Browse lesson plans

Resources on the web

The first race

Using the E-Example simulation, students will model multiplication facts on the number line and compare various representations. Illuminations provides all activity sheets necessary for completing the lesson. Using an online simulation program, students... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Food pyramid power: Looking back and moving forward

In this lesson, the last of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “Food Pyramid Power,” students display their knowledge of properties of objects for sorting and creating patterns. They also demonstrate an understanding of commutativity... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Hopping backward on the number line

In this lesson, one of a seven-part unit from Illuminations titled “Links Away,” students generate differences using the number line model. Because this model highlights the measurement aspect of subtraction, it is a distinctly different representation... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Hopping backward to solve problems

In this lesson, one of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “How Many More Fish?,” students determine differences using the number line to compare lengths. At the end of the lesson, the students use reasoning and problem solving to predict... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Hopping on the number line

In this lesson, one of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “Do It with Dominoes,” students generate sums using the “number line” model. This model highlights the measurement aspect of addition and is a distinctly different... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Hopping on the number line

In this lesson, students generate products using the number line model, which highlights the measurement aspect of multiplication and is a distinctly different representation of the operation. After demonstrating how to use a number line, the teacher challenges... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

How many left?

In this lesson, the second of a six-part Illuminations unit titled “Macaroni Math,” students explore the familiar set model of subtraction. The students write story problems and find differences using sets, including subtracting all and subtracting... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

How many more fish? Wrapping up the unit

In this lesson, the last of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “How Many More Fish?,” students use the mathematical knowledge and skills developed in the previous lessons as they play games involving comparative subtraction. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

How many more?

In this lesson, one of a six-part unit from Illuminations titled “How Many More Fish?,” students write subtraction problems, model them with sets of fish-shaped crackers, and communicate their findings in words and pictures. They record differences... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Keeping it all together

By playing card games and using the The Product Game applet, students practice the multiplication facts. As students continue to master their facts, the teacher closely monitors their progress. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Let's learn those facts: Wrapping up the unit

In this lesson, the last of a five-part unit from Illuminations titled “Let's Learn Those Facts,” students display their knowledge of properties of objects for sorting and creating patterns. They also demonstrate an understanding of commutativity... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Links away: Looking back and moving forward

This lesson, one of a seven-part unit from Illuminations titled “Links Away,” reviews the work of the previous lessons and suggests a framework for summative assessment. Students review the models for subtraction, use the properties of subtraction,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Looking for calculator patterns

Students use a web-based calculator to create and compare counting patterns using the constant function feature of the calculator. Making connections between multiple representations of counting patterns reinforces students understanding of this important... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Looking for patterns

Students skip count and examine multiplication patterns, while exploring commutativity in this lesson. Illuminations provides charts, a handout, and songs for skip counting multiplication tables. By asking students a series of guiding questions, the teacher... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–5 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Lost buttons

Students investigate subtraction more directly, beginning with the easier “take away” mode. They model “take away” subtraction with buttons and write subtraction sentences. Illuminations provides helpful handouts and detailed instructions... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade K–2 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Making your own product game

Students work in pairs to create their own game boards and learn by experimenting and making mistakes about what factors and products to include in a game. After reviewing strategies for playing the game, students create their own game boards and practice... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 and 6–7 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

The Math Forum

An outstanding site for mathematics instruction on the internet, sponsored by Drexel University, Math Forum provides resources, materials, and activities for both students and educators. The site is user friendly and easy to navigate. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Drexel University School of Education

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

Modeling multiplication with rows and columns

This lesson, the fourth of an eight-part unit from Illuminations titled “Multiplying Meanings,” encourages students to explore the array model of multiplication. Students make arrays with counters and then create a second concrete example of... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Modeling multiplication with streets and avenues

This lesson encourages students to explore the array model of multiplication, a model that lays an important foundation for the later study of area. The lesson focuses on the factors 4 and 6. Students will also explore products with 0 or 1 as a factors. First... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations