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Welcome, Louisiana reviewers

mCLASS Intervention is an evidence-based program for helping struggling K-6 readers catch up to grade level. Importantly, it:

  1. Uses data from the Louisiana state-approved early literacy screening assessment, DIBELS 8th Edition, when collected on the mCLASS platform.
  2. Aligns with CKLA, a Tier 1 K–5 Core Curriculum reviewed by the Louisiana Department of Education that uses similar approaches to teach reading skills.
  3. Gives teachers time back in the day by doing the heavy lifting of data analysis and lesson sequencing, helping make effective staff-led intervention a reality.

A collaboration between Amplify, classroom practitioners, and leading researchers including Dr. Catherine Snow, mCLASS Intervention offers Louisiana schools a standards-aligned program grounded in the science of reading. As a trusted partner across the state, we look forward to working with you to ensure teachers and students have access to high-quality instructional materials.

Program overview

mCLASS Intervention is a staff-led, supplemental Tier 2/3 intervention program that covers the five big ideas of reading, using the continuum illustrated below. Each hexagon represents a skill taught in mCLASS Intervention. Skills to the left are generally precursors to skills on the right.

The strength of mCLASS Intervention comes from its technology-powered algorithm. Using sophisticated software algorithms, mCLASS Intervention automatically:

  • Analyzes DIBELS 8th Edition and diagnostic measure results collected via the mCLASS platform.
  • Determines which skills each student already knows and which they are ready to learn next.
  • Puts students into small homogeneous groups of 4–6.
  • Compiles detailed lessons that target the specific needs of each group.

Here is a brief example of how mCLASS Intervention identifies the right target for each student.  The image below shows the MOY Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF) results for two first-grade students—Student A and Student B.

They both scored 29, which is Well Below Benchmark for this time of year. In spite of the students having the same score, mCLASS Intervention employs automatic analysis of item-level responses to detect that they are actually at different points in the continuum. For Student A, mCLASS Intervention recommends a focus on letter-sound knowledge, and sounding out and blending. For Student B,  mCLASS Intervention recommends a focus on Regular & Irregular Word recognition. (mCLASS Intervention spirals instruction by having students work in two strands at the same time.) Without mCLASS Intervention, this type of analysis would take educators hours to complete and, as a result, could only be completed sporadically. The automatic nature of mCLASS Intervention’s data analysis algorithm makes it possible for busy educators to complete this analysis regularly, which in turn enables them to continually target intervention instruction at students’ evolving needs, day after day. 

The mCLASS Intervention algorithm not only determines the ideal instructional focus for each student, but also automatically forms small groups of 4–6 students who share the same instructional focus and builds a 10-day plan with detailed lessons that target the specific needs of each group.

Each 10-day plan systematically builds skills. For example, in the 10-day plan below, mCLASS Intervention has a particular group of students work on phonological awareness and letter sound knowledge. And within phonological awareness, mCLASS Intervention first introduces the group to phoneme segmentation; moves students through phoneme identification and substitution in subsequent days; then finishes with first, last, and middle sound segmentation.

This systematic move from less advanced to more advanced skills allows for spaced practice over time, which research has shown to have significant impact on student literacy growth. 

In a Tier 2 intensity, mCLASS Intervention lessons last 30 minutes per day and are delivered daily in groups of 4–6 students. Each session has five activities and each activity is 5–8 minutes long. In a Tier 3 intensity, mCLASS Intervention lessons can be 30 or 60 minutes per day and are delivered daily in groups of 3–4 students. 

Below is an example of a middle sound segmentation activity.

We want to highlight two things from this example: 1) The instructional approach is explicit, and 2) the guidance provided is very detailed.

Explicit instructional approach: All mCLASS Intervention activities begin with a Model (“I Do”) followed by a Practice (“You Do”). During the Model section, the instructor demonstrates how to do the activity. During the Practice section, the instructor has students practice. mCLASS Intervention uses subtle but impactful moves to maximize students’ independent thinking during the Practice portion of an activity. For example, in this activity, mCLASS Intervention has the instructor call on a student only after posing the question to all students in the group and giving the group 3–5 seconds of “think time.” This approach helps instructors keep all students mentally engaged because, should they take the opposite approach of calling on one student and then asking the question, the students who were not called on would tune out and inadvertently rob themselves of crucial practice opportunities they need to catch up to their grade-level peers.  

Detailed guidance: Because mCLASS Intervention activities are detailed, both certified educators and paraprofessionals with little or no training in early elementary reading can deliver mCLASS Intervention with impact. This detailed guidance gives schools a range of options when it comes to staffing intervention, and that added flexibility is vital—especially for moderate and high need schools, which often struggle to provide intervention to all students in need.

Keep in mind that an activity such as the one above represents just 1/5th of a lesson. The additional four activities that round out a 30-minute intervention lesson are short (5–8 minutes each) and varied. Some cover one skill of focus, while others cover the other skill of focus. mCLASS Intervention also regularly incorporates game-based, kinesthetic, peer-to-peer approaches to further increase student engagement and, as a result, educators often report that mCLASS Intervention is their students’ favorite part of the day.  We think this is because students get more attention in a small group; the instruction is targeted to their needs so they are neither bored nor overly frustrated; and the 30 minutes are filled with short, varying, fast-paced, high-energy activities.

The swift pace of mCLASS Intervention is present in the activities that older students work on as well. These students often work on fluency and comprehension at the same time. In the 10-day plan below, you can see how their lessons include the same structure of short and varying activities.

Program components

Site License

Each school needs a site license to the mCLASS Intervention software.  This provides access to the tools interventionists use throughout the year, such as:

  • An assessment app for conducting progress monitoring.
  • A grouping tool that forms small groups of 4–6 students with similar skill profiles.
  • A lesson builder that delivers customized 10-day lesson plans for groups.

See sample 10-day lesson plans

  • Analytical reports for reviewing progress.
  • A practice app for K–2 students to use outside of intervention time.

mCLASS Intervention Kit

mCLASS Intervention kits are recommended, but optional. These kits include the following materials that interventionists bring to lessons:

  • Picture cards
  • Letter cards
  • Regular word cards
  • Irregular word cards
  • Letter combination cards
  • Vocabulary cards
  • Fluency cards
  • Puppet 
  • Resealable bags
  • Magnifying glass
  • Portable whiteboard
  • Dry-erase markers
  • Counting chips
  • Decoding assessment book
  • Vocabulary assessment books
  • Comprehension assessment book

We recommend one mCLASS Intervention kit per interventionist serving K–3 and one mCLASS Intervention kit per interventionist serving 4–6. 

If a school is not able to purchase one kit per interventionist, educators can assemble the materials themselves using our directions here.

DIBELS 8th Edition Kit

Educators administer DIBELS 8th Edition and proprietary diagnostic probes to place intervention students into the program.

Schools can purchase DIBELS 8th Edition kits through Amplify or download forms from the University of Oregon’s site here

For the proprietary diagnostic probes, educators can find the assessment forms in the mCLASS Intervention kit or download them from our teacher portal here

Getting mCLASS Intervention up and running

We have step-by-step guides with training videos and detailed FAQs to help educators get mCLASS Intervention running smoothly in their schools.

  • Schools that screen with DIBELS via mCLASS follow these steps to get Intervention up and running.
  • Schools that screen with another reading assessment (e.g., paper/pencil DIBELS, iReady, NWEA MAP) follow these steps to get Intervention up and running.

Take a tour

Find step-by-step instructions for reviewing lessons and placement materials in our navigation guide

This short video below shows you what those steps look like.

Professional development

For more than a decade, Amplify has provided high-quality customized professional development to meet the specific needs of educators at all levels and improve student outcomes across multiple schools, districts, and states. Our professional development opportunities extend beyond initial product trainings and are proven to leverage data to support effective implementation, consistent administration, focused progress monitoring, skill-focused data analysis, and instructional planning.

There are two distinct roles in mCLASS Intervention critical to ensuring its success at a school site. Professional development is designed to target these different roles:

  • Intervention Coordinator:
    Oversees the mCLASS Intervention program, groups students, determines group assignments, adjusts schedules, and works closely with Interventionists. 
  • Interventionists:
    Instructors who deliver the daily mCLASS Intervention program to small groups of students and monitor students’ progress every two weeks. 

We deliver professional development sessions through multiple formats, including:

  • Onsite:
    Sessions are delivered in person (30 participants).
  • Virtual:
    Sessions are delivered remotely through webinars (15 participants).
  • On demand:
    Resources are posted on the training platform and can be accessed anytime (Individually).

We offer two types of training to support implementation of mCLASS Intervention: Initial Training Sessions and Coaching Sessions.

TRAINING TYPEPURPOSEDATE
Initial Training SessionsIntroduce all stakeholders to mCLASS Intervention and the responsibilities of their individual roles.Beginning of year
Coaching SessionsSupport Intervention Coordinators with data management and fidelity, and support teachers with lesson delivery, progress monitoring, and data analysis.As identified by school

Initial Training Sessions

Training title

Modality

Objectives

Comprehensive Initial Training

1.5 days

Hybrid model*

  • ½-day remote webinar for Intervention Coordinators
  • 1-day onsite training for Interventionists

Interventionist coordinator objectives:

  • Understand how mCLASS Intervention works and what is required to maximize student progress.
  • Learn how to optimize groups and staff schedules to serve all students in need of intervention.
  • Develop the implementation work plan for the school.

Interventionist objectives:

  • Learn how mCLASS Intervention works.
  • Deliver lessons that maximize student progress.
  • Improve lesson delivery, with feedback from certified trainer.
  • Monitor progress with Intervention measures.
  • Increase accuracy of administration of measures.

Comprehensive Initial Training

1.5 days

Remote model*

  • ½-day remote webinar for Intervention Coordinators
  • 1-day remote training for Interventionists
 

*Depending on your needs, Amplify can also deliver these sessions in a Training of Trainers (TOT) model, where sessions are delivered to select leaders from each school, and participants will turn-key training content to their colleagues.

Our Coaching Sessions are also offered in multiple formats, to include full- and half-day in-person sessions, and hourly remote sessions.

