Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

Math Lessons with Movement

Christiona Cejda, Kelsey Willems | Published: June 17th, 2026 by K20 Center

Summary

This curated collection of math lessons for grades 6–9 is designed to support teachers in understanding how movement strategies can be authentically integrated into mathematics instruction. Each resource highlights a model lesson that demonstrates purposeful student movement aligned to mathematical goals. Brief annotations accompanying each link point to specific moments within the lesson where movement is used to enhance engagement, reasoning, or collaboration. Together, the collection provides practical examples and inspiration for teachers seeking to incorporate meaningful, standards-aligned movement into their own math classrooms.

Resources

If Our Classroom Were the World

Proportions

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th Grade

This lesson challenges students to write and solve proportions comparing the characteristics of a larger community with the characteristics of a smaller community. Students begin the lesson by listening to a story about what the world would look like and sound like if it were represented by 100 people.... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson

Course Course

  • Middle School Mathematics

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • 7.N.1.2, 7.A.2.3, 7.A.2.4, AF401, A501
More 4 class periods
Time Frame 165–180 minutes

In the Engage section, students demonstrate their prior knowledge of world populations in a whole class vote with a Sticky Bars activity then listen to or read the book If the World Were a Village.

Are You Smarter Than a Calculator?

Order of Operations

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 7th

In this lesson, students compare methods to evaluate numerical expressions with and without the use of a non-scientific calculator. Students begin by discussing the pros and cons of modern technology. They then explore the limitations of a non-scientific calculator when using one to evaluate numerical... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th - 7th

Course Course

  • Middle School Mathematics

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • 7.A.4.1, 7.A.4.2, N 201
More 2–3 class periods
Time Frame 95 minutes

In the Engage section, students debate and discuss the pros and cons of technology using Fold the Line. While in the Evaluate section, students evaluate an expression then review their peer’s work during a Commit and Toss activity.

Going Viral

Solving Equations

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th Grade

This lesson focuses on teaching students how to solve algebraic equations using student-friendly language. Students will begin by trying to solve viral math posts in groups. Next, they will learn the "Do/Undo" method for solving equations. Finally, students will create their own viral math posts and... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Going Viral

Solving Equations

Course Course

  • Middle School Mathematics

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • 7.A.3.1, AF301, AF302, A302
More 90–105 minutes
Time Frame 2 class periods

In the Engage section, students use the strategy Not Like the Others to select from four options to determine which image is not like the others and justify their thinking, trying to convince their peers. While in the Evaluate, students walk around and solve other student’s viral posts using the Gallery Walk strategy.

Pie > Everything, Part 1

One-Step Inequalities

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th Grade

In this lesson, students explore the relationship between a set of numbers and the constraints of an inequality. They will write, graph, and identify solutions to inequalities and connect these to real-world scenarios when applicable. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Pie > Everything, Part 1

One-Step Inequalities

Course Course

  • Middle School Mathematics

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • 7.A.3.2, A405, A503
More 80–90 minutes
Time Frame 2 class periods

In the Extend, students move around the room matching scenarios with inequalities and finding corresponding algebraic and graphical solutions.

Sharing Is Caring

Distributive Property

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th Grade

In this lesson, students will relate the distributive property to ordering a combo meal at a fast-food restaurant. Then they will apply this property to simplify algebraic expressions and explain their steps. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Sharing Is Caring

Distributive Property

Course Course

  • Pre-Algebra

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PA.A.3.2, A303
More 75–85 minutes
Time Frame 2 class periods

In the Explore, students explore the different ways to algebraically represent their combo meal before they see that they created a real-world distributive property scenario. After creating food trucks and combo meals, students use the Gallery Walk strategy.

Human Box Plot

Box and Whisker Plots

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th Grade

In this lesson, students make connections between prior knowledge and new knowledge of mathematical concepts. Students label dot plots and box and whisker plots, identify minimum, maximum, and median data points, and create box and whisker plots. This lesson encourages students to create their own questions... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Human Box Plot

Box and Whisker Plots

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 6th Grade

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • 6.D.1.1, 6.D.1.2, 6.D.1.3, S301, S303
More 90 minutes
Time Frame 3-4 class period(s)

In the Engage, students line up by birthday to create a human box plot then discuss other ways they could display their data from the dot plot.

Notation for NASA, Part 2

Operations with Scientific Notation

Grade Level 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 »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Notation for NASA, Part 2

Operations with Scientific Notation

Tag Related

  • Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP)

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics, Science

Course Course

  • Earth Science, Physical Science, Pre-Algebra

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th - 9th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • 8.ESS1.2 , 8.ESS1.3 , PA.N.1.3, A511, IOD301, IOD302
More 3 class periods
Time Frame 110–120 minutes

In the Engage, students rotate in groups to each poster, applying the Fiction in the Facts strategy to spot the fictional statement among scientific facts.

Trashketball: Part 1

Scatter Plots and Lines of Best Fit

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

In this lesson, students toss balls of trash, or "trashketballs," into a wastebasket, recording their shooting percentage at various distances from the basket. With distances measured and percentages figured, students create a scatter plot and a line of best fit to make a linear model of the shooting... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Trashketball: Part 1

Scatter Plots and Lines of Best Fit

Course Course

  • Algebra 1, Middle School Mathematics

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PA.A.1.1, PA.A.1.2, A1.F.1.2, A1.D.1.2, AF301
More 3-5 class periods
Time Frame 200 minutes

In the Explore, students gather data to test their hypothesis by shooting baskets and recording shooting percentages.

Trashketball: Part 2

Linear Inequalities

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th Grade

Students gather and analyze data, identifying all possible data that is less than, less than or equal to, equal to, greater than or equal to, or greater than the generated line of best fit. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Trashketball: Part 2

Linear Inequalities

Course Course

  • Algebra 1

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • A1.A.2.1, A1.D.1.2, AF602, AF702
More 180 minutes
Time Frame 3-4 class period(s)

In the Extend, students design and conduct an experiment that changes one of the control variables. They will gather data to test their hypothesis by shooting baskets and recording shooting percentages.

Reduce, Reuse, Represent

Multiple Representations of Linear Functions

Grade Level 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 »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Reduce, Reuse, Represent

Multiple Representations of Linear Functions

Course Course

  • Pre-Algebra

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th - 8th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PA.A.2.1, PA.A.2.2, PA.A.2.3, AF403, AF502, AF503
More 110–135 minutes
Time Frame 3 class periods

In the Engage, students will use the strategy Philosophical Chairs to choose between two different job offers that have different pay rates and starting bonuses then justify their reasoning. While in the Extend, students visit stations and practice translating between representations, developing their flexibility.

Slope Matters

Slope-Intercept Form

Grade Level 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 »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Slope Matters

Slope-Intercept Form

Course Course

  • Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th - 9th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PA.A.2.4, A406, A514
More 90 minutes
Time Frame 1–2 class periods

In the Engage, students walk around the room making notes and observations of photos that have strong lines with positive or negative slopes during an I Notice, I Wonder learning activity. In the Explain, students use Commit and Toss to generate a "rule" for the relationship between the linear equation and the graph and justify their decision.

Keep It Simple

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th Grade

Students will physically model the concept of simplifying algebraic expressions as a class then apply this knowledge to written expressions. This is a great lesson for both introducing, as well as remediating, the concept of combining like terms. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Keep It Simple

Simplifying Algebraic Expressions

Course Course

  • Middle School Mathematics

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • 7.A.4.1, A303, A402
More 70–90 minutes
Time Frame 2 class periods

During both the Engage and Explore sections, students recall how to model algebraic expressions; they then use their models of algebraic expressions to add and subtract algebraic expressions by holding cards and grouping by like terms.

Pie > Everything, Part 2

Multi-Step Inequalities

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th - 8th

This lesson focuses on the relationship between a set of numbers and the constraints of an inequality. Students write, graph, and identify solutions to inequalities, connecting them back to real-world scenarios when applicable. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Pie > Everything, Part 2

Multi-Step Inequalities

Course Course

  • Pre-Algebra

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 7th - 8th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PA.A.4.2, A405, A503
More 90–95 minutes
Time Frame 2 class periods

In the Extend, students move around the room matching their given scenarios to inequalities and the corresponding algebraic and graphical solutions.

Probability in Sports

Probability 

Grade Level 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 »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Probability in Sports

Probability 

Tag Related

  • Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP)

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PA.D.2.1, N 403, N 503
More 90 minutes
Time Frame 2-3 class period(s)

In the Explore, students shoot baskets using “basketballs” to collect data then determine their own probability of making a successful shot.

