Algebra 1

Bouncing ball experiment

In this experiment students should be in groups of 3. Students will drop a ball from different heights and measure the corresponding bounce. Since each group will use a different ball, they will generate different sets of data. They will be asked to discuss and compare their linear function with that of their classmates. They should practice measuring the ball bounce before they begin to collect data.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)

By alicia jones.

Resources on the web

Light it up

In this Illuminations lesson, students are presented with a real-world problem: Given a mirror and laser pointer, determine the position where one should stand so that a reflected light image will hit a designated target. This investigation allows students... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)

Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Gather data

In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students explore the development of a mathematical model for the decay of light passing through water, in a rich exploration of exponential models in context. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)

Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

Dirt bike dilemma

In this Illuminations lesson, students discover the algorithm for solving linear programming problems. They gain conceptual understanding by solving a real-world problem and using graphing calculator applications. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)

Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

The Devil and Daniel Webster

In this lesson, from Illuminations, students examine a recursive sequence. They approximate and interpret rates of change from numerical data and draw reasonable conclusions about the situation being modeled. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Mathematics)

Provided by: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics