 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Location: TOP SECRET! PDF [563K]
Math Topic: Codes
NCTM Standard: Algebra
|
|
The Cybersquad's invited to a party, but they have to decipher a code to figure out the party's location.
|
|
 |
Tip: In Digit's code, each letter is put into code by using an ordered pair - two numbers written in a specific order (row number first, then column number). This technique is also used in locating points on a coordinate grid - an important skill for representing mathematical ideas.
|
|
|
|
|
Who Gets Which Gift? PDF [495K]
Math Topic: Logic
NCTM Standard: Problem Solving
|
|
In this activity, kids apply logic and reasoning to figure out "Who Gets Which Gift?"
|
|
|
Tip: There are several ways to figure out this logic problem. Here is one: If Jackie's gift is directly to the right of Matt's, then it can't be the first gift, but it might be second, third or fourth. Begin by putting Matt to the left of Jackie in the remaining three possible orders. Then, since Jackie's gift can't be next to Digit's, put Digit's gift in the remaining possible orders. Finally, since Digit's gift cannot be next to Inez's, there is only one possibility left - order 3.
|
|
|
|
|
Count the Beats, Inez! PDF [338K]
Math Topic: Estimation
NCTM Standard: Number & Operations
|
|
Kids use estimation to guess how many times Inez's heart will beat in a year.
|
|
|
Tip: Estimating and using large numbers are important math skills that make it easier for us to understand such things as distances in our solar system or geological time. Your students may want to use a calculator to figure the total number of heartbeats in a year. They may also want to make a closer estimate by multiplying the beats in a day by 365 (answer: 37,843,200). Challenge them to count their own heartbeats in a minute and find the number of beats for various times.
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Hearts for Digit PDF [406K]
Math Topic: Data Clusters
NCTM Standard: Data Analysis & Probability
|
|
In Sweet Hearts for Digit, kids tally up the multi-colored candy that Digit has collected for Valentine's Day.
|
|
|
Tip: Digit uses a 'line plot' -- a helpful tool for data analysis - to make it easier to spot the 'mode,' the color that occurs most often. If your students get conversation hearts this Valentine's Day, challenge them to make their own line plots (or charts). Not all packages of conversation hearts will be the same. Why? One manufacturer told us they mix together 550 pounds of each color and then randomly drop them into bags. Each bag should get 17-18 pieces with all six colors mixed. How do your students' packages compare?
|
|
|
|
|
Totally Rad, Kids! PDF [335K]
Math Topic: Perimeter/Area Relationship
NCTM Standard: Algebra and Geometry
|
|
In this activity, kids discover what happens to area when the perimeter is constant but the shape enclosed by the perimeter changes.
|
|
|
Tip: Kids will be surprised to learn that geometric shapes with the same perimeter do not always have the same area. Have students use 12 toothpicks to make other geometric shapes with a perimeter of 12. Help them draw grid lines to find and compare the areas. Challenge them to find the geometric shape that gives them the greatest area (a square with an area of 9).
|
|
|
|
|
Find the Fractions! PDF [378K]
Math Topic: Equivalent Fractions
NCTM Standard: Number & Operations
|
|
In this activity, kids explore the math topic 'equivalent fractions' and discover that fractions that look different can still represent the same portion of a whole.
|
|
|
Tip: Kids may need help recognizing that 1/4 is the same as 2/8, which is why we've suggested that they draw directly on the green chip to show this. Similarly, they may want to draw heavy black lines on the white chip to show that 2/16 is the same as 1/8. And they may feel more comfortable dividing the yellow chip into eighths, and coloring four of them to show 1/2, instead of coloring either the top or bottom half as suggested in the answer.
|
|
|
|
|
A Gift for Mother's Day PDF [345K]
Math Topic: Symmetry
NCTM Standard: Geometry
|
|
In this activity, kids create a card that features a symmetrical design.
