Browse lesson plans

Bearly estimating

This is a lesson which allows students to explore with estimation in cooperative learning groups.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1 Mathematics)

By Melissa Geiser.

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 8–12 Mathematics)

By alicia jones.

Collecting and organizing data

In this lesson students will learn to collect data and organize the data into a chart using computer technology.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Computer/Technology Skills, Information Skills, and Mathematics)

By Rochelle Mullis.

Data gathering - Linear regressions

In groups of three, students gather data by experiment or observation in one of nine activities. Each group models the data they gathered, creates a display, and presents results to the class using an overhead projector.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Mathematics)

By Judy Pickering.

Exploring probability

Through teacher guidance, students will experiment with objects to generate probable outcomes to consider probability.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 and 7 Mathematics)

By John Cleveland.

Graphing the week's temperature

Students will collect data, create a graph, and analyze information about the temperatures for a week using Graph Club Software.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics and Science)

By Maureen King.

Graphs galore

This lesson will allow students to conduct surveys from a selected number of people. Then the students will be able to use this data to create various kinds of graphs. After completion of the graphs, they will analyze their data and then draw conclusions from this data.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 Computer/Technology Skills and Mathematics)

By Alta Allen.

Interdisciplinary Integrated Unit on DNA/Genetics Part B: Math

The second lesson of an interdisciplinary integrated unit on DNA and genetics, focusing on math. The other lessons in the unit focus on science and language arts.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Computer/Technology Skills and Mathematics)

By Jane Lentz, Jimmy White, Marlene Smith, and Tori Goldrick.

Raisins, Raisins, Raisins

This lesson involves students in collecting data,organizing data into a line plot, discussing statistics, calculating mean, medain and mode and consumer awareness.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5–6 Mathematics)

By Melanie Simmons.

See how they run!: The 100 meter dash

Middle level students will collect times as they run the 100 meter dash. These times will be depicted through various graphic representations (bar, circle, histogram). Times will be compared to current world records for the 100 meters. Students will decide which Math class ran fastest and support that choice in short essay form. They will also try to determine the faster gender based on the data collected.

This lesson plan is a unit filled with related lesson plans. One or two parts of this project could be completed as a stand-alone lesson, or the entire set of activities and extensions could be completed for an involved, integrated unit.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)

By Holly Smith.

Solar sizzlers

Group projects of building solar cookers or collectors provide arena for learning about energy sources and transformation. Gathering data for comparison and analysis exercises students' graphing skills and thinking.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Information Skills, Mathematics, and Science)

By Larry Parker.

Solid graphing

The students will review solid figures using a baggie of assorted snack mix (cones, cubes, cylinders, and spheres) and will begin a vertical bar graph showing the number of each solid figure in a bag of assorted snack mix.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2–3 Mathematics)

By Lisa Fletcher.

Sorting seeds

This lesson will engage students in manipulating, sorting, counting, and graphing seeds. The students will be involved in the creation of a graph using the computer.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Mathematics)

By Mary Jackson.

Statistics project

Students collect numeric and non-numeric data. They are then expected to use the data collected to construct different types of graphs as well as finding central tendencies.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5–8 Mathematics)

By Audrea Saunders.

Taking a stride in graphing

This lesson provides hands-on activities for students to use real-life experiences and apply them to graphing.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2–4 Mathematics)

By Sandy Brooks.

Where were you born: A graphing lesson

Students will gather data and graph the results. Lake Norman Elementary's student population has a wide range of native states. Many of the students were born in states other than North Carolina. This activity allows the students to survey each class to see what states are represented in our school. After the survey results have been tallied, students will use the data to create different types of graphs. The class will then compare the graphs and will decide which type of graph represents the information most clearly.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

By Erin Bradfeldt, Joan Milliken, and Kathy Beck.

Resources on the web

Collecting, representing, and interpreting data using spreadsheets and graphing software: Collecting and examining weather data

Spreadsheets and graphing software are tools for organizing, representing, and comparing data. This activity illustrates how weather data can be collected and examined using these tools. In the first part, Collecting and Examining Weather Data, students... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Computer/Technology Skills, Mathematics, and Science)

Provided by: Illuminations