Browse lesson plans

Cubic expressions: Application to fluid transport systems through Murray’s law

In A mathematical model to describe fluid behavior, page 2

The students will view a schematic image of a leaf and the veins of the plant that circulate fluid throughout the leaf. Using a simplified version of Murray’s law, the students will be able to mathematically model the fluid transport system of some plants and animals.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)

By Jenny Rucker.

Irrational numbers: Application to natural frequency and resonance

In A mathematical model to describe fluid behavior, page 1

After a discussion about the effects of natural phenomena on an object’s natural frequency, students will conduct an experiment to model resonance in plant stems and measure the natural frequency of pine trees. Through these activities, the students will gain an understanding of frequency, natural frequency, resonance, oscillations and square roots.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)

By Jenny Rucker.

A mathematical model to describe fluid behavior

Middle school students will learn how to use math to model and predict natural phenomena. Through hands-on labs, students will explore the behavior and effects of fluid in and around objects and organisms. Students will investigate and create fluid transport systems and gather data to calculate natural frequencies. Using scale models to gain a better understanding, they will use data to predict real-life effects on trees and other structures.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Resources on the web

Project Interactivate

Online tools and interactive applets to make math make sense to secondary students. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Shodor Foundation

Teachers' Domain

Teachers’ Domain is an online library of more than 1,000 free media resources from the best in public television. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: WGBH - Boston