Browse lesson plans

Beginning lesson on coordinate grids: First quadrant

Students will investigate the first quadrant of the Cartesian coordinate system. They will use online activities developed by Shodor.org to identify the coordinates of points, or plot specific points. Then students will progress to an activity where they direct a robot through a mine field laid out on the coordinate plane. Permission has been granted for the use of the materials as part of the workshop - "Interactivate Your Bored Math Students" by Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3 and 5 Mathematics)

By Bonnie Boaz.

Gridding a site

In Intrigue of the Past, page 2.2

In their study of how to grid a site, students will use a map and the Cartesian coordinate system to establish a grid system over an archaeological site, labeling each grid unit; determine the location of artifacts within each grid unit; and construct a scientific inquiry concerning the location of artifacts on the site.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5–7 Mathematics and Social Studies)

Introduction to polar coordinates

The student will be introduced to the definition of polar coordinates, how to graph them, and how to compare them to rectangular coordinates.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)

By vicky burlington.

Valentine geometry

Combine geometry construction skills with language arts and artistic ability.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Mathematics)

By Tanis Schick.

Walk the line

This lesson demonstrates the effects of changing the slope and y-intercept on the graph and equation of a line.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Mathematics)

By Carol Huss.

You sank my battleship

Students will learn how to plot ordered pairs using the coordinate plane and determine in which quadrant these ordered pairs lie. Students will show mastery of plotting ordered pairs by playing Battleship. Modifications have been added for Intermediate Low English Language Learners.

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 and 9–12 English Language Development and Mathematics)

By Theadore Taylor and Justine Busto.

Resources on the web

Finding your way around: Graphing on the coordinate plane

In this lesson from Illuminations, students make their way around two-dimensional space in conceptually rich activities. The teaching activities are organized around two major conceptual categories: finding one's way around in the plane and using the plane... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 and 6 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Rescue mission game

Students play a game to learn about the four forces of flight: lift, drag, thrust, and weight. Illuminations provides an activity sheet and detailed instructions for completing the lesson. Students will: Identify and use the four forces... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations