Math & Science Teaching Strategies

These strategies will help to improve your students' math and science skills. Included are articles to teach you about each concept and lesson plans with which you can implement the strategies. These are great professional development resources and are an excellent resource to ensure that you are improving your professional skill set.

Classification Classification involves grouping items into one or more categories based on certain distinguishing characteristics. The categories are thoughtfully labeled so that the labels become descriptors for the members of the category. Comparison Comparison involves looking at two or more things or ideas and considering their similarities and differences. Problem Solving: Guess and Check "Guess and Check" is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to solve mathematical problems by guessing the answer and then checking that the guess fits the conditions of the problem. Problem Solving: Make a Table Make a Table is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to solve mathematical word problems by writing the information in a more organized format. Problem Solving: Eliminating Possibilities Eliminating Possibilities is a problem-solving strategy in which students remove possible answers until the correct answer remains. Problem Solving: Use a Formula Using a Formula is a problem-solving strategy that students can use to find answers to math problems involving geometry, percents, measurement, or algebra. Problem Solving: Find a Pattern Finding a Pattern is a strategy in which students look for patterns in the data in order to solve the problem. Students look for items or numbers that are repeated, or a series of events that repeat. Problem Solving: Draw a Picture The "draw a picture" strategy is a problem-solving technique in which students make a visual representation of the problem. Problem Solving: Simplify the Problem When a problem is too complex to solve in one step, it often helps to divide it into simpler problems and solve each one separately. Problem Solving: Choose the Operation The process of "choosing the operation" involves deciding which mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) or combination of operations will be useful in solving a word problem. Comparative Subtraction In this lesson students compare one number with another using manipulatives, write number sentences to show the comparisons, and then relate the number sentences to story problems. Odd and Even Numbers A hundreds chart is used to show the alternating pattern of odd and even numbers, and students are asked to extend the pattern to identify additional odd and even numbers. Metaphors and Analogies Metaphors and analogies are comparisons between unlike things that have some particular things in common. You can use metaphors and analogies to make new and unfamiliar concepts more meaningful to students by connecting what they already know to what they are learning. Migration Analogy Use a lesson that uses the technique of analogy to teach students about migration. Theory and Evidence Teach your students about "Theory" and "Evidence" and how those terms and concepts are useful in all subjects. Is the Magic 8-Ball Really Magic? In this lesson, students are asked to develop a theory about how a Magic 8-Ball works without taking the 8-ball apart. Using Manipulatives Manipulatives are physical objects that are used as teaching tools to engage students in the hands-on learning of mathematics. They can be used to introduce, practice, or remediate a concept. Ten More and Ten Less Students will review identifying and writing the number that is one more or one less than a given one or two-digit number and ten more or ten less than a given one- or two-digit number.

Geometry Geometry is the study of two- and three-dimensional figures. It includes defining the different figures, as well as describing their location and movement in space. Geometry concepts can be used in subjects such as reading and social studies, as well as math. Number Sense Number sense involves understanding numbers; knowing how to write and represent numbers in different ways; recognizing the quantity represented by numerals and other number forms; and discovering how a number relates to another number or group of numbers. Number Theory In this game, students will apply a variety of mathematical concepts and skills to solve problems and use mathematical reasoning to determine whether a number fits a generalization. Estimating Unknown Quantities Estimation is an important aspect of quantitative thinking -- and a critical life skill in a world in which we often need to make decisions on the basis of inexact or undefined information. Estimating Angles, Area, and Length Math students in middle school will use estimation to approximate values, angle, and area measurements of a triangle. Foundations of Algebra Algebraic thinking involves finding and describing patterns, making generalizations about numbers, using symbols and models to represent patterns, quantitative relationships, and changes over time. Collecting Data The main purpose of collecting data is to answer questions whose answers are not immediately obvious. Learn some tips on how to use data collection in your classroom. Displaying Data When students decide how to display data and go through the steps to create that display, they learn which type of graphs are useful in displaying the different types of data, and the advantages and disadvantages of each display. Analyzing Data Data analysis is the process of interpreting the meaning of the data we have collected, organized, and displayed in the form of a table, bar chart, line graph, or other representation. Journaling in Math Writing about mathematics helps students articulate their thinking, and provides useful information for teachers about learning difficulties, incorrect assumptions, and student's progress in communicating about mathematics. Comparing Fractions with Unlike Numerators Using Journaling Use a lesson that is an introduction to comparing fractions with like denominators and unlike numerators, for students with a basic understanding of fractions as part of a whole, numerators, and denominators. Students use math journals to complete the lesson. Comparing Fractions with Unlike Denominators Using Journaling Discover an introduction to comparing fractions with unlike denominators. Students will compare fractions represented by drawings or models with unlike denominators. Finding Equivalent Fractions and Simplest Form Students will use multiplication and division to show equivalent fractions. Elementary Mathematics: Measurement Discover everything you need to successfully teach measurement to elementary students, from references and lesson plans to printable worksheets and graphic organizers. Measurement Videos Our professional development videos will help you implement successful teaching strategies for elementary mathematics. These videos include workshops, activities, and educators' advice about developing measurement concepts in your classroom.   More Professional Development Resources for Teachers