The purpose of this task is to use geometric and algebraic reasoning …
The purpose of this task is to use geometric and algebraic reasoning to model a real-life scenario. In particular, students are in several places (implicitly or explicitly) to reason as to when making approximations is reasonable and when to round, when to use equalities vs. inequalities, and the choice of units to work with (e.g., mm vs. cm).
At its core, the LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT product provides a programmable microprocessor. …
At its core, the LEGO MINDSTORMS(TM) NXT product provides a programmable microprocessor. Students use the NXT processor to simulate an experiment involving thousands of uniformly random points placed within a unit square. Using the underlying geometry of the experimental model, as well as the geometric definition of the constant π (pi), students form an empirical ratio of areas to estimate a numerical value of π. Although typically used for numerical integration of irregular shapes, in this activity, students use a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate a common but rather complex analytical form the numerical value of the most famous irrational number, π.
This task is primarily about volume and surface area, although it also …
This task is primarily about volume and surface area, although it also gives students an early look at converting between measurements in scale models and the real objects they correspond to.
In this animated and interactive object, learners examine the definitions and formulas …
In this animated and interactive object, learners examine the definitions and formulas for radius, diameter, circumference, and area. Students also solve practice problems involving the circumference and area of a circle.
An applet for students to use in exploring the area and circumference …
An applet for students to use in exploring the area and circumference of a circle in relation to its radius and diameter. When the radius is changed, the other measures automatically change and are shown on a board. Most importantly, the ratio between any pair of these measures can be shown.
This task shows that the three perpendicular bisectors of the sides of …
This task shows that the three perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle all meet in a point, using the characterization of the perpendicular bisector of a line segment as the set of points equidistant from the two ends of the segment. The point so constructed is called the circumcenter of the triangle.
Accuracy of measurement in navigation depends very much on the situation. If …
Accuracy of measurement in navigation depends very much on the situation. If a sailor's target is an island 200 km wide, sailing off center by 10 or 20 km is not a major problem. But, if the island were only 1 km wide, it would be missed if off just the smallest bit. Many of the measurements made while navigating involve angles, and a small error in the angle can translate to a much larger error in position when traveling long distances.
Accuracy of measurement in navigation depends very much on the situation. If …
Accuracy of measurement in navigation depends very much on the situation. If a sailor's target is an island 200 km wide, sailing off center by 10 or 20 km is not a major problem. But, if the island were only 1 km wide, it would be missed if off just the smallest bit. Many of the measurements made while navigating involve angles, and a small error in the angle can translate to a much larger error in position when traveling long distances.
The purpose of this series of tasks is to build in a …
The purpose of this series of tasks is to build in a natural way from accessible, concrete problems involving volume to a more abstract understanding of volume. The purpose of this first task is to see the relationship between the side-lengths of a cube and its volume.
The purpose of this series of tasks is to build in a …
The purpose of this series of tasks is to build in a natural way from accessible, concrete problems involving volume to a more abstract understanding of volume. In this iteration, we do away with the lines that delineate individual unit cubes (which makes it more abstract) and generalize from cubes to rectangular prisms.
The purpose of this series of tasks is to build in a …
The purpose of this series of tasks is to build in a natural way from accessible, concrete problems involving volume to a more abstract understanding of volume. Here, we are given the volume and are asked to find the height.
The purpose of this series of tasks is to build in a …
The purpose of this series of tasks is to build in a natural way from accessible, concrete problems involving volume to a more abstract understanding of volume. This problem is based on ArchimedesŐ Principle that the volume of an immersed object is equivalent to the volume of the displaced water.
This familiar game can be played by one or two players taking …
This familiar game can be played by one or two players taking turns. Players choose to match equivalent representations of numbers, shapes, fractions, or multiplication facts. The game can be played in clear pane mode, or for added challenge, with the windows closed.
This task is designed to give students insight into the effects of …
This task is designed to give students insight into the effects of translations, rotations, and reflections on geometric figures in the context of showing that two figures are congruent.
Students' first experience with transformations is likely to be with specific shapes …
Students' first experience with transformations is likely to be with specific shapes like triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and figures with symmetry. Exhibiting a sequence of transformations that shows that two generic line segments of the same length are congruent is a good way for students to begin thinking about transformations in greater generality.
This task has two goals: first to develop student understanding of rigid …
This task has two goals: first to develop student understanding of rigid motions in the context of demonstrating congruence. Secondly, student knowledge of reflections is refined by considering the notion of orientation in part (b).
The construction of the perpendicular bisector of a line segment is one …
The construction of the perpendicular bisector of a line segment is one of the most common in plane geometry and it is undertaken here. In addition to giving students a chance to work with straightedge and compass, the problem uses triangle congruence both to show that the constructed line is perpendicular to AB and to show that it bisects AB.
This task is for instruction purposes. Part (b) is subtle and the …
This task is for instruction purposes. Part (b) is subtle and the solution presented here uses a "dynamic" view of triangles with two side lengths fixed. This helps pave the way toward what students will see later in trigonometry but some guidance will likely be needed in order to get students started on this path.
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