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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.

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

A brownie bake

Students determine the amount of each ingredient needed to make brownies, and then they figure out how to divide the brownies evenly among their classmates. In addition to reinforcing measurement skills, this activity could also be used to introduce prime... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Comparison estimator

This activity allows the user to compare two quantities (which may be the number of objects in each of two sets, the lengths of two curves, or the area of two shapes) by estimating. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade K–12 Mathematics)

Provided by: Shodor

Describing designs

In this lesson, students create designs and describe them to classmates using fractional and geometric terms. The lesson provides a context for using the vocabulary terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “square,” “rectangle,”... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Estimator

This activity allows users to practice estimation skills by attempting to determine the number of individual objects shown, estimating the length of a curve based upon a given scale or estimating the area of a shape also based upon a given scale. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade K–12 Mathematics)

Provided by: Shodor

Expanding our pattern block fraction repertoire

In this lesson, the students expand the number of fractions they can represent with pattern blocks by increasing the whole. Illuminations provides an activity sheet, links to related web resources, and instructions for completing the lesson. In small groups,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Exploring the value of the whole

This lesson focuses on the relationship between parts and the whole. These relationships were developed earlier and require the students to consider the size or value of the same fraction when different “wholes” are compared. This lesson promotes... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Investigating fractions with pattern blocks

This lesson promotes problem solving and reasoning with fractions as students investigate the relationships between various parts and wholes. It also focuses on representation because students are given multiple opportunities to investigate the relative... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Mixing In Math

This site offers 40 activities that can be used to teach and practice math skills during everyday routines. Activities are designed for use in after school programs, daily school routines, and at home for kids ages 5-13. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: TERC

More or less estimator

This activity allows the user to estimate quantities and sizes including the number of objects in a set, the lengths of a curve, and the area of a shape (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade K–12 Mathematics)

Provided by: Shodor

Parts of a square

Students investigate the ways shapes can be divided into equal pieces with one or two cuts. It provides a review of the following vocabulary terms: square, triangle, and rectangle; congruent, one-half, and one-fourth. The other lessons in this unit build... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Pattern block fractions

In this that lesson builds on the previous two lessons, students focus on the identification of fractional parts of a region and record them in standard form. Students continue to develop communication skills by working together to express their understanding... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Planning and making a mini-quilt

In this lesson, students create a quilt using three transformations (reflection, rotation, and translation) and then investigate the ways shapes can be colored to show “one-half” and “one-fourth.” They also locate lines of symmetry... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

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

Virtual pattern blocks

Students use virtual pattern blocks to problem solve and reason with fractions. They investigate relationships between parts and wholes using another representation of a region model, virtual fractions. Illuminations provides the activity sheet and links... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations