An independent exploration designed to allow learners the chance to experience the steps an author must go throught to publish their own work. Learners will follow a 10-step process taking them from character development all the way through illustrations and publishing. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> A 10-step process for helping learners develop a short story –> 5 pages of graphic organizers STORY I developed this product when my learners who had been writing short stories since Pre K. I found it interesting that many of them had never made it through the full editing process to publishing. As a way to keep it interesting, I designed a character card graphic organizer in the style of a trading card to help learners visualize and develop their main character. From there I built the entire 10-step process which took my class about 3 weeks to complete. IMPLEMENTATION This resource consists of a list of ten steps for teacher implmentation of the writing process. Several optional activities are included as well to differentiate or mix up the time you have. Use the 5 included worksheets and several resources linked in this file to construct a several week writing exploration with your class. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Show off those stories! Consider arranging time to read the stories to a younger grade level. Learners will gain practice in reading aloud skills and asking questions.

A small-group or independent science project designed to allow learners the chance to experience physical science according to their own interests and the household objects they have available to them. Learners will spend time researching a strange phenomenon explainable using physics and preparing a demonstration of the experiment for the class. On presentation day, the class will circulate to watch groups of learners give their demonstrations, make hypotheses about the outcomes, and write the explanation given for the experiments they view. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> Project Description –> Physics Demo Project Brainstorm –> Observer Notes Sheet –> Project Rubric STORY Science Fair Projects can often be very time consuming - thinking of a project, designing an experiment, collecting results, gluing things to a board, and bringing it all back to school. I decided this year to simplify the process and let learners work as partners to give a physical science demonstration about how the world works. I had given many demonstrations in class like the classic “egg sucked into a bottle” trick, “pulling the table cloth out from under the dishes” trick and the ever popular “cola sinks, diet cola floats” trick. Learners were fascinated by these demonstrations, and I got the idea to let them come up with their own experiments so we could run our own mini science fair. IMPLEMENTATION This resource consists of a project description page which, through the teacher’s guidance, can facilitate great conversation and exploration into many real-world phenomena which seem like “tricks” but can be explained through an understanding of physical science. You have several options for setting up a presentation day which gives opportunity for the whole class to benefit from the science explorations. Overall, this project should take students about one week to research, develop, rehearse, and present their experiments. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Download this project and let the students teach the science concepts for the day. Invite other classrooms over and have yourself a proper mini-science fair!

A small-group or independent science project designed to allow learners the chance to investigate the many fields of science. Learners will spend time researching a chosen or assigned field of study and preparing a slide presentation to share the information with the class. During presentations, the rest of the class will take notes on specific aspects of the branches of science being showcased. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> Project Description Worksheet –> 2-page note taking organizer for presentations STORY Before jumping into a wide variety of topics in a school year, I enjoy a beginning-of-year research project into the fields of science. This also allows time for learners to practice research methodology, presentation skills, and note taking. IMPLEMENTATION This resource consists mainly of a project description page which, through the teacher’s guidance, can facilitate great conversation about the many branches of science that exist. The research learners will conduct on their specific field of science centers around four main questions as well as a search through the information listed on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics site. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS As you go throughout the year, have learners make connections between the topics they are learning to the fields of science they researched.

A small- or whole-group science experiment designed to allow learners the chance to craft their own experiment following the Scientific Method. The experiment begins with watching an old M&M commercial stating the oldest and perhaps most popular M&M slogan, “Melts in your mouth, not in your hand.” Learners will decide on the variables and conditions of the experiment before conducting it and gathering data. They will leverage their own creativity in the specific design of their experiment and conduct it themselves in tandem with the other groups in the class. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> Experiment Walkthrough and Notes –> Experiment Handout STORY This experiment came about when I wanted a way to highlight the Scientific Method and independent and dependent variables with very few materials. A usual class favorite, this experiment has repeat value over many years. Plus, allowing learners to both design the experiment and base it off of M&Ms boasts great engagement. IMPLEMENTATION This resource consists mainly of an experiment which, through the teacher’s guidance, can facilitate great conversation about conducting experiments, the importance of variables, the importance of establishing a control, and much more. You can begin the experiment with several included discussion starters for introducing the exploration. Then, the class will gather their ideas and set out designing experiments, conducting them, and compiling data. When finished, a larger conversation can be had reflecting on the M&M slogan and the validity of the experiments just carried out. Specific examples from my classroom for each step of the experiment’s implementation have been included for reference. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS After completing the experiment, you could discuss how scientists have to repeat experiments to make sure the results are valid. Have a discussion about what could be done differently. Or, dive in head first with the entire Chemistry Science Unit Plan (coming soon to TES).

A small- or whole-group science experiment designed to guide learners in calculating the molarity (concentration) of a solute in a solvent. Learners will use formulas and unit conversions to calculate and observe how the concentration of a solution can be affected by changing either the amount of solute, the solvent, or both. In addition to some meaningful mathematics, this experiment takes learners through the process of accurate measurement, molarity calculation, and data collection. In the end, learners will have created 4 different solutions of varied sugar concentrations to be compared by taste and molarity (in moles per liter). Please note: This experiment was originally designed for a unit plan in a gifted grade six classroom. As such, it contains some challenging concepts and calculations. However, the experiment is well written and with proper scaffolding, is easily appropriate for any middle school classroom. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> Science Education Best Practices –> 6-page Fully-Outlined Experiment Student Packet –> Experiment Answer Key STORY During the planning of my grade six chemistry unit plan, I was looking for an idea for a full lab experiment. While we didn’t have access to an actual lab or chemicals, it was challenging to come up with something viable, until we started looking at the molecule sucrose – then it hit me. So I developed this experiment to look specifically at solutions of Kool Aid and sugar. This experiment introduces my learners to the larger world of molarity including touching on Avogadro’s number, finding the molecular weight of a molecule, and tasting for themselves what “double the concentration” or “supersaturation” actually means. IMPLEMENTATION This resource consists mainly of an experiment which, through the teacher’s guidance, can facilitate great conversation about concentration, solutions, calculating molarity and supersaturation. You can begin the experiment by watching a video or reading an article explaining the “mole” and its application in Chemistry. Then, using the molecular weight of specific elements and an example of how to calculate molarity, learners will create a control and three different concentrations of the sugar and Kool Aid solution. Once all the mathematics is complete, learners will collect qualitative data, tasting the solutions to compare them. When finished, a few questions will guide their thinking and could stimulate a group conversation to make larger connections. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS After completing the experiment, you could discuss how scientists have to repeat experiments to make sure the results are valid. Have a discussion about what could be done differently. Or, dive in head first with the entire Chemistry Science Unit Plan.

A whole-group mathematical exploration into the geometric concepts of triangles, quadrilaterals, interior angles, and sums of interior angles. The discovery lesson in this product operates under one premise: that math is not simply a set of rules learners are assimilated to follow but rather an intricate and infinite world of possibility that they can be guided to interpret on their own. Set aside your understandings about how math is supposed to be taught, learned and structured, and open your mind to a whole different kind of math lesson. One where discovery is the goal and the learners are fully responsible for it. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: -> A 3-task lesson which allows learners to discover ideas about the properties of triangles, quadrilaterals and polygons as well as their interior angles -> A detailed breakdown of what happens in each task based on what becomes the student’s responsibility and what is left for the teacher to manage -> Possible discoveries that learners can make along with key transferable ideas they’ll use throughout their future geometry explorations -> Plenty of possibility for extension, deeper discussion or lesson ideas STORY I’ve spent many years reading through textbooks and adapting the content to fit the learners I had sitting in my classroom. The rigid structure the most textbook lessons would often frustrate me as the beautiful and interconnected world of mathematics was boiled down to minute facts to be memorized, repeated and regurgitated in a specific standards-defined order. Over time, I’ve realized that a more authentic learning experience centers around learners exploring mathematical phenomenon and discovering the deeper truths for themselves. And that got me thinking, could an entire curriculum be crafted around this idea that the content could be discovered rather than memorized? And thus, our journey toward REdiscovering mathematics was born. IMPLEMENTATION This resource provides a three-task lesson with two extra pages of teacher information for implementing an organic, collaborative, exploratory lesson in geometry. As such, there are many possibilities for implementation. The tasks should be explored in the order they are given, but should not be pushed to be completed in a single sitting. Allowing learners time to make theories about the mathematics is key to the success of the lesson. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS While this lesson does not cover all ideas specifically related to triangles, quadrilaterals or angles, it does give a great jumping off point and is suggested as the start of any inquiry into geometry at this level. Supplement this discovery lesson with problems and other ideas from your school’s curriculum. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: -> Plenty of time and space to explore these ideas -> Computer and Internet access