It's a Numbers Game

Systems of Equations

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

This lesson asks students to apply their existing knowledge of this topic by having them apply systems of equations to basketball and basketball statistics. Students also create their own problems. Emphasis is placed on clearly defining variables. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
It's a Numbers Game

Systems of Equations

Course Course

  • Algebra 1

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • A1.A.1.3, A604
More 3 periods
Time Frame 135 minutes

In the Evaluate, students participate in a Gallery Walk to solve other students’ story problems. Have students take a notebook and a pencil with them to write down and solve the system of equations for each problem they visit as they travel around the room.

Journey of the Isolated Variable, Part 3

Literal Equations

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th Grade

This lesson focuses on solving literal equations by building on the equation-solving knowledge students developed in Parts 1 and 2 of the Journey of the Isolated Variable series. Students will deepen their understanding of rearranging multi-variable equations to isolate a specific variable. By the end... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson

Course Course

  • Algebra 1

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • A1.A.3.1, AF502
More 120 minutes
Time Frame 2-3 class period(s)

In the Extend, students participate in a collaborative walk-and-solve exercise where they move around the classroom and find classmates who can solve the problems on their handouts.

Airplanes and Airstrips, Part 2

Writing Linear Equations: Tables

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

This lesson addresses writing linear equations given a table of values. Students will use their knowledge of slope and y-intercept to analyze linear data tables and represent the linear relationship in the data as an equation. Students also will watch a video of a former air traffic controller speaking... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Airplanes and Airstrips, Part 2

Writing Linear Equations: Tables

Tag Related

  • Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP)

Course Course

  • Algebra 1

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • A1.A.4.1, A1.F.3.1, AF503
More 2 class periods
Time Frame 90 minutes

In the Explain, students use the Expert Stay and Stray strategy to reflect on their peers’ posters and find the similarities and differences and eliminate earlier misconceptions of how to represent a table of values as a linear equation. While during both the Extend and Evaluate sections, students throw paper airplanes to gather data and demonstrate their understanding by writing a linear equation from their peers’ table.

Plotting Your College Future

Tables and Graphs

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th Grade

Students will practice data analysis by studying tables and scatterplots. Information regarding the costs of resident and non-resident college tuition and available financial aid. Students will create representations of the data and theorize possible reasons behind the change in education costs over... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Plotting Your College Future

Tables and Graphs

Course Course

  • Algebra 1

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 9th Grade

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • A1.F.1.5, A1.D.1.2, AF303
More 80 minutes
Time Frame 2-3 class period(s)

In the Engage, students, working in groups, use the ABC Graffiti strategy to create a list of college majors, which they then share with other groups.

Junk Food Junction: What's Your Function?

What is a Function?

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

“Junk Food Junction: What’s Your Function?” breaks down the components of a function and the relationship it has in real-world contexts. The goal is to identify different variables of the given function, either by equation or graph. Participants will identify domain, range, independent, and dependent... Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson

Course Course

  • Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • PA.A.1.1, A1.F.1.2, F506
More 110 minutes
Time Frame 2-3 class period(s)

In the Evaluate section, students engage in a Gallery Walk to view other students' advertisements and evaluate the functions for the various vending machines.

Candies and Caddies

Linear Regression

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

In this lesson, students will explore the properties of linear and nonlinear relationships by examining tables, graphs, and descriptions. They will then calculate the linear regression model for a set of data and evaluate the reliability of the model by interpreting the correlation coefficient. Read more »

Lesson 5E Lesson
Candies and Caddies

Linear Regression

Course Course

  • Algebra 1

Subject Subject

  • Mathematics

Grade Level Grade Level

  • 8th - 9th

Copied To Clipboard Standards

  • A1.F.2.1, A1.D.1.3, S506
More 3 class periods
Time Frame 125 minutes

In the Extend, students complete two experiments (Ball Drop and Candy Drop) and then analyze their data to find the line of best fit and interpret the correlation coefficient.

Standards

ACT College and Career Readiness Standards - Mathematics (6-12)
N 201: Perform one-operation computation with whole numbers and decimals
N 403: Comprehend the concept of length on the number line, and find the distance between two points
N 503: Work with numerical factors
AF301: Solve routine one-step arithmetic problems using positive rational numbers, such as single-step percent
AF302: Solve some routine two-step arithmetic problems
AF303: Relate a graph to a situation described qualitatively in terms of familiar properties such as before and after, increasing and decreasing, higher and lower
AF401: Solve routine two-step or three-step arithmetic problems involving concepts such as rate and proportion, tax added, percentage off, and estimating by using a given average value in place of actual values
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
AF602: Build functions and write expressions, equations, and inequalities for common algebra settings (e.g., distance to a point on a curve and profit for variable cost and demand)
AF702:  Build functions and write expressions, equations, and inequalities when the process requires planning and/or strategic manipulation
A302: Solve one-step equations to get integer or decimal answers
A303: Combine like terms (e.g., 2x + 5x)
A402: Add and subtract simple algebraic expressions
A405: Match simple inequalities with their graphs on the number line (e.g., x ≥ –3/5)
A406: Exhibit knowledge of slope
A501: Recognize that when numerical quantities are reported in real-world contexts, the numbers are often rounded
A503: Solve first-degree inequalities when the method does not involve reversing the inequality sign
A511: Work with scientific notation
A514: Determine the slope of a line from an equation
A604: Solve systems of two linear equations
F506: Understand the concept of domain and range in terms of valid input and output, and in terms of function graphs
S301: Calculate the average of a list of numbers
S303: Read basic tables and charts
S506: Recognize that when a statistical model is used, model values typically differ from actual values
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 (7th Grade)
7.N.1.2: Recognize and generate equivalent representations of rational numbers, including equivalent fractions.
7.A.2.3: Use proportional reasoning to solve problems involving ratios.
7.A.2.4: Use proportional reasoning to assess the reasonableness of solutions.
7.A.3.1: Write and solve problems leading to linear equations with one variable in the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r, where p, q, and r are rational numbers.
7.A.3.2: Represent, write, solve, and graph problems leading to linear inequalities with one variable in the form x + p > q and x + p < q, where p, and q are nonnegative rational numbers.
7.A.4.1: Use properties of operations (associative, commutative, and distributive) to generate equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions containing rational numbers, grouping symbols and whole number exponents.
7.A.4.2: Evaluate numerical expressions using calculators and other technologies and justify solutions using order of operations and grouping symbols.
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.
PA.A.3.2: Justify steps in generating equivalent expressions by combining like terms and using order of operations (to include grouping symbols). Identify the properties used, including the properties of operations (associative, commutative, and distributive).
PA.A.4.2: Represent, write, solve, and graph problems leading to linear inequalities with one variable in the form px + q > r and px + q < r, where p, q, and r are rational numbers.
Oklahoma Academic Standards Mathematics (Algebra 1)
A1.A.1.3: Analyze, use and apply mathematical models to solve problems involving systems of linear equations with a maximum of two variables by graphing, substitution, and elimination. Graphing calculators or other appropriate technology may be utilized. Interpret the solutions in the original context.
A1.A.4.1: Analyze, use and apply mathematical models and other data sets (e.g., graphs, equations, two points, a set of data points) to calculate and interpret slope and the x- and y-intercepts of a line.
A1.F.1.5: Interpret graphs as being discrete or continuous.
A1.F.2.1: Distinguish between linear and nonlinear (including exponential) functions. Understand that linear functions grow by equal intervals (arithmetic) and that exponential functions grow by equal factors over equal intervals (geometric).
A1.F.3.1: Identify and generate equivalent representations of linear functions, graphs, tables, and real-world situations.
A1.D.1.2: Collect data and analyze scatter plots for patterns, linearity, and outliers.
A1.D.1.3: Make predictions based upon the linear regression, and use the correlation coefficient to assess the reliability of those predictions using graphing technology.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Mathematics (Grade 6)
6.D.1.1: Calculate the mean, median, and mode for a set of real-world data.
6.D.1.2: Explain and justify which measure of central tendency (mean, median, or mode) would provide the most descriptive information for a given set of data.
6.D.1.3: Create and analyze box and whisker plots observing how each segment contains one quarter of the data.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Mathematics (Grade 8)
PA.A.1.1: Recognize that a function is a relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable in which the value of the independent variable determines the value of the dependent variable.
PA.A.1.2: Use linear functions to represent and explain real-world and mathematical situations.
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.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Mathematics (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
A1.A.2.1: Represent relationships in various contexts with linear inequalities; solve the resulting inequalities, graph on a coordinate plane, and interpret the solutions.
A1.A.3.1: Solve equations involving several variables for one variable in terms of the others.
A1.F.1.2: Identify the dependent and independent variables as well as the domain and range given a function, equation, or graph. Identify restrictions on the domain and range in real-world contexts.
A1.D.1.2: Collect data and use scatterplots to analyze patterns and describe linear relationships between two variables. Using graphing technology, determine regression lines and correlation coefficients; use regression lines to make predictions and correlation coefficients to assess the reliability of those predictions.

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