Coaching Sessions

Training title

Modality

Objectives

One-day Coaching 1-day onsite

Objectives for these sessions will depend on the content needs determined by the school. Topics can include but are not limited to:

  • Observing Intervention lessons and providing feedback.
  • Analyzing mCLASS Intervention data.
  • Reviewing student progress, and planning next steps.
  • Refining groups and schedules.
  • Co-planning and modeling Intervention lessons.

Half-day Coaching ½-day onsite
Hourly Coaching 1-hour remote

FAQ’s

Do schools need to screen with mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition to use mCLASS Intervention?

No. Amplify has an mCLASS Intervention offering designed for schools that use their own reading screener. These schools use the results from their own reading assessment to determine who’s at risk. Then they administer DIBELS 8th Edition and Amplify’s proprietary diagnostic measure via mCLASS to the students who will receive mCLASS Intervention. Of course, we highly recommend using mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition for screening the entire class, as it would efficiently serve as both a screener and placement tool into mCLASS Intervention.

How does placement into mCLASS Intervention work?

You can learn on our teacher portal site. Here are the placement procedures for schools that:

Screen with mCLASS DIBELS 8

Screen with their own reading assessment

Does mCLASS Intervention teach skills that are taught in previous grades?

Yes, mCLASS Intervention was designed to detect students’ earliest skill gaps and provide teachers with high-quality resources for addressing them. 

How do teachers set goals?

mCLASS Intervention comes with a goal-setting tool that helps educators choose goals for students. It does this by providing score ranges that represent average, above average, and well above average growth in the skills being worked on.

Grade K

Unit 1: Count Sequence and Numbers to 5

Module 1: Represent Numbers to 5 with Objects

Lesson 1: Represent 1 and 2Connecting Cubes
Lesson 2: Represent 3 and 4Skye’s Style
Matching Groups
Designing Shoes With Skye

Unit 2: Count Sequence and Numbers to 10

Module 7: Represent Numbers 6 to 10 with Objects

Module 10: Compare Numbers to 10

Lesson 4: Compare Groups Within 10 by CountingMore, Fewer, or the Same
Fingers and Counters
Lesson 5: Compare Groups Within 10 by MatchingComparing Words
Forest Friends

Module 11: Add To and Take From Within 10

Module 12: Put Together and Take Apart Within 10

Lesson 3: Solve Put Together Problems Within 10How Many Objects in Pictures?
How Will You Count?
What Does It Mean to Add?
Lesson 4: Solve Take Apart Problems Within 10What Does It Mean to Subtract?
Lesson 5: Solve Word Problems Within 10The Bus Depot

Module 13: Ways to Make Numbers to 10

Lesson 4: Ways to Make 10Harry’s Hamster Wheel
Harry Explores Space
Lesson 5: Make 10 From a Given NumberShowing What We Know About 10
Lesson 1: Ways to Make 6 and 7Harry Explores the Ocean

Unit 3: Geometry

Module 14: Analyze and Compare Three-Dimensional Shapes

Module OpenerWhat’s That Shape?
Lesson 5: Build ShapesBuilding Solid Shapes

Module 15: Describe Position of Objects

Module 16: Analyze and Compare Two-Dimensional Shapes

Lesson 7: Compare Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional ShapesSo Much Sorting
What’s That Shape Called?
Another Shape

Unit 4: Number and Operations in Base Ten

Module 17: Place Value Foundations-Represent Numbers to 20

Lesson 3: Compose Ten Ones and Some More Ones to 19Investigate: Packing Snacks
Lesson 4: Represent Numbers to 20Getting Ready for the Game
How Many on the Field?
Pass, Shoot, Score

Module 18: Place Value Foundations-Represent Number to 20 with a Written Numeral

Lesson 1: Count and Write 11 to 14Jersey Jam!
Lesson 3: Count and Write 16-19People at the Park

Grade 1

Unit 1: Ways to Add and Subtract

Module 2: Subtraction Strategies

Lesson 2.1: Represent SubtractionPacking a Picnic
Lesson 2.2: Count BackWhat’s the Difference?
Lesson 2.3: Count on to SubtractLeaping Lily Pads!

Module 3: Properties of Operations

Lesson 3.6: Determin Equatl and Not EqualReplanting Huli

Module 4: Apply Addition and Subtraction Relationships

Lesson 4.2: Represent Related FactsSame Number, Different Ways
Lesson 4.3: Identify Related FactsKitten Coaster
Lesson 4.6: Solve for Unknow AddendTutu’s Garden in Maui

Module 5: Understand Add to and Take From Problems

Lesson 5.4: Solve Add To and Take From ProblemsA Community Working Together
Helping Others
Making 10

Module 6: Understand Put Together and Take Apart Problems

Lesson 6.3: Represent Addend and Unknown Problems with Objects and DrawingInvestigate: Let’s Grow!

Module 8: Data

Lesson: 8.2 Represent Data with Picture GraphsShapes Ying Saw

Unit 3: Numbers to 120

Module 10: Count and Represent Numbers

Lesson 10.4: Decompose Numbers in Different WaysInvestigate: Game Points
Lesson 10.5: Represent, Read, and Write Numbers from 100 to 110From Head to Claw
From Wing Tip to Wing Tip
Measuring More Wingspans
Lesson 10.5: Represent, Read, and Write Numbers from 110 to 120From Head to Claw
From Wing Tip to Wing Tip
Measuring More Wingspans

Unit 4: Addition and Subtractoin in Base Ten

Module 12: Understand Addition and Subtraction with Tens and Ones

Lesson 12.1: Representing Adding TensMeeting Yara
It’s a Match
From Park to Table
Lesson 12.3: Add and Subtract TensHow Many Cubes?
Boris’s Thimbles
How Many Tens?

Module 13: Two-Digita Addition and Subtraction

Lesson 13.1: Use Hundred Charts to Show Two-Digit Addtion and Subtraction.Investigate: Squashes at the Playground
Lesson 13.2: Understand and Explain Place Value AdditionTown Helpers
Making Squash Butter

Unit 6: Measurment

Module 16: Fraction Foundations

Lesson 16.1: TAke Apart Two-Dimensional ShapesFair and Square
Lesson 16.2: Identify Equal or Unequal PartsOne of the Parts, All of the Parts
Lesson 16.4: Partition Shapes into FourthsA Bigger Part

Grade 2

Unit 1: Numbers and Data

Module 1: Fluency for Addition and Subtraction Within 20

Lesson 1.5: Use the Make a Ten Strategy to AddExploring Within 10
Ways to Make 10

Module 1: Fluency for Addition and Subtraction Within 21

Lesson 1.6: Use a Tens Fact to SubtractExploring Within 10
Ways to Make 10

Module 2: Equal Groups

Lesson 2.1: Identify Even and Odd NumbersCan You Share?
Is It Even or Odd?
Lesson 2.2: Write Equations to Represent Even NumbersEverybody, Find A Partner!

Module 3: Data

Lesson 3.5: Draw bar graphs to Represent DataAwesome Aquariums

Unit 2: Place Value

Module 4: Understand Place Value

Lesson 4.1: Group Tens as HundredsWhat Makes a Hundred?
Lesson 4.2: Understand Three-Digit NumbersWhat’s the Value?
Lesson 4.4: Represent Numbers with Hundreds, Tens, and OnesMail Call!
What’s Your Name?

Module 5: Read, Write, and Show Numbers to 1000

Lesson 5.3: Different Ways to Write NumbersA New Representation
Lesson 5.4: Different Ways to Show NumbersAll the Ways!

Module 6: Use Place Value

Lesson 6.1: Count Within 1000Investigate
Turtle Hurdle
Lesson 6.5: Use Symbols to Compare NumbersTime to Line Up!

Unit 3: Money and Time

Module 7: Coins

Lesson 7.1: Relate Place Value to CoinsInvestigate
Lesson 7.2 Identify and Find Value of CoinsDiscovering Coins (Part 1)
Lesson 7.3: Compute the Value of Coin CombinationsHow Much Money?
Lesson 7.4: Show Amounts in Different WaysDiscovering Coins (Part 2)
The Toy Stand

Module 8: Dollar Amounts

Lesson 8.3: Solve Problems Involving MoneyThe Craft Stand at the Block Party

Unit 5: Three-Digita Addition and Subtraction

Module 16: Three-Digit Addition

Lesson 16.1: Use Drawing to Represent Three-Digit AdditionThere’s Something About Berries
Lesson 16.2: Decomposte Three-Digit AddendsBaking With Skunk

Unit 6: Measurement

Module 18: Lengths in Inches, Feet, and Yards

Lesson 18.4: Make Line Ploits to Show Measurement DataMessy Measurements
Bracelets and Wristbands

Module 20: Relate Addition and Subtraction to Length

Lesson 20.1: Relate Inches to a Number LineInvestigate
Time to Line Up!
What’s That Number?
Lesson 20.2: Add and Subtract Lengths in InchesLengths of Jungle Animals
Lesson 20.3: Relate Centimeters to a Number LineInvestigate
Time to Line Up!
In Full Bloom

Unit 7: Geometry and Fractions

Module 21: Two- and Three- Dimensional Shapes

Lesson 21.2 Identify and Draw Three-Dimensional ShapesMore to Measure
Lesson 21.2: Identify and Draw Two-Dimensional ShapesFrame It!
Measure It, Draw It

Grade 3

Unit 1: Understand Multiplication and Area

Module 1: Understand Multiplication

Lesson 1.1: Count Equal GroupsEqual Groups
Lesson 1.3: Represent Multiplication with ArraysArrays of Flavor
Lesson 1.4: Understand the Commutative Property of MultiplicationArrays of Flavor

Module 2: Relate Multiplication and Area

Lesson 2.1 Understand Area by Counting Unit SquareInvestigate: Comparing Rugs
Which Covers More Space?
Lesson 2.2: Measuring Area by Counting Unit SquaresTiling Figures
Area Hunt
Lesson 2.3: Relate Area to Addition and MultiplicationRectangles and Arrays

Unit 2: Multiplication and Division

Module 7: Relate Multiplication and Division

Lesson 7.7: Build Fluency with Multiplication and DivisionRelating Quotients to Familiar Products

Module 8: Apply Multiplication and Division

Lesson 8.3: Use Multiplication and Division to Solve Problem SituationsIt’s Chili in Here!
Lesson 8.4: Solve Two-Step ProblemsDivision and Multiplication Equations

Unit 3: Addition and Subtraction Strategies

Module 9: Addition and Subtraction Strategies

Lesson 9.3: Use Properties to AddHow Would You Solve It?
Lesson 9.4: Use Mental Math to Assess ReasonablenessAdding Strategically

Module 10: Addition and Subtraction Within 1000

Lesson 10.1: Use Expanded Form to AddWhat Is an Algorithm?
Lesson 10.2: Use Place Value to AddAdding Your Way
Using Fewer Digits
Lesson 10.5: Choose a Strategy to Add or SubtractDetermining Sums of 2 or More Addends

Unit 4: Fractions

Module 13: Understand Fractions as Numbers

Lesson 13.4: Represent and Name Fractions on a Number LineFractions on the Number Line
Lesson 13.5: Express Whole Numbers as FractionsCat Crossing
Lesson 13.6: Represent and Name Fractions Greater Than 1Location, Location, Location

Unit 5: Measurement and Data

Module 18: Represent and Interpret Data

Lesson 18.4: Make a Bar GraphPuppy Pile
2, 5, or 10?
Egg-cellent Pick
Lesson 18.5: Use Line Plots to Display Measurement DataHow Long Is It?
More Precise Measurements
Same Lengths, Different Names
Lesson 18.6: Make Line Plots to Display Measurement DataThe Plot Chickens
Let’s Make a Line Plot

Unit 6: Geometry

Module 19: Define Two-Dimensional Shapes

Lesson 19.1: Describe ShapesPiho’s Shapes
Lesson 19.4: Define QuadrilateralsRectangles, Squares, and Rhombuses

Module 20: Categorize Two-Dimensional Shapes

Lesson 20.1: Draw QuadrilateralsMore Quadrilaterals

Grade 4

Unit 1: Place Value and Whole Number Operations

Module 3: Interpret and Solve Problem Situations

Lesson 3.1: Explore Multiplicative ComparisonsSticker Mania
Lesson 3.4: Use Comparison to Solve Problem SituationsRepresenting “Times as Many”
Going Swimming

Unit 2: Multiplication and Division Problems

Module 4: Mental Math and Estimation Strategies

Lesson 4.3: Estimate Products by 1-Digit NumbersA Reasonable Answer

Module 5: Multiply by 1-Digit Numbers

Lesson 5.1: Represent MultiplicationInvestigate: Packing Lei
Lesson 5.2: Use Area Models and the Distributive Property to MultiplyCounting Flowers for Lei
Lesson 5.4: Multiplying Using Partial ProductsThree of a Kind
Lesson 5.6: Multiplying 3-Digit and 4-Digit NumbersA Lei Making Workshop

Unit 3: Extend and Apply Multiplication

Module 8: Extend and Apply Multiplication

Lesson 8.1: Multiply with TensGrowing Flowers for the Lei
Lesson 8.3: Relate Area Model and Partial ProductsDouble Decomposition
Lesson 8.4: Multiplying Using Partial ProductsRevisiting Strategies
Lesson 8.7: Solve Multi-step Problems and Assess ReasonablenessHow Many Supplies?

Unit 4: Fractions and Decimals

Module 10: Algebraic Thinking and Number Theory

Lesson 10.1: Investigate FactorsHamster Homes
Lesson 10.2: Identify FactorsFactor or Multiple?
Lesson 10.4: Identify Prime and Composite NumbersA Number Game
Lesson 10.5 Generate and Analyze Number PatternsHow Does It Grow?

Module 11: Fraction Equivalence and Comparison

Lesson 11.1: Compare Fractions Using Viaula ModelsInvestigate: Building Your Own Number Line
Lesson 11.2: Compare Fractions Using BenchmarksFraction Strips
Lesson 11.6: Compare Fractions Using Common DenominatorsChop It
Lesson 11.7: Use Comparison to Order FractionsAll Kinds of Fractions

Module 12: Relate Fractions and Decimals

Lesson 12.1: Represent Tenths as Fractions and DecimalsA New Way to Write Tenths
Lesson 12.2 Represent Hundredths as Fractions and DecimalsA New Way to Write Hundredths
Lesson 12.3: Identify Equivalent Fractions and DecimalsAre They Equivalent?
Lesson 12.4: Compare DecimalsHow Can You Compare?
Robot Factory
What’s the Order

Module 13: Use Fractions to Understand Angles

Lesson 13.2: Explore AnglesAngle Adventures
Lesson 13.3: Relate Angles to Fraction Part of a CircleThe Spin on Angles
Lesson 13.6: Join and Separate AnglesAngles in Motion

Module 14: Understand Addition and Subtraction of Fractions with Like Denominators

Lesson 14.2: Joining Parts of the Same WholePizza Problems

Module 15: Add and Subtract Fractions and Mixed Numbers with Like Denominators

Lesson 15.1: Add and Subtract Fractions to Solve ProblemsMath Pizzeria

Unit 6: Two-Dimensional Figures and Symmetry

Module 18: Symmetry and Patterns

Lesson 18.3: Generate and Identify Shape PattersHow Does It Grow?

Grade 5

Unit 1: Whole Numbers, Expressions, and Volume

Module 1: Whole Number Place Value and Multiplication

Lesson 1.3: Use a Pattern to Multiply by Multiplies of 10, 100, and 1000Partial Products Everywhere
Monarch Butterflies
All About That Base
Lesson 1.5: Multiply Multi-Digit NumbersHow Do They Compare?

Module 2: Understand Division of Whole Numbers

Lesson 2.4: Use Partial QuotientsEmptying the Water Tank

Module 5: Volume

Lesson 5.2: Understand VolumeWhich is Largest
Lesson 5.3: Estimate VolumePacking the Barge
Lesson 5.6: Find Volume of Composed FiguresPutting it Together
Figures Made of Prisms

Unit 3: Multiplying Fractions and Mixed Numbers

Module 8: Understand Multiplication of Fractions

Lesson 8.1: Explore Groups of Equal Shares to Show MultiplicationInvestigate: Sharing Sandwiches
Investigate: Folding Paper
Lesson 8.2: Represent Multiplication of Whole Numbers by FractionsSharing More Sandwiches
Lesson 8.3: Represent Multiplication with Unit FractionOne Part of One Part
Lesson 8.4: Represent Multiplication of FractionsDance Breaks
Parts of Parts
Making Food
Lesson 8.5: Use Representations of Area to Develop ProceduresOne Part of One Part
Installing Turf
Rows and Columns
Lesson 8.6: Interpret Fraction Multiplication as ScalingChores at Animal Haven
The Re-size-inator
Lesson 8.7: Multiplying FractionsMessy Multiplication

Module 9: Understand and Apply Multiplication of Mixed Numbers

Lesson 9.3: Practice Multiplication with Fractions and Mixed NumbersMessy Multiplication
Applying Fraction Multiplication

Unit 4: Divide Fractions and Convert Customary Units

Module 10: Understand Division with Whole Numbers and Unit Fractions

Lesson 10.1: Interpret a Fraction as DivisionDivision Story Problems
Making Generalizations

Unit 5: Add and Subtract Decimals

Module 13: Decimal Place Value

Lesson 13.1: Understand ThousandthsWhat Is One Thousandth?
Lesson 13.2: Read and Write Decimals to ThousandthsSay What?
Lesson 13.3: Round DecimalsWhich Way Down the Mountain?
Rounding Races
Lesson 13.4: Compare and Order DecimalsInvestigate: Numbers Between Numbers
The Claw
Selling Collectibles

Unit 6: Multiply Decimals

Module 15: Multiply Decimals and Whole Numbers

Lesson 15.1: Understand Decimal Multiplication PatternsPlace Value Patterns
Powers of 10 Parade

Unit 7: Divide Decimals and Convert Customary Units

Module 17: Understand Decimal Division Patterns

Lesson 17.1: Understand Decimal Division PatternsPowers of 10 Parade

Unit 8: Graphs, Patterns, and Geometry

Module 19: Graphs and Patterns

Lesson 19.1: Describe a Coordinate SystemCreating a Coordinate System
Lesson 19.2: Understand Ordered PairsBullseye!
Lesson19.4: Generate and Identify Numerical PattermsCoordinating Satellite Repairs

Grade 6

Unit 1: Number Systems and Operations

Module 1: Integer Concepts

Lesson 1: Identify and Interpret IntegersCan You Dig It?
Lesson 2: Compare and Order Integers on a Number LineOrder in the Class

Module 3: Fraction Division

Lesson 1: Understand Fraction DivisionFlour Planner
Fill the Gap

Module 4: Fluency with Multi-Digit Decimal Operations

Lesson 1: Add and Subtract Multi-Digit DecimalsDishing Out Decimals
Decimal Diagrams and Algorithms
Lesson 4: Divide Multi-Digit DecimalsMovie Time

Unit 2: Ratio and Rate Reasoning

Module 5: Ratio and Rates

Lesson 1: Understand the Concept and Language of RatiosPizza Maker
Lesson 2: Represent Ratios and Rates with Tables and GraphsFruit Lab
Disaster Preparation
Lesson 3: Compare Ratios and RatesModel Trains
Lesson 4: Find and Apply Unit RatesWorld Records
Lesson 5: Solve Ratio and Rate Problems Using Proportional ReasoningWelcome to the Robot Factory
More Soft Serve

Module 6: Apply Ratios and Rates to Measurement

Lesson 2: Use Rate Reasoning to Convert withing Measurement SystemsSoft Serve
Many Measurements

Module 7: Understand, Express, and Compare Percent Ratios

Lesson 1: Understand, Express, and Compare Percent RatiosLucky Duckies

Unit 3: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Module 8: Numerical and Algebraic Expressions

