K20 LEARN | Pre-Algebra Calculator Lessons

Summary

This collection of pre-algebra lessons integrates the use of calculators to support students in problem-solving and conceptual understanding.

Resources

5E Lesson

Slope Matters

Slope-Intercept Form

Grade Level

7th - 9th

In this lesson, students use the Desmos Studio graphing calculator to explore how changing the y-intercept or slope of a line affects the graph. They will find real items to serve as examples of lines with defined slopes and use Desmos Studio to find the linear functions that represent those items.... Read more »

Created by: Michell Eike

Date Updated: January 7th, 2026

5E Lesson

Slope Matters

Slope-Intercept Form

Course

Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra

Subject

Mathematics

Grade Level

7th - 9th

Standards

PA.A.2.4, A406, A514

90 minutes

1–2 class periods

5E Lesson

Reduce, Reuse, Represent

Multiple Representations of Linear Functions

Grade Level

7th - 8th

In this lesson, students explore the relationship between different linear representations: algebraic, numerical, graphical, and verbal. Students will translate between graphs, tables, equations, and written descriptions. Students also learn how to create an equation from a table using the TI-30XS MultiView... Read more »

Created by: Corrie Matchell

Date Updated: November 14th, 2025

5E Lesson

Reduce, Reuse, Represent

Multiple Representations of Linear Functions

Course

Pre-Algebra

Subject

Mathematics

Grade Level

7th - 8th

Standards

PA.A.2.1, PA.A.2.2, PA.A.2.3, AF403, AF502, AF503

110–135 minutes

3 class periods

5E Lesson

You’re the Network

Data Analysis

Grade Level

8th - 9th

Students will investigate the episode rating data for the "American Idol" TV series as they learn how to describe scatter plots using academic language. Students will create and analyze scatter plots, considering how one could use scatter plots to make decisions. Sketching a trend line (or line of fit)... Read more »

Created by: K20 Center

Date Updated: March 23rd, 2026

5E Lesson

You’re the Network

Data Analysis

Course

Algebra 1

Subject

Mathematics

Grade Level

8th - 9th

Standards

A1.D.1.2, A603

2 class periods

5E Lesson

Probability in Sports

Probability

Grade Level

8th Grade

In this lesson, students explore the concepts of statistics and probability in the context of basketball. Students play basketball in the classroom, gather data about shots made and missed, and calculate the probability of a successful shot. Students then step into the role of an NBA statistician and... Read more »

Created by: Amber Stokes

Date Updated: November 14th, 2025

5E Lesson

Probability in Sports

Probability

Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP)

Subject

Mathematics

Grade Level

8th Grade

Standards

PA.D.2.1, N 403, N 503

90 minutes

2-3 class period(s)

5E Lesson

Pythagor-eatin' Theorem

Constructing the Pythagorean Theorem

Grade Level

7th - 8th

This lesson engages students in constructing the Pythagorean theorem using Cheez-It® crackers. Students will not only be able to visually see the theorem, but they will also use the Pythagorean theorem algebraically to find the missing sides of right triangles. Read more »

Created by: Cacey Wells

Date Updated: January 22nd, 2026

5E Lesson

Pythagor-eatin' Theorem

Constructing the Pythagorean Theorem

Course

Middle School Mathematics

Subject

Mathematics

Grade Level

7th - 8th

Standards

PA.GM.1.1, G404, G508, G602

115 minutes

3 class periods

5E Lesson

Notation for NASA, Part 2

Operations with Scientific Notation

Grade Level

7th - 9th

In this lesson, students will look for patterns then formalize rules for multiplying and dividing numbers written in scientific notation and use this to analyze and interpret information about the solar system. Being able to express and interpret numbers in scientific notation is prerequisite knowledge... Read more »

Created by: Corrie Matchell

Date Updated: September 10th, 2025

5E Lesson

Notation for NASA, Part 2

Operations with Scientific Notation

Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP)

Subject

Mathematics, Science

Course

Earth Science, Physical Science, Pre-Algebra

Grade Level

7th - 9th

Standards

8.ESS1.2 , 8.ESS1.3 , PA.N.1.3, A511, IOD301, IOD302

3 class periods

110–120 minutes

Standards

ACT College and Career Readiness Standards - Mathematics (6-12)

N 403: Comprehend the concept of length on the number line, and find the distance between two points

N 503: Work with numerical factors

AF403: Relate a graph to a situation described in terms of a starting value and an additional amount per unit (e.g., unit cost, weekly growth)

AF502: Build functions and write expressions, equations, or inequalities with a single variable for common pre-algebra settings (e.g., rate and distance problems and problems that can be solved by using proportions)

AF503: Match linear equations with their graphs in the coordinate plane

A406: Exhibit knowledge of slope

A511: Work with scientific notation

A514: Determine the slope of a line from an equation

ACT College and Career Readiness Standards - Science (6-12)

IOD301: Select two or more pieces of data from a simple data presentation

IOD302: Understand basic scientific terminology

Oklahoma Academic Standards (8th Grade)

8.ESS1.2 : Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.

8.ESS1.3 : Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.*

Oklahoma Academic Standards Mathematics (8th Grade)

PA.N.1.3: Multiply and divide numbers expressed in scientific notation and express the answer in scientific notation.

PA.A.2.1: Represent linear functions with tables, verbal descriptions, symbols, and graphs; translate from one representation to another.

PA.A.2.2: Identify, describe, and analyze linear relationships between two variables.

PA.A.2.3: Identify graphical properties of linear functions, including slope and intercepts. Know that the slope equals the rate of change, and that the y-intercept is zero when the function represents a proportional relationship.

PA.A.2.4: Predict the effect on the graph of a linear function when the slope or y-intercept changes. Use appropriate tools to examine these effects.

Oklahoma Academic Standards for Mathematics (Grade 8)

PA.GM.1.1: Informally justify the Pythagorean Theorem using measurements, diagrams, or dynamic software and use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems in two and three dimensions involving right triangles.

PA.D.1.1: Describe the impact that inserting or deleting a data point has on the mean and the median of a data set. Know how to create data displays using a spreadsheet and use a calculator to examine this impact.

PA.D.1.2: Explain how outliers affect measures of central tendency.

PA.D.1.3: Collect, display and interpret data using scatterplots. Use the shape of the scatterplot to informally estimate a line of best fit, make statements about average rate of change, and make predictions about values not in the original data set. Use appropriate titles, labels and units.

PA.D.2.1: Calculate experimental probabilities and represent them as percents, fractions and decimals between 0 and 1 inclusive. Use experimental probabilities to make predictions when actual probabilities are unknown.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 License.

Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

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