A small-group or independent mathematical list of graphing challenges using linear equations. This resource gives learners opportunities to push their understanding of how the coordinate plane works and how the equations we write can manipulate the lines graphed upon that plane. Learners will explore the importance of slope, how that can affect perpendicular and parallel lines, and what is required to draw a line through a specific point. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: -> Instructions for implementation -> 1-page of exploration -> Suggestions for best practices of instruction STORY After my students got a basic understanding of how the coordinate plane works, memorized vocabulary like origin and quadrant, and leaned what a y = x + 1 graph looked like, they were hungry for more. Then this activity was born to challenge them and give them more exposure to graphs. Challenge your students to push their understanding of how equations work and start some good algebra classroom discussions before they even hit their first algebra course. IMPLEMENTATION This resource provides a page of graphing challenges which can be achieved only through equations of lines that learners test and confirm. It’s implementation has a variety of possibilities. This activity can be a great intro to a further discussion on point-slope and slope-intercept form. It could be used as extra practice, an extension, or even as a small group differentiated instruction activity. More information to implement the activity in the file. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Continue your student’s exploration of how words, equations, tables, and graphs are related with The Fantastic Four of Algebra Exploration. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: -> Computers with Internet accessibility

A small-group or independent mathematical exploration of the animal kingdom. This resource creates space for learners to explore the relative size and speed of animals in comparison to their own. This activity is used best to reinforce data collection, proportional reasoning, and unit conversions within a relevant, real-world context. Learners will calculate their own land speed to make comparisons with other animals using data from www.speedofanimals.com. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: -> A 4-page worksheet -> Suggestions for Best Practice in implementation STORY One day at recess, my math class students were racing each other outside. I made a comment to say that they weren’t nearly as speedy as most of the animal world. Then, we needed a little exploration to prove it. IMPLEMENTATION This resource provides a structured exploration of rates, unit converstions, data collection, and data representation. Learners will begin by heading outside and being timed while running a set distance. From there, the class will work together to calculate their average running speeds. Then, they will choose ten animals from www.speedofanimals.com with which to compete. Finally, the worksheet provides the required structure to walk thorugh several other mathematical tasks to draw some interesting conclusions about how fast animals can be. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Possible extensions are included in this file! MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: -> Stopwatches or timers -> Computers or tablets with internet access

A whole-group mathematical game of bingo involving solutions to multi-step equations. This resource creates the structure for practicing the simplification and solving of linear equations in one-variable and the values of the variables are represented in the numbers placed on the bingo cards. Learners will solve equations independently to mark the correct number on their own card. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: -> Blank Bingo Board Template -> 30 Linear Equations with Corresponding Answers -> Ideas for alternate or extended play STORY My competitive students absolutely love bingo. Anytime I can do a review game having to do with bingo they eat it right up. It is fairly simple to make clues and let students choose where they want their numbers. IMPLEMENTATION This resource provides blank bingo cards and a set of 30 clues. By printing the templates, you have everything you need to run one game of bingo. Learners fill in their own blank template randomly with any number in the range of 1-30. To play again, simply make a new set of clues or have the learners develop them. This is a great review game. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Possible extensions included in this file! MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: -> A Random Number Generator – links in the file

A small-group or independent mathematical exploration of expressing a number as an additive series of unit fractions. This resource creates space for learners to explore the history behind computing parts of a whole as well as the challenge around being as efficient as possible in discovering these series of unit fractions. Learners will identify patterns, draw inferences, and build their number reasoning skills. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: -> 4 pages of fraction pattern exploration -> 4 pages of hints and answer keys -> An assignable Easel activity STORY I stumbled across this story of Egyptian fractions when I was looking for supplementary resources during my addition of fractions unit in grade 5. I really liked the challenge that discovering the patterns naturally encouraged, so I developed an exploration which turned into several days of great conversation, inquiry, and discovery for my students. It was a worthwhile bunny trail from our regular curriculum as it helped many students build a foundation for understanding operations with fractions and why we might need to do it in the first place. IMPLEMENTATION This resource provides a four-page worksheet chocked full of ideas about the history and methodology of ways to split up a total. As such, there are many possibilities for implementation. Use this worksheet as an independent, standalone activity to extend learning for some students. Allow learners to partner or group up to take on the challenges together or lead the entire class in an exploration of fractions by introducing the ideas organically. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Ideas for extension are included in the resource. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: -> Plenty of time and space to explore these ideas -> More research on Egyptian fractions (optional websites included)

A small-group or independent mathematical exploration of the fundamentals of Algebra. This resource creates space for learners to explore the various representations of a situation in the context of Algebra. This activity is used best to offer plenty of practice for learners in order to naturally strengthen the connection between words, graphs, tables and equations within algebraic problems. This will help to strengthen their understanding of and ability to find equations in single variable, proportional relationship word problems. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: -> A 1-page graphic organizer -> 16 various practice problems -> A template page for creating your own -> An assignable Easel activity STORY Over a few years, I noticed that learners have particular difficulty in bridging the gap between reading a word problem and figuring out the algebraic equation to represent it in the years before Pre-Algebra. I decided that, to match the superhero theme of my classroom, I would attempt to teach Algebra with a metaphorical team of four heroes: words, graphs, tables, and equations. IMPLEMENTATION This resource provides sixteen different Algebraic situations and plenty of practice of the concepts. It should be used only after you have had time to teach additive and multiplicative proportional relationships with specific emphasis on writing equations for them. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Continue your student’s exploration of equation and graph correlation with my Equation Graphing Math Challenge product. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: -> Extra Paper or additional problems

A whole-group mathematical exploration of equivalence. This resource creates space for learners to manipulate, justify, and solve equations using a basic understanding of the following properties of mathematics, each of which is introduced within its own prompt so that they can learn the process of logically reasoning through each situation. Learners are encouraged to bring ideas forward within the conversation and prove or disprove each other’s theories about the balanced equations they can create from this model. This activity is used best to push learners toward deep, critical thought about number reasoning and equivalence - skills they can start building as early as grade 3 or 4 on up through Algebra. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: -> 7 balance bender explorations -> Step-by-step instructions for you on how to lead learners into deep, critical thought about mathematics -> Possible hints and breakthroughs for several of the prompts are included -> Plenty of possibility for extension, deeper discussion or lesson ideas -> An assignable Easel activity STORY A lot of my work this school year has led me to really pushing learners outside the usual confines of the worksheet-based industrial model of education. More than ever, I am learning how to really push my students to see beyond the obvious – making observations, developing generalizations, and justifying their theories. Learning inside my classroom has moved from something I give learners to something that my learners explore and discover for themselves. This and my other pattern exploration activities are examples of things I used this year to elicit that deep thought. IMPLEMENTATION This resource provides sharable whole-group prompts with plenty of opportunity for learners to explore together. It gives clear instructions for how to set up a conversation about the mathematics in play in the balanced situations. Learners will use the given balanced equations to find other equivalencies for each shape. Once they do so, they will be able to complete the comparisons below the givens based on the understood, relative value of each shape. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Possible extensions are included in the file! There is always more discussion or exploration that can be done when we are drawing conclusions about equations and algebraic representations. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: -> Computer and internet access

A daily whole-group classroom system for assisting students with opportunities to develop their number reasoning, automaticity, and conceptual understanding of the four operations. This resource offers four types of 30-minute-a-day thought exercises specifically created to target problem solving and math reasoning skills. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> How-to Guide for Classroom Implementation –> 24 Weeks of Thought Exercises –> Opportunities to customize and add additional weeks –> Each week contains 4 different thought exercises –> Each thought exercise contains 30 minutes of partner and / or whole group activities –> Tips for teachers to implement this program STORY I attended a week-long mathematics professional development this last summer that opened my eyes to the importance of teaching number reasoning and reinforcing a conceptual understanding of mathematics in a world typically devoted to a get-to-the-standard-algorithm style of instruction or pedagogy based on non-conceptual shortcuts. I jumped in head first this year devoting thirty minutes of my daily teaching time to implementing this system, and I have seen fantastic results. Students are already understanding the fundamentals of multiplication and some fraction work and we haven’t officially taught multiplication or division yet this year. IMPLEMENTATION This resource gives you 24 weeks of intro-to-the-math-block thought exercises which bridge the gap from the addition and subtraction to multiplication and division. Set up the 30-minute exercises for the same time each day and allow learners the opportunity to lead deep discussions about the mathematics at play. Keep in mind this is a supplemental system for your regular math curriculum and works best if used consistently and in tandem with a regular math lesson. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS All of the concepts included here naturally flow into your regular math lesson or can act as stand alone ideas depending on the day and student conversation. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: –> Printed hundreds charts (printable included)

An independent or small-group mathematics project affording learners the opportunity to desight their very own city part while managing a budget and meeting project specifications. But this is no regular end-of-year project; every aspect of this project is directly related to real-world cost, use, and application. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> Step-by-Step Instructions –> Items & Specifications Page –> Budgeting Spreadsheet –> Building an Ideal Park Brainstorming Sheet –> Map / Blueprint Printable –> Extension Activities –> Rubric –> Project Examples –> An assignable Easel activity STORY After teaching many weeks of decimal multiplication and division and getting some practice balancing budgets, I wanted a way to let my students practice these skills using a bit of their own creativity and choice. But perusing the other projects on Teachers Pay Teachers, I noticed that most of them felt like “fluff” and didn’t really get to the real-world mathematics or problem-based learning for which I was truly looking. IMPLEMENTATION This 3-week independent project is ready to implement in your classroom with many pages of step-by-step instructions for completing the project. Learners will use the equipment sold on www.gametime.com to make choices about what they wish they had in a park in their neighborhood. But building a park is more complicated than just picking a park and planting trees. Learners will have to calculate areas for a dog park, basketball courts, and even the concrete running path that they will include in their park. Students will have to consider which surfacing option for their playground will be the most effective or most cost-effective or most functional. Prices of these can vary by the ton or the cubic feet that they occupy. Learners will be converting units, calculating volumes and areas, deciding on cost effectiveness, and balancing a budget to create the most exciting park they can that still follows the city’s requirements. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS When they finish their project designs, learners have their choice of 4 extension activities outlined in the resource including designing a radio advertisement to raise money for the park, writing a letter to the mayor, creating a project proposal for a board meeting, or designing a brochure to bring new people to the park. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: –> Computers/tablets for the students to use gametime.com –> Rulers for accurate map drawing –> Pictures of other parks for inspiration –> Calculators (optional)

A weekly whole-group classroom system for centers with opportunities to experience the grade 5 math topics using writing, hands-on manipulatives, small group work, independent tasks, and technology. This resource extends your students’ understanding by devoting 75 minutes a week to math rotations that will stretch their thinking and further develop their problem solving skills. This structure is used best in tandem with your regular mathematics curriculum to learn and apply the concepts in a being learned each week. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> 29 weeks of center rotations (5 fifteen-minute rotations per week) –> Guide to implementing the centers STORY Warm ups, writing prompts, partner work, note taking, and textbook problems are not enough to keep up a learner’s interest and full capabilities for learning in the math classroom. I decided my first year to implement a weekly rotation for math centers modeled after the “Daily 5” strategy used in language arts. Students go through 5 fifteen-minute rotations using a variety of tools to explore the current unit or topic we are working through as a class. This structure gives students something to look forward to (we always do it on Wednesdays) and also provides extra time for focused group work that goes beyond the pages of a textbook or my abilities to teach the entire class at once. Set up these rotations as a weekly structure in your class and wait for your students to wish it was centers day! IMPLEMENTATION This resource gives you 29 weeks of math rotations which explore everything from area and perimeter to fractions to decimals to financial literacy. Set up the 75-minute rotations for the same day each week according to the concepts being learned in your usual curriculum. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS There are so many extensions to the activities, vocabulary questions, and games found in these 29 weeks of centers. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: –> Manipulatives like base ten blocks, centimeter cubes, fraction tiles, decimal tiles or paper versions of these –> Whiteboards and Markers –> Technology with access to internet (I like to use our classroom’s smart board but you can choose to structure the technology rotation around individual laptops instead) –> A teacher account to an online, interactive math game website like Splash Learn or Legends of Learning

A in-depth mathematical exploration of 110 Greek or Latin roots in the English language over eleven weeks. This resource creates space for etymology to be explored and played with by learners in themed weekly units. Over time, learners will learn to hone this skill and unlock a new world of discovering and analyzing our language. This activity is used best in tandem with your regular mathematics curriculum to learn and apply the vocabulary in a relevant context. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> 11 weeks of Greek and Latin Roots (110 total math-related roots) to study –> 11 weekly quizzes applying the roots in a variety of vocabulary contexts –> Printable sorting activity using all the roots and common word endings –> 3 cumulative sets of review activities (for units 1-4, 5-7 & 8-10) –> 3 cumulative sets of unit review quizzes (for units 1-4, 5-7 & 8-10) STORY In my first year as a math teacher, I worked specifically with the Reading and Language Arts teams to come up with a way that I could concentrate on vocabulary acquisition in math class without dedicating a large amount of time. We also wanted to place a specific focus on mathematics vocabulary acquisition for our English Language Learners. IMPLEMENTATION This resource gives you 110 Greek and Latin roots which influence how we use the English language today (related specifically to math). Start each week introducing learners to a new set of themed roots, then as the week goes on, give them chances to use those roots in context or time to study them. By Friday, learners will be prepared for a quiz applying their knowledge. Every couple of weeks, implement a “review” week with included daily activities for remembering and practicing the last 3 or 4 weeks of roots. Then, by Friday of the review week, the learners will be prepared for another quiz. These roots can be found in thousands of words in our modern day language and help learners with spelling, acquiring new vocabulary, and deciphering the definitions of new words. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS There are so many extensions to using these roots once your learners have been exposed to even just a couple sets of them. These roots automatically start creeping into the classroom’s everyday language and new vocabulary words and the learners will begin noticing. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: –> Some practice together looking at what these quizzes are like or developing activities for studying and using the roots

