To elicit creative student thinking, this open-ended problem asks solvers to measure as many squares as possible using a certain size of cardboard.
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Dana C. Cox and Jane-Jane Lo
Incorporate simple and complex figures, distortion and proportion, and visual reasoning into your discussion of similarity.
Quick Reads: Problem Solving with Laser Precision
a good idea in a small package
Scott A. Goldthorp
A student-centered, inquiry-driven classroom explores the Pythagorean theorem.
Matt B. Roscoe and Joe Zephyrs
Pull on the threads of congruence and similarity in a series of lessons that explores transformational geometry.
Alessandra King
Students are given an activity in which they analyze the American flag, with an eye to its proportions. Solutions are online.
Mathematical Explorations: How Tall Is That Tree?
classroom-ready activities
Kate M. Degner
An activity explores how to estimate the height of trees. Activity sheets are included.
Dana C. Cox and Michael Todd Edwards
How do middle school students interpret the phrase “two sizes too small”? Examining students' responses will re-form your thinking about teaching similarity and using nonstandard shapes.
Sarah B. Bush, Karen S. Karp, Victoria Miller Bennett, Liz Popelka, and Jennifer Nadler
An interdisciplinary activity connects mathematics and art from The Barnes Foundation museum in Philadelphia.
Brooke Becker
This activity allows students to build their own understanding of what it means to develop a solid argument.
Priya V. Prasad
Knitting, like other traditional crafts such as quilting or weaving, is a highly mathematical activity. Knitters need to constantly coordinate different forms of measurement, including weight, length, and area. Knitting typically involves following a pattern. If you do not follow that pattern, you can find yourself dealing with some pretty complicated knot theory.