Lesson 3: Write Algebraic Expressions to Model SituationsProducts and Sums

Module 9: Solve Problems Using Equations and Inequalities

Lesson 1: Write Equations to Represent SituationsWeight for It
Five Equations
Lesson 2: USe Additions and Subtraction Equations to Solve ProblemsHanging Around
Hanging It Up
Lesson 3: Use Multiplication and Division Equations to Solve ProblemsHanging Around
Hanging It Up
Lesson 4: Use One-Step Equations to Solve a Variety of ProblemsSwap and Solve
Lesson 5: Write and Graph InequalitiesTunnel Travels

Module 10: Real-World Relationships Between Variables

Lesson 1: Represent Equations in Tables and GraphsSubway Fares
Lesson 2: Write Equations from Verbal DescriptionsSubway Fares

Unit 4: Relationships in Geometry

Module 11: Polygons on the Coordinate Plane

Lesson 4: Find the Perimeter and Area on the Coordinate PlaneShapes on a Plane

Module 12: Area of Triangles and Special Quadrilaterals

Lesson 1: Develop and Use the Formula for Area of ParallelogramsExploring Parallelograms, Part 1
Exploring Parallelograms, Part 2
Off the Grid, Part 1
Lesson 2: Develop and Use the Formula for Area of TrianglesExploring Triangles
Triangles and Parallelograms
Off the Grid, Part 2
Lesson 3: Develop and Use the Formula for Area of TrapezoidsPile of Polygons
Lesson 4: Find Area of Composite FiguresPuzzling Areas
Letters

Module 13: Surface Area and Volume

Lesson 1: Explore Nets and Surface AreaRenata’s Stickers

Unit 5: Data Collection and Analysis

Module 14: Data Collection and Displays

Lesson 2: Display Data in Dot PlotsMinimum Wage
Lesson 3: Make Histograms and Frequency TablesThe Plot Thickens

Module 15: Measure of Center

Lesson 2: Find Measures of CenterToy Cars
Lesson 3: Choose a Measure of CenterHoops

Grade 7

Unit 1: Proportional Relationships

Module 1: Identify and Represent Proportional Relationships

Lesson 1: Explore RelationshipsPaint
Lesson 2: Recognize Proportional Relationships in TablesTwo and Two
Lesson 3: Compute Unit Rates Involving FractionsDinoPops
Lesson 4: Recognize Proportional Relationships in GraphsScale Factor Challenges
Lesson 5: Use Proportional Relationships to Solve Rate ProblemsScaling Robots
Lesson 6: Practice Proportional Reasoning with Scale DrawingsScaling Machines
Make it Scale
Tiles
Will It Fit

Module 2: Proportional Reasoning with Percents

Lesson 1: Percent ChangeMosaics
Percent Machines
Lesson 2: Markups and DiscountsMore and Less
All the Equations
Lesson 3: Taxes and Gratuities100%
Lesson 5: Simple InterestBack in My Day

Unit 2: Rational Number Operations

Module 3: Understand Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers

Lesson 1: Add or Subtract a Positive Integer on a Number lineFloats and Anchors
Lesson 3: Use a Number Line to Add and Subtract Rational NumbersDraw Your Own

Module 4: Add and Subtract Rational Numbers

Lesson 1: Compute Sums of IntegersMore Floats and Anchors
Lesson 2: Compute Differences of IntegersMore Floats and Anchors
Lesson 4: Apply Properties to Multi-step Addition and Subtraction ProblemsInteger Puzzles

Unit 3: Model with Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Module 7: Solve Problems Using Expressions and Equations

Lesson 1: Write Linear Expressions in Different Forms for Different SituationsCollect the Squares
Lesson 3: Write Two-Step Equations for SituationsKeeping it True
Lesson 5: Apply Two-Step Equations fo Find Angle MeasuresFriendly Angles
Missing Measures

Module 8: Solve Problems Using Inequalities

Lesson 1: Understand and Apply Properties to Solve One-Step InequalitiesI Saw the Signs
Lesson 2: Write Two-Step Inequalities for SituationsUnbalanced Hangers
Shira the Sheep
Lesson 3: Apply Two-Step Inequalities to Solve ProblemsBudgeting
Write Them and Solve Them

Unit 4: Geometry

Module 9: Draw and Analyze Two-Dimensional Figures

Lesson 2: Draw Circles and Other FiguresCan You Build It

Module 10: Analyze Figures to Find Circumference and Area

Lesson 1: Derive and Apply Formulas for CircumferenceMeasuring Around
Lesson 2: Derive and Apply a Formula for the Area of a CircleWhy Pi?
Lesson 4: Areas of Composite FiguresArea Challenges

Unit 5: Sampling and Data Analysis

Module 13: Use Statistics and Graphs to Compare Data

Lesson 3: Compare Means Using MAD and Repeated SamplingCrab Island

Module 14: Understand and Apply Experimental Probability

Lesson 1: Understand Probability of an EventHow Likely
Lesson 2: Find Experimental Probability of Simple EventsProb-bear-bilities

Module 15: Find Theoretical Probability of Simple Events

Lesson 1: Find Theoretical Probability of Simple EventsIs It Fair?

Grade 8

Unit 1: Transformational Geometry

Module 1: Transformations and Congruence

Module 2: Transformations and Similarity

Lesson 1: Investigate Reductions and EnlargementsSketchy Dilations
Lesson 2: Explore DilationsDilation Mini Golf
Lesson 3: Understand and Recognize Similar FiguresSocial Scavenger Hunt

Unit 2: Linear Equations and Applications

Module 3: Solve Linear Equations

Lesson 1: Solve Multi-Step Linear EquationsEquation Roundtable
Lesson 3: Apply Linear Equations

Module 4: Angle Relationships

Lesson 1: Develop Angle Relationships for TrianglesPuzzling It Out
Lesson 3: Explore Prarallel Lines Cut by a TransversalPuzzling It Out

Unit 3: Relationships and Functions

Module 5: Proportional Relationships

Lesson 2: Derive y = mxTurtle Time Trials
Lesson 3: Interpret and Graph Proportional RelationshipsTurtle Time Trials
Lesson 4: Compare Proportional RelationshipsTurtle Time Trials

Module 6: Understand and Analyze Functions

Lesson 1: Understand and Graph FunctionsGuess My Rule
Lesson 2: Derive and Interpret y = mx + bFlags
Translations
Lesson 3: Interpret Rat of Change and Initial ValueStacking Cups (Optional)
Lesson 4: Construct FunctionsWater Cooler
Lesson 5: Compare FunctionsUps and Downs
Lesson 6: Describe and Sketch Nonlinear FunctionsTurtle Crossing
The Tortoise and the Hare

Module 7: Systems of Linear Equations

Lesson 1: Represent Systems by GraphingMake Them Balance
Lesson 2: Solve Systems by GraphingLine Zapper

Unit 4: Statistics and Probability

Module 8: Scatter Plots

Lesson 1: Construct Scatter Plots and Examine AssociationRobots
Dapper Cats
Lesson 2: Draw and Analyze Trend LinesInterpreting Scatter Plots
Find the Fit (called Fit Fights in Desmos Math)
Lesson 3: Interpret Linear Data in ContextInterpreting Slopes
Scatter Plot City
Animal Brains

Module 9: Two-Way Tables

Lesson 1: Construct and Interpret Two-Way Frequency TablesFinding Associations
Lesson 3: Interpret Two-Way Relative Freqency TablesFinding Associations

Unit 5: Real Numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem

Module 10: Real Numbers

Lesson 2: Investigate RootsRoot Down

Module 11: The Pythagorean Theorem

Lesson 1: Prove the Pythagorean TheoremTriangle Tracing Turtle
Lesson 3: Apply the Pythagorean TheoremTaco Truck

Unit 6: Exponents, Scientific Notation, and Volume

Module 12: Exponents and Scientific Notation

Lesson 1: Know and Apply Properties of ExponentsCircles
Power Pairs
Lesson 2: Understand Scientific NotationSpecific and Scientific (formerly Solar System)
Lesson 3: Compute with Scientific NotationBalance the Scale

Module 13: Volume

Lesson 1: Find Volume of CylindersCylinders
Lesson 2: Find Volumes of ConesCones

Algebra 1

Intro/Launch

Unit 1: Real Numbers and Connections to Algebra

Module 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable

Lesson 2.2: Write and Solve EquationsWorking Backwards
Solving Strategies
Same Position
Lesson 2.3: Rewrite Formulas and Solve Literal EquationsVarious Variables
Lesson 2.4: Write and Solve InequalitiesPizza Delivery

Unit 2: Linear Functions and Equations

Module 3: Linear Equations in Two Variables

Lesson 3.1: Linear Equations in Standard FormShelley the Snail
Five Representations
Lesson 3.2: Slopes of Lines and Rates of ChangePlane, Train, and Automobile

Module 4: Linear Functions and Models

Lesson 4.3: Characteristics of Linear FunctionsCraft-a-Graph

Module 5: Relationships Among Linear Functions

Lesson 5.3: Compare Linear FunctionsSubway Seats
Lesson 5.4: Inverses of Linear FunctionsChip the Robot

Unit 3: Build Linear Functions and Models

Module 6: Fit Linear Functions to Data

Lesson 6.1: Scatter Plots, Correlation, and Fitted LinesCorrelation Coefficient
How Hot Is It?
City Slopes
Behind the Headlines
City Data
Lesson 6.2: Residualts and Best-Fit LinesResidual Fruit
Penguin Populations

Module 7: Discrete Linear Functions

Lesson 7.1: Arithmetic Sequences Defined RecursivelySequence Carnival
Lesson 7.2: Arithmetic Sequences Defined ExplicitlyMore Visual Patterns

Module 8: Piecewise-Defined Functions

Lesson 8.1: Graph Piecewise-Defined FunctionsPumpkin Prices

Unit 4: Linear Systems

Module 9: Systems of Linear Equations

Lesson 9.1: Solve Linear Systems by GraphingLizard Lines
Lesson 9.2: Solve Linear Systems by SubstitutionShape It Up

Module 10: Linear Inequalities

Lesson 10.2: Graph Systems of Linear InequalitiesQuilts
Seeking Solutions

Unit 5: Exponential Functions and Equations

Module 11: Exponential Functions and Models

Lesson 11.1: Exponential Growth FunctionsCarlos’s Fish

Unit 6: Build Exponential Functions and Models

Module 13: Fit Exponential Functions to Data

Lesson 13.1: Scatter Plots and Fitted Exponential CurvesDetroit’s Population, Part 1
Detroit’s Population, Part 2

