Browse lesson plans

Book order math

Using a book order catalog, students will calculate costs for their book choices, learn how to write a check, and to fill out an order form.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2–3 Mathematics)

By Teri Dammann.

Design technology: Children's engineering

This unit includes design technology projects linked to major themes in engineering. All the lessons and activities support national and state standards. They include materials lists, procedures, student data sheets, and assessment strategies. The lessons vary in grade level and can be modified up or down.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Eco-packaging

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 1.5

Environmental issues are often at odds with commerce. In this lesson, students balance the need for secure packaging with environmental and economic concerns. They will work together to create mailing packages for a fragile substance and evaluate their results once the package travels through the postal system.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Mathematics and Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Making change

Students will use plastic coins and paper bills to practice making change with a partner.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 and 4–5 Mathematics)

By Carol Livingston.

Making change to $1.00.

In this lesson students will work in small groups making change to $1.00 using coins and pictures of items priced from Sunday fliers. In advance the teacher will cut out pictures of items costing less than $1.00.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Mathematics)

By Julie Hohns.

Marshmallow catapults

In Design technology: Children's engineering, page 1.4

Students will work in design teams competing for a contract to produce a marshmallow catapult for Target. Catapults will be assessed based on cost, performance, and appearance.

Format: lesson plan (grade 5 Mathematics and Science)

By Erin Denniston.

Money and more money

Students will use problem solving skills and knowledge to solve a given problem using money. This activity will help enhance the students' self concept, and understanding the importance of learning basic money skills.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Mathematics)

By Betty Black.

Money counts

Lesson introducing counting money and making change.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Mathematics)

By Angie Horne.

Piggin' out with money

Students will work with money manipulatives to solve word problems that involve adding money amounts and making change. The lesson is introduced with the literature book, Pigs Will be Pigs. After solving the problems posed in the book, the students will work with partners to create their "pig problems". Assessment will require students to solve similar problems on a teacher made worksheet. When time allows, each student will have the opportunity to go to an Internet site to work with money problems and games.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Mathematics)

Shopping spree

Students will practice counting money up to five dollars using grocery ads from local stores.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2–3 Mathematics)

By Lauren Gary.

Smart money

Students will practice making money trades to equal $.25 kinesthetically and with manipulatives.

Format: lesson plan (grade 2 Mathematics)

By Sherry Griffith.

Taxes

Students earn classroom dollars, set up a bank book, pay fines, figure interest and pay taxes.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–6 Mathematics)

By Cecelia Zimerle.

Resources on the web

Exploring pennies and dimes

In this lesson, the first of a six-lesson unit from Illuminations, students examine pennies and dimes and model subtraction as they listen to a children's book. They model amounts to 60 cents with coins. They rub coins and make a chart comparing the two... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

How many ways?

In this lesson, the second of a six-lesson unit from Illuminations, students estimate the value of collections of pennies, nickels, and dimes. They then determine the exact amount by exchanging sets of pennies or nickels for dimes. As an extension, they... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Making change

In this lesson, the fifth of a six-lesson unit from Illuminations, students model prices mentioned in a children's book. Then they make change from a given amount by counting on from the price. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Modeling prizes

Children use pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters to model amounts to 70 cents. Next they answer money puzzles and estimate the number of pennies in a jar. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Number cents: Looking back and moving forward

In this lesson, the last of a six-lesson unit from Illuminations, students discuss and model prices, review the money words they've learned, and play games to facilitate continuing practice. They add to their portfolio and listen to another children's book.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Trading for quarters

This lesson is one of a 6-part unit from Illuminations titled “Trading For Quarters.” In this lesson, children listen to a book and then find sets of coins equivalent to a quarter using pennies, nickels, and dimes. They also estimate and count... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations