| Activity |
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Description |
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Grades |
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Topics |
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Software |
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Algebra Balance Beam |
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Solve simple equations using a balance beam representation. |
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7, 8 |
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Algebra |
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Applet |
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 |
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Areas and Regions |
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Good area problems for 8th Grade standardized test prep |
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8 |
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Geometry |
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GSP |
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 |
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Birthday problem |
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What is the probability that in a room of 23 people at 2 people share the same birthday. Use the applet to determine the probability experimentally. |
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8 |
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Probability |
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Applet |
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 |
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Black Box |
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Guess my (2-step) rule. The black box method uses an imaginary device (the black box) that modifies the input number according to a specific formula. The formula is hidden in the black box so to a viewer the number mysteriously changes. |
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6, 7, 8 |
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Algebra |
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FlashLink: Black Box Method |
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 |
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Buffon’s needle |
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The challenge in this activity is to see if the students can make a prediction about the likelihood of toothpicks landing on lines when dropped randomly using experimental and theoretical data. |
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8 |
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Probability |
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Flash,
Video: Teachers.TV |
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 |
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Diagonals of Polygons |
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The pentagon has 4 diagonals. How many diagonals does a 13-gon have? Can you find a rule that will help you to answer the question without drawing the figure? |
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7, 8 |
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Patterns (Pre Algebra) |
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GSP |
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 |
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Exterior Angles of triangle |
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Can you figure out a method to determine the measure of the exterior angle of the triangle in each sketch without using a measuring device or Sketchpad’s tools? Study your results carefully. Next determine angle BCD in the figures above without using any measuring device like a protractor. Explain (1) what you did and (2) why it works. |
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7, 8 |
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Geometry |
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GSP |
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 |
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GEPA prep with Sketchpad |
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A set of 5 problems with accompanying Sketchpad files that are interesting ways to prepare for standardized tests like ASK 8 in New Jersey. |
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8 |
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GSP file,
GSP file,
GSP file,
GSP file,
GSP file |
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 |
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Golden Ratio |
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The ratio, called the Golden Ratio, is the ratio of the length to the width of what is said to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing rectangular shapes |
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8 |
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Geometry |
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 |
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Green Globs Contest |
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"Students combine computer game fun and serious mathematics in a face-off of the ""Green Globs Challenge."" After learning about coordinate graphs and equations in math class, students put their knowledge to work by playing the ""Green Globs"" computer game using classroom computers and laptops. Highest score wins." |
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7, 8 |
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Algebra |
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Graphing Equations and Green Globs$$$ |
|
 |
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How Far was your Trip? |
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Today we are going to find out who traveled the average distance to get to this workshop. First we'll start off with a guess. What do you think is the average distance that the members of this group traveled today? |
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8 |
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Data Analysis |
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Web tools |
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 |
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Investigate reflections |
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A Geometer's Sketchpad exploration activity. |
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8 |
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Geometry |
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GSP |
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 |
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Jinx Puzzle 2 |
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Repeat this puzzle with a variety of rational numbers (both positive and negative.) What do you discover? Do you think this puzzle always works? (TI calculator version.) |
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7, 8 |
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Algebra, Patterns (Pre Algebra) |
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TI Calc |
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 |
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King Arthur’s Dilemma |
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" During one of the meetings of the Knights of the Round Table, one of the Knights asked for the hand of King Arthur's daughter in marriage. Much to the dismay of the King an outcry came from the other Knights. Each of the Knights asked to be the spouse of the King's daughter. Perplexed by the outcry, the King devised the following scheme to choose the one to marry his daughter. The King's Solution: The King walked around the Round Table alternately proclaiming, ""You stay"", and ""You are banished"". This process continues until only one Knight remains. This remaining Knight gets to marry the King's daughter and becomes the King's son-in-law! The Task: Work in small groups, find the pattern that will allow you (the wise Knight) to predict the best seat at the round table for winning the hand of the King Arthur's daughter." |
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8 |
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Patterns (Pre Algebra) |
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MW |
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Mac Currency Problem: |
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How much would you pay for a Big Mac in some other countries? |
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8 |
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Patterns (Pre Algebra) |
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Web tools |
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 |
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Mind Reader |
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Solve a math problem and watch the computer guess your secret symbol. How does the computer know it? It uses Algebra. See if you can figure out how! |
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7, 8 |
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Algebra |
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Flash |
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 |
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Morris the Cat Expands |
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What happens to Morris when you double his coordinates? Half his coordinates? Make a prediction about how Morris will stretch or shrink if you know the stretch or shrink factor. |
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8 |
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Geometry |
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GSP |
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 |
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Name the Shapemakers |
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"Discover what other shapes these ""disguised"" squares make. " |
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8 |
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Geometry |
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GSP |
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 |
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Olympics Activity |
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Are we faster, stronger, better than we used to be? |
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8 |
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Data Analysis |
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SS |
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 |
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Pick’s Rule (Theorem, Law) |
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8 |
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Geometry |
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GSP |
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 |
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Pizza Time! |
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It's lunch time and your friends are hungry. So you decide to share an extra large pizza. But after looking at the menu above, you start to think that maybe you can get more for your money if you order three medium pies instead for the same price. So what is it? One extra large pie, three medium pies, or do you think it doesn't matter because you are going to get the same amount of pizza either way? Please explain your reasoning. |
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8 |
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Geometry, Problem Solving |
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GSP |
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 |
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Tessellations: Semi regular |
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This activity asks the student to make a semi-regular tessellation. There are 8 such tessellations. Students use Sketchpad shapes above to make all the tessellations and then explain why they tessellate. |
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7, 8 |
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Geometry |
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Applet |
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 |
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The letter R Expands, Contracts and goes Negative! |
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Enlargement activity on a coordinate axis. |
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8 |
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Geometry |
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GSP |
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