Module 14: Discrete Exponential Functions

Lesson 14.1: Geometric Sequences Defined RecursivelySequence Carnival
Lesson 14.2: Geometric Sequences Defined ExplicitlyMore Visual Patterns

Unit 8: Quadratic Functions and Equations

Module 17: Use Graphing and Factoring to Solve Quadratic Equations

Lesson 17.1: Solve Quadratic Equations by Graphing Quadratic FunctionsRevisiting Visual Patterns, Part 1
Quadratic Visual Patterns
On the Fence
Plenty of Parabolas
Lesson 17.3: Solve Quadratic Equations by Factoring ax^2+bx+cStomp Rockets
Two for One
Robot Launch
Lesson 17.4: Use Special Factoring Patterns to Solve Quadratic EquationsParabola Zapper
Shooting Stars

Module 18: Use Square Roots to Solve Quadratic Equations

Lesson 18.2: Solve Quadratic Equations by Completing the SquareSquare Tactic
Lesson 18.3: Use the Quadratic Formula to Solve EquationsStomp Rockets in Space

Unit 9: Function Analysis

Module 20: Function Analysis

Lesson 20.1: Choose Among Linear, Exponential, and Quadratic ModelsSorting Relationships

Unit 10: Data Analysis

Module 22: Numerical Data

Lesson 22.1: Data Distributions and Appropriate StatisticsFinding Desmo

Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only; references to third-party programs do not imply endorsement or affiliation, and all trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Acceptable Use Policy

Amplify Education, Inc. (“Amplify”) products support classroom instruction and learning and include Amplify CKLA, Amplify ELA, Amplify Science, Amplify Desmos Math, Desmos Math, Boost Reading, Boost Math, mCLASS, Mathigon, services at classroom.amplify.com (for creating and assigning activities) and student.amplify.com (for use of the activities or curricula as directed by an instructor), and any other product or service that links to this Acceptable Use Policy (together, the “Products”). This Acceptable Use Policy (the “AUP”) provides the general terms and conditions applicable to your use of the Products. By accessing, downloading, or using the Products, you agree to be bound by the terms of this AUP. 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this AUP supersedes or limits your rights under the terms of any other agreement you or your institution have entered into with Amplify regarding the use of Products. In the event of any conflict between the AUP and the terms and conditions of an applicable agreement that you or your institution have entered into with Amplify, the terms and conditions of such agreement shall control.

Our Products are geared towards K–12 students, educators, and staff who use the Products as authorized by their School District or State Agency (each as defined in the Privacy Policy (defined below), and together, “School”) (“Authorized School Users”). Student Data (defined below) is owned and controlled by the School, and Amplify receives Student Data as a “school official” under Section 99.31 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”) for the purpose of providing the Products hereunder. In addition, we rely on the School acknowledging that it is acting as the parent’s agent and consenting on the parent’s behalf to process personal information of students under the age of 13 (“Child Users”) in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”). 

Schools may provide authorization in two ways: 

(1) by the School agreeing to our Customer Terms and Conditions located at amplify.com/customer-terms or another agreement between Amplify and the School, as applicable; or 

(2) by an educator, staff member, or agent of a School (“Educator”) agreeing to this AUP. If you are an Educator and wish to use the Products in your classroom, you represent and warrant that the use of the Products in your classroom has been authorized by your School, and that you are authorized to accept this AUP on behalf of the School.

In each case, we provide these Products solely for the benefit of the School and for no other commercial purpose. We require all Schools to review our Privacy Policy, available at amplify.com/customer-privacy (“Privacy Policy”), and to make a copy of the Privacy Policy available to the parents or guardians of Child Users.

We also provide limited opportunities for individual users to sign up for a restricted account for at-home use of our Products (together, with Authorized School Users, “Authorized Users”). Please see Additional terms for Mathigon and Amplify Classroom accounts (Section 18) for additional information.

1. License

Subject to compliance with this AUP, you are granted a non-transferable, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable license to access and use the Products. You understand that your use of the Products does not confer to you any intellectual property rights held by Amplify or its licensors. Unless otherwise indicated, any future release, update, or other addition to functionality or content of the Products will be subject to this AUP. 

2. Restrictions

You may access and use the Products solely for non-commercial instructional and administrative purposes. Guidelines for such purposes may be set forth at http://amplify.com/amplify-program-usage-guidelines and additional guidelines may be detailed in materials associated with the Product You are accessing. Further, You may not, except as expressly authorized by Amplify: (a) copy, modify, translate, distribute, disclose, or create derivative works based on the contents of, sell, or otherwise exploit, the Products, or any part thereof; (b) decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer the Products, or otherwise use the Products to develop functionally similar products or services; (c) modify, alter, or delete any of the copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices in or on the Products; (d) rent, lease, or lend the Products or use the Products for the benefit of any third party; (e) avoid, circumvent, or disable any security or digital rights management device, procedure, protocol, or mechanism in the Products; (f) use any content from the Products, including but not limited to text, images, videos, assessments, lesson plans, or code, as input or training material for any machine learning or artificial intelligence system, including large language models, neural networks, or other algorithmic models, for any purposes, commercial or non-commercial; or (g) permit any Authorized User or third party to do any of the foregoing. You also agree that any works created in violation of this section are derivative works, and, as such, You agree to assign, and hereby assign, all right, title, and interest in such works to Amplify. The Products and derivatives thereof may be subject to export control laws, restrictions, regulations, and orders of the U.S. and other jurisdictions (together, “Export Laws”). You agree to comply with all applicable Export Laws, and will not, and will not permit Authorized Users to, export, or transfer for the purpose of re-export, any Product to any prohibited or embargoed country in violation of any U.S. export law or regulation. Further, You represent that You are not located in a country that is subject to a U.S. Government embargo, subject to sanctions by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control, or included on any restricted party list maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security. The software and associated documentation portions of the Products are “commercial items” (as defined at 48 CFR 2.101), comprising “commercial computer software” and “commercial computer software documentation,” as those terms are used in 48 CFR 12.212. Accordingly, if You are associated with the U.S. Government or its contractor, You will receive only those rights set forth in this Agreement in accordance with 48 CFR 227.7201-227.7204 (for Department of Defense and their contractors) or 48 CFR 12.212 (for other U.S. Government licensees and their contractors).

3. Use of the products

In connection with your access to and use of the Products, you agree not to: (a) post, upload, or otherwise transmit or link to content that is: unlawful; threatening; harmful; abusive; pornographic or includes nudity; offensive; harassing; excessively violent; tortious; defamatory; false or misleading; obscene; vulgar; libelous; hateful; or discriminatory; (b) violate the rights of others, including patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, privacy, publicity, contract, or other proprietary rights; (c) harass or harm another person; (d) exploit or endanger a minor; (e) impersonate any person or entity; (f) introduce or engage in activity that involves the use of viruses, bots, worms, Trojan horses, time bombs, spyware, or any other computer code, files, or programs that interrupt, destroy, or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment, or otherwise permit the unauthorized access to or use of a computer or a computer network; (g) interfere with, damage, disable, disrupt, impair, create an undue burden on, or gain unauthorized access to the Products or any account (as defined below), or Amplify’s servers or networks; (h) restrict or inhibit any other person from using the Products (including by hacking or defacing the Products); (i) remove, disable, block, or obscure any portion of the Products; (j) use technology or any automated system, such as scripts or bots, to collect user names, passwords, email addresses, or any other data from or through the Products, or to circumvent or modify any security technology or software that is part of the Products; (k) send or cause to send (directly or indirectly) unsolicited bulk messages or other unsolicited bulk communications of any kind through the Products; (l) solicit, collect, or request any information for commercial or unlawful purposes; (m) post, upload, or otherwise transmit an image, audio recording, or video of another person without that person’s consent; (n) use the Products to advertise, promote, or engage in any commercial activity (including engaging in advertising, sales, contests, sweepstakes, or other promotions) without Amplify’s prior written consent; (o) frame or mirror the Products without Amplify’s express prior written consent; (p) use the Products in a manner inconsistent with any applicable law, rule, or regulation; (q) use any robot, spider, search/retrieval application, or other manual or automatic device to retrieve, index, “scrape,” “data mine,” or in any way gather content of the Products or reproduce or circumvent the navigational structure or presentation of the Products; (r) attempt, facilitate, or encourage others to do any of the foregoing. In addition to the foregoing restrictions, your use of the Products may also be subject to an additional acceptable use policy provided to you by your School, as applicable. You are responsible for meeting the hardware, software, telecommunications, and other requirements listed at amplify.com/customer-requirements.

4. Intellectual property

The Products and any Product logo, and certain other of the names, logos, and materials displayed in the Products, may constitute trademarks, trade names, or service marks (“Marks”) of Amplify or other entities. You are not authorized to use any such Marks. Ownership of all such Marks and the goodwill associated therewith remains with Amplify or those other entities. The content provided to you in the Products, including the software, graphs, text, and graphics, is protected under copyright laws, is subject to other intellectual property and proprietary rights and laws, and is owned by Amplify or its licensors. Your access to the Products does not transfer to you or any third party any rights, title, or interest in or to such intellectual property rights. You may not use the content of the Products, in whole or in part, to train or fine-tune any machine learning or artificial intelligence model or system, including for research, product development, commercial services, or any other purpose, commercial or non-commercial. Such use constitutes unauthorized derivative work and a violation of Amplify’s intellectual property rights. Your rights to make use of the Products are limited to those provided under this AUP, any additional terms as may be agreed upon between your School and Amplify, and any available exceptions under applicable intellectual property laws. Amplify Products are protected by patents (see amplify.com/virtual-patent-marking).

5. Account information

Your authentication to enable your access and use of these Products is based in part upon information supplied by you. You are required to (a) provide accurate information to Amplify and promptly report any changes to such information, (b) not share or allow others to use your account, (c) maintain the confidentiality and security of your account information, and (d) use the Products solely via such authorized accounts. You may not share your credentials (i.e., username and password) to access the Products with anyone except the person for whom that account was created. You agree to notify Amplify immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or related authentication information. Amplify will not be responsible for any losses arising out of the unauthorized use of your account.

6. Student data

The parties acknowledge and agree that in the course of providing the Products, Amplify may collect, receive, or generate information that directly relates to an identifiable current or former student of a School (“Student Data”). Student Data may include personal information from a student’s “educational records,” as defined by FERPA. Student Data is owned and controlled by the School and Amplify receives Student Data as a “school official” under Section 99.31 of FERPA for the purpose of providing the Products hereunder. Individually and collectively, Amplify and School agree to uphold our obligations, as applicable, under FERPA, COPPA, the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (“PPRA”), and applicable state laws relating to Student Data privacy. Amplify’s Privacy Policy governs the collection, use, and disclosure of Student Data collected or stored on behalf of the School under this AUP. The School is responsible for providing notice or obtaining appropriate consents under applicable laws to authorize Authorized School Users’ use of the Products, including making a copy of the Privacy Policy available to the parents or guardians of Child Users. Please see Additional Terms for Mathigon and Amplify Classroom accounts (Section 18) for additional information.

7. Confidentiality

You acknowledge that in connection with these terms, Amplify may provide you with certain sensitive or proprietary information (“Confidential Information”), including software, source code, assessment instruments, research, designs, methods, processes, customer lists, training materials, product documentation, know-how, or trade secrets, in whatever form. You agree (a) not to use Confidential Information for any purpose other than use of the Products in accordance with the AUP, and (b) to take all steps reasonably necessary to maintain and protect the Confidential Information of Amplify in strict confidence. Confidential Information shall not include information that, as evidenced by your contemporaneous written records: (i) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of your own; (ii) is rightfully known to you prior to the time of its disclosure; (iii) has been independently developed by you without any use of the Confidential Information; or (iv) is subsequently learned from a third party not under any confidentiality obligation.  

8. User materials

You represent, warrant, and covenant that you have all the necessary rights, including consents and intellectual property rights, in connection with any data, information, content, and other materials provided to or collected by Amplify from you or on your behalf in connection with your use of the Products, including materials and content that you post, upload, transmit, email, or otherwise make available on, through, or in connection with the Products (“User Materials”), and that except as otherwise agreed by your School and Amplify, you retain any ownership rights that you have in your User Materials. You hereby grant to Amplify and its affiliates, licensees, and authorized users, a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid-up, royalty-free, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), transferable (in whole or in part), worldwide license to use, modify, excerpt, adapt, create derivative works and compilations based upon, publicly perform, publicly display, reproduce, and distribute such User Materials in connection with the Products, subject to Amplify’s Privacy Policy. You and your School are responsible for the accuracy, integrity, completeness, quality, legality, and safety of such User Materials. You further represent and warrant that the posting of such User Materials through or in connection with the Products does not violate the privacy rights, publicity rights, copyrights, contract rights, or any other rights of any person or entity. Amplify and your School reserve the right (but have no obligation) to monitor the Products, including for inappropriate content or conduct, and to remove any content in their discretion without liability to you or any third party. Further, Amplify reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate legal action against anyone who, in Amplify’s discretion, violates this AUP or attempts to do so, including terminating or suspending a user’s account or access to or use of the Products, or reporting any content or conduct to law enforcement authorities. You are solely responsible for creating and maintaining your own backup copies of your User Materials. Amplify is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage of any kind to any User Materials. 

9. Feedback

If you provide us with any ideas, proposals, or suggestions related to the Products (“Feedback”), you hereby acknowledge and agree that your provision of any Feedback is gratuitous, unsolicited, and without restriction, and does not place Amplify under any fiduciary or other obligation. You hereby grant to Amplify a worldwide, royalty-free, fully paid-up, exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, and fully sublicensable (through multiple tiers) license to reproduce, distribute, perform and/or display (publicly or otherwise), adapt, modify, and otherwise use such Feedback, in any format or media now known or hereafter developed, and you hereby represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights to grant the foregoing license.

10. Third party links and services

The Products may make available, or third parties may provide, links to websites, software, applications, resources, advertisements, content, or other products or services created, hosted, or made available by third parties (“Third Party Services”). When you access or use a Third-Party Service, you are interacting with the applicable third party, not with Amplify, and you do so at your own risk. Inclusion of any Third-Party Service or a link thereto within the Products does not imply approval or endorsement of such Third-Party Service. Amplify does not control any content that is not Amplify content, and as such, you may be exposed to offensive, indecent, inaccurate, or otherwise objectionable content in the course of accessing or using such Third-Party Services linked from the Products. You are solely responsible for your interactions with other users of the Products, providers of Third-Party Services, and any other third parties with whom you interact on, through, or in connection with the Products. AMPLIFY IS NEITHER RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY THIRD-PARTY SERVICES, INCLUDING THE ACCURACY, INTEGRITY, COMPLETENESS, QUALITY, LEGALITY, USEFULNESS, OR SAFETY OF, OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS RELATING TO, SUCH THIRD-PARTY SERVICES. ANY ACCESS TO OR USE OF SUCH THIRD-PARTY SERVICES MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION COLLECTION, USAGE, AND DISCLOSURE PRACTICES OF THIRD PARTIES. THIS AUP DOES NOT CREATE ANY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND ANY PROVIDER OF THIRD-PARTY SERVICES, AND NOTHING IN THIS AUP WILL BE DEEMED TO BE A REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY BY AMPLIFY WITH RESPECT TO ANY THIRD-PARTY SERVICE.

11. Digital Millennium Copyright Act

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (“DMCA”) provides recourse for copyright owners who believe that material appearing on the Internet infringes their rights under U.S. copyright law. If you believe that any material residing on or linked to from the Products infringes your copyright, please send (or have your agent send) to Amplify’s Copyright Agent, by email, fax, or regular mail, a written notification of claimed infringement with all of the following information: (a) identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed, or, if multiple copyrighted works are covered by a single notification, a representative list of such works; (b) identification of the claimed infringing material and information reasonably sufficient to permit us to locate the material on the Products (such as the URL(s) of the claimed infringing material); (c) information reasonably sufficient to permit us to contact you, such as an address, telephone number, and, if available, an e-mail address; (d) a statement by you that you have a good-faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, the copyright owner’s agent or the law; (e) a statement by you that the above information in your notification is accurate, and a statement by you, made under penalty of perjury, that you are the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed, or that you are authorized to act on such owner’s behalf; and (f) your physical or electronic signature. Amplify’s Copyright Agent for notification of claimed infringement can be reached as follows: Amplify Education, Inc., 55 Washington Street #800, Brooklyn NY 11201; Attn: Copyright Agent. Amplify’s Copyright Agent for notification of claimed infringement can also be reached electronically at legal@amplify.com. Amplify reserves the right to terminate infringers’ and suspected infringers’ accounts or their access to or use of the Products.

12. Changes to the products

Amplify may, without prior notice, change any Product or stop providing any features of any Product. We may permanently or temporarily terminate or suspend your access to any Product features without notice for any reason, including if in our sole determination you violate any provision of this AUP. Upon termination, you continue to be bound by this AUP.

13. Warranty disclaimer

PRODUCTS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND BY AMPLIFY. AMPLIFY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY AS TO TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTING THE PRODUCTS TO ACHIEVE YOUR INTENDED RESULTS AND FOR THE ACCESS AND USE OF THE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM THE PRODUCTS. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, AMPLIFY MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT THE PRODUCTS WILL BE ERROR-FREE OR FREE FROM INTERRUPTIONS OR OTHER FAILURES OR WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS. AMPLIFY IS NEITHER RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY THIRD-PARTY CONTENT OR SOFTWARE INCLUDED IN PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THE ACCURACY, INTEGRITY, COMPLETENESS, QUALITY, LEGALITY, USEFULNESS, OR SAFETY OF, OR IP RIGHTS RELATING TO, SUCH THIRD-PARTY CONTENT AND SOFTWARE. ANY ACCESS TO OR USE OF SUCH THIRD-PARTY CONTENT AND SOFTWARE MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION COLLECTION, USAGE, AND DISCLOSURE PRACTICES OF THIRD PARTIES.

14. Limitation of liability

IN NO EVENT WILL AMPLIFY BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, RELIANCE, OR COVER DAMAGES, DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA, LOST BUSINESS, OR ANY OTHER INDIRECT DAMAGES, EVEN IF AMPLIFY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AMPLIFY’S ENTIRE LIABILITY TO YOU ARISING OUT OF PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE BY AMPLIFY OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AUP, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES IS BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, WILL NOT EXCEED $100 IN AGGREGATE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL AMPLIFY BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES OF ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE PRODUCTS THAT VIOLATES THIS AUP OR ANY APPLICABLE LAW OR REGULATION.

15. Termination

Amplify may terminate or suspend your access to the Products at any time for any reason, including if Amplify believes that you have violated the AUP or have engaged in conduct that violates applicable law or is otherwise harmful to the interests of Amplify, any other Amplify user, or any third party. Upon termination, you will: cease using the Products and return, purge, or destroy all copies of any Products and, if so requested, certify to Amplify in writing that such surrender or destruction has occurred. Sections 3–13, 16, and 17 will survive the termination of this Agreement.

16. Governing Law

This Agreement will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the U.S., state of New York, without giving effect to the choice of law rules thereof.

