same items and services today in inflation-adjusted terms.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects: Math, Social Studies
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving. Economics.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Source: Cyberchase
Describe the difference between an estimate and a guess, create reasonable estimates based on observation and hands-on activities and describe how estimation can be applied to real-world situations.
Grade Level: 3-5
Subjects: Math
Topics: Numbers and Operations. Problem Solving.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