A whole-group scientific exploration of how fingerprinting can be used to identify a subject. This resource offers opportunity for learners to glimpse into the world of forensic science. “Frame” one of your students secretly and let the rest of the class match up the types of fingerprints in this relevant-to-the-real-world activity. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> A one page printable sheet for collecting fingerprints –> Detailed instructions for setting up and implementing the activity STORY Last year, I wanted to expose my students to as many different branches of science as possible. Forensics ended up being a one day unit and this activity was involved! IMPLEMENTATION This resource consists mainly of a worksheet that can help students document the fingerprints of their peers as well as teacher instructions for framing one member of the class in the “perfect crime” of your choosing. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Possible discussion topics to extend the activity are outlined in the file. MATERIALS/PRE-REQS Besides this resource, you may require: –> Tape –> Several ink pads

A small-group or independent, scientific exploration of purpose and prevalence of simple machines in our daily lives. This resource offers opportunity for learners to experience brainstorm items that contain the six simple machines in four different areas of a home. Then, they will examine everyday household items that contain 2 or 3 simple machines considering the purpose of how these systems assist our lives. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> 2 different activities exploring simple and compound machines –> Possible answers are included for both activities STORY After watching Bill Nye’s episode about simple machines, my students were interested in exploring more on the topic. Our discussion also moved into the realm of compound machines. The next day, I created for them this activity and we had a group competition to see who could name the most household items containing simple machines. IMPLEMENTATION This resource consists mainly of a worksheet that can help students navigate an exploration of simple and compound machines in their homes and at school. Choose to frame this as an independent or small group activity for learners to extend their understanding of the six simple machines. In any case, push learners to continue inquiring about how science is used to make our lives easier - specifically within systems. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS After completing this activity with your class, you can also have students think of an item and let classmates guess which simple machines can be found in it. In class, this was my lead up to conversations about potential and kinetic energy. In that unit, we had students build Rube Goldberg machines, and this knowledge was very helpful in the successful creation of those machines. MATERIALS/PRE-REQS Besides this resource, you may require: –> Some knowledge of simple machines –> Sample simple / compound machines for students to consider

A whole-group mathematical exploration of the Fibonacci Spiral. This resource creates space for a learning community founded on discourse, theorization, generalization, and justification. Learners are encouraged to bring ideas forward within the conversation and prove or disprove each other’s theories about the patterns they discover within this model. This activity is used best to push learners toward deep, critical thought about a mathematical scenario. WHAT’S INCLUDED This resource contains: –> 1 mathematical scenario –> Detailed instructions on how to lead students into deep, critical thought about mathematics –> 7 possible student discoveries with explanations –> Plenty of possibility for extension, deeper discussion, or lesson ideas STORY A lot of my work this school year has led me to really pushing learners outside the usual confines of the worksheet-based industrial model of education. More than ever, I am discovering how to really push my learners to see beyond the obvious: making observations, developing generalizations and justifying their theories. Learning inside my classroom has moved from something I assign to learners to something that my learners explore and discover for themselves. This and my other pattern exploration activities are examples of things I used this year to drive that deep thought. IMPLEMENTATION This resource is primarily for the teacher’s eyes only. It gives clear instructions for how to set up a conversation about the mathematics in play in the Fibonacci Spiral. While seven expected discoveries are shown, it is certainly not an exhaustive list and it is not meant to be shared directly with learners. As the resource explains, the entire purpose is to have learners make the mathematical discoveries themselves. POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS Possible extensions are included in the file! There is always more research or exploration that can be done when we are drawing conclusions about sequences and patterns. MATERIALS/PREREQUISITES Besides this resource, you may require: –> Time and practice to condition your learners to know what a productive mathematical discussion looks like and sounds like –> Computer and Internet access