17. Additional terms for iOS apps

By downloading any Products through Apple, Inc.’s App Store (“iOS Products”), you agree that the following additional terms apply to your use of our iOS Products:

  1. This AUP is not a legal agreement with Apple, Inc. (“Apple”). As between Amplify and Apple, Amplify (not Apple) is responsible for the iOS Products and the contents thereof.
  2. The license to use the iOS Products under Section 3 above is limited to use (i) on iOS devices that you or your School owns or controls, separate from and in addition to any specific technical requirements for any iOS Product, and (ii) as permitted by the Usage Rules set forth in Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions.
  3. You must comply with applicable third-party terms of agreement when using the Products.
  4. Without limiting Section 13 above and solely as between Amplify and Apple, you acknowledge that: (i) Apple has no obligation whatsoever to furnish any maintenance and support services with respect to the iOS Products; (ii) Amplify (not Apple) is responsible for addressing any claims of yours or of any third party relating to the iOS Products or your possession and/or use of the iOS products, including but not limited to (1) product liability claims, (2) any claim that the iOS Products fail to conform to any applicable legal or regulatory requirement, and (3) claims arising under consumer protection, privacy, or similar legislation; (iii) in the event of any failure of the iOS Products to conform to any applicable warranty, you may notify Apple, and Apple will refund the purchase price for the iOS Products to you; to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Apple will have no other warranty obligation whatsoever with respect to the iOS Products, and any other claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, or expenses attributable to any failure to conform to any warranty will be Amplify’s sole responsibility; and (iv) in the event of any third-party claim that the iOS Products or your possession and use of the iOS Products infringes that third party’s intellectual property rights, Amplify (not Apple) will be responsible for any investigation, defense, settlement, and discharge of any such intellectual property infringement claim.
  5. You represent and warrant that: (i) you are not located in a country that is subject to a U.S. Government embargo, or that has been designated by the U.S. Government as a “terrorist supporting” country; and (ii) you are not listed on any U.S. Government list of prohibited or restricted parties.
  6. Apple and Apple’s subsidiaries are third-party beneficiaries of these Terms, and upon your acceptance of these Terms, Apple will have the right (and will be deemed to have accepted the right) to enforce these Terms against you as a third-party beneficiary thereof.
  7.  Any questions, complaints, or claims with respect to the Products should be directed to: 

Email: privacy@amplify.comMail: Amplify Education, Inc., 55 Washington St. #800, Brooklyn, NY, 11201

18. Additional terms for Mathigon and Amplify Classroom accounts.

a. Mathigon updates: Amplify no longer offers accounts for Child Users, but we will continue to allow Child Users to access their active legacy Mathigon accounts where verifiable parental consent was obtained. We will continue to protect personal information in accordance with the Privacy Policy and applicable law.

b. Mathigon and Amplify Classroom:

i. School Use:

  1. Educators: If you are an Educator, you can create a Mathigon or an Amplify Classroom account using any existing email or through an existing third-party account (e.g. Google, Microsoft). Go to https://mathigon.org/signup#teacher  to sign up for Mathigon. Go to classroom.amplify.com to sign up for Amplify Classroom.
  2. Students can also sign up using a unique class code provided by an Educator. Educators are responsible for gaining appropriate authorization or permission from their School to use the Products with students, including Child Users, before providing their unique class code or linking the Products to a third-party service like Google Classroom. For such use in the school context, we do not request additional consent from parents in accordance with the “school official” exception under FERPA and relevant COPPA guidance. For more information, visit our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and disclose personal information and data through the provision of our Products in schools. 

ii. Outside of School Use: If you are an individual user using the Products at home or otherwise outside of the school context, you are prohibited from collecting or providing any personal information from students or minors. You are permitted to access the platform for instructional purposes, but you may not enroll or roster minors, create accounts for minors, or input any personal information of minors into the Product.

19. Updates to this policy

We may change this Acceptable Use Policy in the future. For example, we may update it to address changes in our product offerings, or to address changes in the law or best practices. If we make changes that materially impact your legal rights or use of our products, we will provide prominent notification to you (e.g. via the Site or by email).  Otherwise, we will post any updates to the policy with an updated “Last Revised Date” and all changes will become effective immediately. Please check the Last Revised Date to confirm if the policy has been revised.

Last Modified: February 2, 2026

Open book with abstract shapes, arrows, and icons like a brain, rocket, and lightbulb emerging from its pages, symbolizing ideas and creativity.

Hi, educator. Here’s your Step-by-Step Guide to a Quality Curriculum Adoption.

Two people sit at a table; one types on a laptop while the other reviews a spiral-bound document. Both are smiling. Office setting with posters on walls visible in the background.

Welcome to the Step-by-Step Guide.

We talked to leaders like you and created this guide to help with the complex process of adopting a high-quality curriculum. You can explore our recommended steps and use the downloadable articles and templates to help with your decision-making process.

You can also download the entire short guide here: Word Doc | PDF

Flowchart with six numbered steps: 1) Plan your process. 2) Define the problem. 3) Build requirements. 4) Explore solutions. 5) Socialize the decision. 6) Prepare for implementation.

1. Plan your process.

Each step of the process, from assembling a team to preparing materials and socializing the decision, needs to be planned based on your district’s unique needs. 

Start with the following case studies if you’d like to see examples from small and mid-sized districts. The worksheets that come next should help you plan the steps in your process and schedule, and the articles provide some ideas for how to assemble your committee.

Links

Case studies:

Worksheets:

Articles:

  • Five things to consider as you assemble your team  Word Doc | PDF
  • Shaping the future: Participating on an adoption committee  Word Doc | PDF

2. Define the problem.

Defining the problem shapes your list of requirements and ensures that all involved parties are focused on selecting the right high-quality curriculum.

Links

Worksheet:

3. Build requirements.

Requirements help you prioritize what is most important to your school district and to evaluate why a high-quality curriculum adoption would be the best fit. 

Links 

Worksheet:

4. Explore programs.

Start with your critical focus areas from step 2 (defining the problem) and select a short list of programs to explore. Next, conduct a thorough review of those programs. If you’re a school or district that pilots, a pilot would happen during this step.

Links 

Worksheet:

Articles:

  • Getting ready for the review  Word Doc | PDF
  • Important questions to ask publishers upfront  Word Doc | PDF

5. Socialize and evangelize the decision.

You’ve done it! But your work isn’t over. Now you need to create clear, exciting messaging about the high-quality curriculum you’ve chosen and why it’s a good match for your teachers and students. 

Links

Article:

  • Designing your announcement campaign  Word Doc | PDF

Template:

6. Prepare for implementation.

A lot of things happen between signing a purchase order and the first day of professional learning. You’ll want to be organized as you coordinate people, places, and things to get ready for back to school. 

Links

Worksheet:

  • Thinking ahead: Preparing for implementation worksheet  Word Doc | PDF

Download the guide.

Download the entire guide here: Word Doc | PDF

Customer Privacy Policy

Last Modified: January 23, 2026 | Update History

Most recent update: This Privacy Policy has been updated to address additional rights for individuals in the European Union/UK.

We advise you to read this Privacy Policy in its entirety, including the jurisdiction-specific provisions in the appendix. Click here to review Our U.S. Notice At Collection.

Customer Privacy Policy: K–12 Schools

Who We Are

Amplify Education, Inc. (“Amplify”) is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and assessment. Amplify’s programs provide teachers with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of each student and use data in a way that is safe, secure, and effective.

Our Products and Services

Amplify’s products support classroom instruction and learning and include Amplify CKLA, Amplify ELA, Amplify Caminos, Amplify Science, Amplify Desmos Math, Boost Reading, Boost Math, mCLASS, Mathigon, associated professional development and tutoring services, and services at classroom.amplify.com (for creating and assigning activities) and student.amplify.com (for use of the activities or curricula as directed by an instructor), and any other product or service that links to this Privacy Policy (together, the “Products”).

Our Approach to Student Data Privacy 

In the course of providing the Products to Schools and their Authorized School Users, Amplify collects, receives, generates, or has access to Student Data (defined below). We consider Student Data to be confidential and we collect and use Student Data solely for educational purposes in connection with providing our Products to, or on behalf of the School as described in this Privacy Policy and our Agreements (defined below). We work to maintain the security and confidentiality of Student Data that we collect or store, and we enable Schools to control the use, access, sharing, and retention of Student Data.

Our Products are geared towards K–12 students (“Students”), and the educators, agents and staff members who use the Products as authorized by their School (“Educators”). Information that directly relates to an identifiable Student (“Student Data”) is owned and controlled by the School, and Amplify receives Student Data as a “school official” under Section 99.31 of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”) for the purpose of providing the Products hereunder. In addition, we rely on the School acknowledging that it is acting as the parent’s agent and consenting on the parent’s behalf to process personal information of Students under the age of 13 (“Child Users”) in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”).

Our collection and use of Student Data is governed by our Agreements with Schools, including this Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”), and applicable laws which may include FERPA, COPPA, the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (“PPRA”), as well as other applicable federal, state, and local privacy laws and regulations (“Applicable Laws”). As noted above, with respect to FERPA, Amplify receives Student Data as a “school official” under Section 99.31 of FERPA for the purpose of providing its Products, and such Student Data is owned and controlled by the School.

Schools may provide authorization in two ways:

  1. by the School agreeing to our Customer Terms and Conditions located at amplify.com/customer-terms or another written agreement between Amplify and the School, as applicable; or
  2. by an Educator agreeing to the Acceptable Use Policy located at amplify.com/acceptable-use-policy/ (“AUP”) on behalf of the School as outlined in the AUP.

In each case, we collect Student Data and provide these Products solely for the use and benefit of the School and for no other commercial purpose. We require all Schools to review this Privacy Policy, available at amplify.com/customer-privacy, and to make a copy of the Privacy Policy available to the parents or guardians of Child Users.

We also provide limited opportunities for individual users to sign up for an account for use of our Products at-home or otherwise outside of the authorization of a School (“Home Users”). See the Appendix–Supplemental Disclosures for additional information that applies to our Home Users.

What This Privacy Policy Covers 

This Customer Privacy Policy (“Privacy Policy”) describes how Amplify collects, uses, and discloses personal information through the provision of Products.

For purposes of this Privacy Policy, “you” and “your” means Authorized Users (defined below).

This Privacy Policy does not apply to Amplify’s handling of:

  • information collected from users of Amplify’s company website, which is governed by our Website Privacy Policy.
  • job applicant data that we process in accordance with our applicant privacy notice.

There may be different contractual terms or privacy policies in place with some Schools. Such other terms or policies supersede this Privacy Policy for information collected or released under those terms. If you have any questions as to which legal agreement or privacy policy controls the collection and use of your personal information, please contact us using the information provided below. Unless expressly superseded, this Privacy Policy is incorporated into and is subject to the Agreement that governs your use of the Products.