|
|
|
Tip: The Madre Bonita flower in this activity uses line symmetry (also called mirror symmetry) to give it a pleasing, well-balanced design. It is an example of line symmetry because parts on opposite sides of a dividing line correspond in size and shape, and the shape on one side of the line is the mirror image of the other side. Students may want to practice making the flower on scrap paper before they try it on heavy card paper.
|
|
|
|
|
100 or Bust PDF [507K]
Math Topic: Place Value
NCTM Standard: Number & Operations
|
|
In this game, kids discover the power of the number zero, while using their understanding of place value to develop a game strategy.
|
|
|
Tip: Zero plays an important role in place value. For example, without the number zero it would be difficult to distinguish between 305 and 35. Discuss with kids how some number systems, including Roman numerals, do not use the number zero. (The number was introduced to Europe in the 12th century by Fibonacci.) Talk about ways zero makes using numbers easier.
|
|
|
|
|
Bianca's Body Math PDF [490K]
Math Topic: Body Math
NCTM Standard: Algebra
|
|
This activity gives you a fun way to help kids develop measuring skills while introducing them to proportional reasoning.
|
|
|
Tip: For most people, some body parts are proportional to others - the length of one part is either the same length or multiple lengths of another part. Your foot is about the same length as your forearm, for example, and your height is about six or seven foot lengths. You might also use this activity as a motivator for teaching nonstandard units of measure.
|
|
|
|
|
Digit's Cyber-Dough Activity PDF [430K]
Digit's Cyber-Dough Recipe (JPG)
Math Topic: Measurement
NCTM Standard: Measurement
|
|
This activity gives kids ways to practice both measurement and proportional reasoning.
|
|
|
Tip: To get kids started, ask them what information has been given about the flour. How might they use that information to figure out the amount needed? If you have measuring cups, tablespoons, and water handy, demonstrate equivalent measures (1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons; 1/8 cup = 2 tablespoons, etc.)
|
|
|
|
|
The Fine Number 9 PDF [524K]
Math Topic: Place Value
NCTM Standard: Number & Operations
|
|
In this activity, kids learn a fun way to multiply by 9.
|
|
|
Tip: To help demonstrate the trick, show kids how (working from left to right) the folded finger separates the tens from the ones in the product. Here are some more fun facts about the fine number 9: The sum of the digits in each product is always 9 (9 x 2 = 18; 1 + 8 = 9). The number in the tens place in the product is always one less than the number by which you multiplied with (4 x 9 = 36).
|
|
|
|
|
How Heavy Is Delete PDF [568K]
Math Topic: Balancing Equations
NCTM Standard: Algebra
|
|
In this activity, kids use algebraic thinking and problem solving to balance an equation.
|
|
|
Tip: There are several ways to solve the problem. Here is one: On both sides of the scale, cross off the sacks labeled "2." Then find the weight of the sacks that remain on the right side. Since the scale is balanced, Delete's weight must be 10 cyber-units.
|
|
|
|
|
Trick ... Or Treat! PDF [546K]
Math Topic: Functions
NCTM Standard: Algebra
|
|
In this activity kids explore a powerful idea in mathematics called a function.
|
|
|
Tip: Kids look at the relationship between input and output and determine the rule for change. There are several patterns that kids might notice: For consecutive inputs, the output number always increases by 2; or, you can determine any output number by adding the preceding two input numbers; or, the number of rings is equal to 2 times the input number, minus 1. Talk about these different rules for the change, and use numbers to show you get the same value each time.
|
|
|
|
|
Try This Paper Puzzle PDF [467K]
Math Topic: Möbius Strip
NCTM Standard: Geometry
|
|
This Möbius strip activity is a fun way to introduce a lesson in geometry.
|
|
|
Tip: Since kids know that a piece of paper has two sides, you can start them out with a flat piece of paper, without making the loop, and have them follow the directions. When they draw the continuous line in step 2, point out that they have to cross the edge of the paper to get to the other side. Then, when they make their own Möbius strips, the same experience will show the strip now has only one side!
|
|
|
|
Looking for more lesson plans and activities? 
