Building sets, video games, and scatterplots may seem unrelated, but when they are combined into a problem-based learning (PBL) lesson, these elements join to create a unique learning experience. PBL lessons drive instruction by focusing learning and activities around a central challenge or question while providing a relevant, captivating, and…

Middle school mathematics classrooms are changing. The curriculum has changed as well. Instead of an annual return to previously encountered topics, many middle school students encounter mathematics of a varying nature, characterized in "Principles and Standards for School Mathematics" (NCTM 2000) as the five Content Standards of Number and…

Presents different real-world mathematics activities on data display and data analysis with pie charts from different time periods. (ASK)

Describes a training program based on number crunching that helps runners improve their performance. Includes a student activity sheet. (YDS)

Describes exploratory data analysis activities using packages of M&M candies and graphing results using object graphs, picture graphs, symbolic graphs, circle graphs, relative-frequency bar graphs, and stacked bar graphs. Also discusses pooling data and assessing reasonableness of results. (MKR)

This article describes an innovative lesson that uses the biography "Barbara McClintock: Alone in her Field" (Heiligman, 1994) to integrate genetics, literature, and mathematics as a context for students to investigate patterns on Indian corn. This two-day lesson requires students to estimate, collect data, identify and describe patterns,…

Describes the work of a meteorologist, the history of meteorology, and links to mathematics. Contains reproducible student activity worksheets on weather data. (MKR)

Presents an activity in which students experience a scatterplot as a visual and kinesthetic tool for discovering patterns among variables and making predictions based on those patterns. Bridges the gap between algebraic and statistical graphs. (DDR)

Presents three activities that integrate Civil War studies into mathematics. Activities involve measurement, ratios, and proportions; percents and graphing; and statistics and data analysis. (MKR)