Our Role

Amplify as a processor/service provider: Our School customers are the controllers of Student Data (as well as certain other Educator personal information to the extent required by law or Amplify’s agreement with the School) (together “School Data”).

Amplify acts as a processor/service provider for our School customers with respect to School Data, which means when we use School Data, we do so solely on the instruction of the School. School Data is subject to the School’s privacy policies; therefore, you will need to contact the School directly if you have any questions or would like to exercise your rights with respect to School Data.

Amplify as a controller: We are the controller of all other personal information we collect from non-Student Authorized Users (“Amplify Data”) and can be reached by email at privacy@amplify.com or by mail at Amplify Education, Inc., 55 Washington St.#800, Brooklyn, NY, 11201.

Policy

1. Definitions

Capitalized terms not defined in this section or elsewhere in this Privacy Policy will have the meaning set forth by Applicable Laws.

Agreement” means the underlying contractual agreement between Amplify and the School.

Authorized Users” means all users of our Products, including Authorized School Users, parents and legal guardians, and Home Users.

Authorized School Users” means Students and Educators.

Local Education Authority” means a local education agency or authority, school district, school network, independent school, or other regional education system.

Non-Student Data” means information that is linked or linkable to Authorized Users who are not Students.

School” means the Local Education Authority or State Agency.

State Agency” means the educational agency primarily responsible for the supervision of public elementary and secondary schools in any of the 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, or other territories and possessions of the United States, as well as a national or regional ministry or department of education in other countries, as applicable.

2. What personal information do we collect?

When you access or use our Products, you may choose to provide us with personal information, including Student Data. This information may be provided to us directly (e.g. when an account is created or through communications with us) or through your interactions with our Products.

Student Data. Below is a list of the categories of Student Data that may be collected by Amplify or its Products, either directly or through the Authorized School User’s use of the various features and configurations of the Products:

  • Identifier and Enrollment Data, such as name, email, school / state ID number, username and password, grade level, homeroom, courses, teacher names.
    • Why? Most of Amplify’s Products require some basic information about who is in a classroom and who teaches the class—Student or teacher Identifier and Enrollment data. This information is provided to Amplify by the School, either directly from the School’s student information system or via a third party with whom the School contracts to provide that information.
  • Demographic Data, such as date of birth, socioeconomic status, race, national origin, and preferred or primary language.
    • Why? To support school instructional and reporting requirements, Amplify’s Products allow Schools to view reports and analyze data using Demographic Data. Generally, Demographic Data is provided on a voluntary basis by the School. For example, a School may wish to analyze Student literacy assessment results based on English Language Learner status to better tailor classroom instruction, and in that case, the School may provide Demographic Data to enable that reporting.
  • School Records, such as grades, attendance, assessment results, and whether an Individualized Education Plan (IEP or local equivalent) is in place.
    • Why? Some of our Products support grading assignments and administering formative, diagnostic, and curriculum-based assessments. Teachers use that information to support Students’ progress in the program or help with instructional decisions. We do not collect specific details from an IEP, nor do we collect protected health information or other sensitive information.
  • Schoolwork and Student Generated Content, which includes any information contained in Student assignments and assessments, including information in response to instructional activities and participation in collaborative or interactive features of our Products, such as Student responses to academic questions and Student-written essays, as well as images, video, and audio recordings.
    • Why? As part of the digital learning experience, some of our Products may enable Students to write text and create and upload images, video, and audio recordings. For example, in Amplify ELA, students may write essays or submit short-form responses in our platform as part of a lesson on literature. As another example, in Boost Reading, student interactions with reading skills games are recorded to keep track of the student’s progress to level up in the program and to provide visibility to teachers on how students are mastering the skills.
  • Teacher Comments and Feedback, such as scores, written comments, or other feedback that Educators may provide about Student responses or student course performance.
    • Why? To enable teachers to track the performance and provide feedback to their students.
  • Non-Student Data. We may collect the following types of personal information from all other Authorized Users:
    • Contact Information, such as name and email address, as well as grade level taught, school name and school location, whether you are an Educator or Home User that creates an account or uses our Products or communicates with us.
    • Account Information, such as user login and password, for account creation and access purposes.
    • Survey Responses, which you provide in response to surveys or questionnaires.
  • Device and Usage Data. Depending on the Product, we may collect certain information about the device used to connect to our Product, such as device type and model, browser configurations, and persistent identifiers, such as IP addresses and unique device identifiers. We may collect device diagnostic information, such as battery level, usage logs, and error logs, as well as usage, viewing, and technical information (e.g., email open rates), such as the number of requests a device makes, to ensure proper system capacity for all Authorized Users. We may collect IP addresses and use that information to approximate device location to support operation of the Product. To the extent that we collect this information, this data is solely used to support operation of the Product and is not linked to Student Data. For purposes of clarity, Amplify does not use Student Data for marketing or advertising purposes (see section 6 of this Privacy Policy for more information about our commitments regarding Student Data).
    • Why? We use this information to remember returning users and facilitate ease of login, to customize the function and appearance of the Products, and to improve the learning experience. This information also helps us track product usage for various purposes, including website optimization, to ensure proper system capacity, troubleshoot and fix errors, provide technical assistance and customer support, provide and monitor the effectiveness of our Products, monitor and address security concerns, and compile analytics for product improvement and other internal purposes.
    • How? Cookies and Similar Technologies. We collect device and usage data through “cookies,” Web beacons, HTML5 local storage, and other similar technologies, which are used in some of our Products solely to support operation of the Products as described above. While we may use third party cookies and similar technologies for advertising and marketing purposes on our website (in accordance with our Website Privacy Policy), we do not permit such tracking technologies to be present on Student-facing portions of the Products. In particular, we only use the following types of cookies in our Products:
      • Strictly necessary cookies – These are cookies that are required for the operation of our websites and applications that host our Products. They include, for example, cookies that enable you to log into secure areas of our Products. These cookies are not generally stored beyond the browser session and are less likely to include personal information. This category of cookies cannot be disabled.
      • Functionality Cookies – We use these cookies so that we recognize you on the websites and apps that host our Products and remember your previously selected preferences. These cookies are stored on your device between browsing sessions but expire after a pre-defined period. These cookies enable us to “recognize” you when you use our Products, including your preferences such as your preferred language, time, and location. A mix of first party (placed by us) and third-party cookies (placed by third parties) are used.
      • Performance Cookies – These cookies help us and service providers acting on our behalf compile statistics and analytics about users of our Products that are accessed via websites and apps, including Device and Usage Information.
    • Learn how to opt out of cookies and similar technologies by reading the “What Rights and Choices Do You Have?” section of this Privacy Policy below.

3. How do we use personal information?

Student Data. Amplify uses Student Data for educational purposes, to provide the Products, and to ensure secure and effective operation of our Products, including:

  • to provide and improve our educational Products;
  • to support School and Authorized School Users’ activities;
  • to ensure secure and effective operation of our Products;
  • for purposes requested or authorized by the School or Authorized School User or as otherwise permitted by Applicable Laws;
  • for customer support purposes, to respond to the inquiries and fulfill the requests of the School and their Authorized School Users;
  • to enforce Product access and security controls; and
  • to conduct system audits and improve protections against the misuse of our Products, or to detect and prevent fraud and other harmful activities.
  • to enable the adaptive and personalized learning features of the Products.

Non-Student Data. Amplify may use Non-Student Data for the purposes for which Student Data is used as set forth above. In addition, Amplify may use Non-Student Data to provide customized content, advertising and marketing in limited circumstances (e.g. to periodically send newsletters and other promotional materials) directed to Educators and Home Users. For sake of clarity, we do not use Student Data for marketing purposes and we do not direct marketing to Students. Amplify may also use Non-Student Data for internal research and analytics, including generating insights on the use of our Products by Educators in certain Schools so that we can better serve those communities. We will also use Non-Student Data as otherwise required or permitted by law, or as we may notify you at the time of collection. Learn how to opt out of these communications by reading the “What Rights and Choices Do You Have?” section of this Privacy Policy below.

Amplify may use aggregate or de-identified data as described in the Aggregate/De-identified Data section below.

4. To whom do we disclose personal information?

Student Data. We disclose Student Data to third parties only as needed to provide the Products under the Agreement, as directed or permitted by the School or Authorized School User, and as required by law. Such disclosures may include but are not limited to the following:

  • to other Authorized School Users of the School entitled to access such data in connection with the Products;
  • to our service providers, subprocessors, or vendors who have a legitimate need to access such data in order to assist us in providing or supporting our Products, such as platform, infrastructure, and application software. We contractually bind such parties to protect Student Data in a manner consistent with those practices set forth in this Privacy Policy and in accordance with Applicable Laws. A list of Amplify subprocessors is available at https://www.amplify.com/subprocessors;
  • to comply with the law, respond to requests in legal or government enforcement proceedings (such as complying with a subpoena), protect our rights in a legal dispute, or seek assistance of law enforcement in the event of a threat to our rights, security, or property or that of our affiliates, customers, Authorized Users, or others;
  • in the event Amplify or all or part of its assets are acquired or transferred to another party, including in connection with any bankruptcy or similar proceedings, provided that successor entity will be required to comply with the privacy protections in this Privacy Policy with respect to information collected under this Privacy Policy, or we will provide the School with notice and an opportunity to opt out of the transfer of such data prior to the transfer; and
  • except as restricted by Applicable Laws or contracts with the School, we may also share Student Data with Amplify’s affiliated education companies, provided that such disclosure is solely for the purposes of providing Products and at all times is subject to this Policy.

Non-Student Data. Amplify discloses Non-Student Data for the purposes for which Student Data is used as set forth above. Amplify may also disclose Non-Student Data as otherwise required or permitted, or as disclosed at the time of collection. Please note that we do not share mobile information or opt-in consent with third parties / affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.

5. Aggregate/De-identified data

Amplify may use de-identified or aggregate data for purposes allowed under FERPA and other Applicable Laws, to research, develop, and improve educational sites, services, and applications and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Amplify Products. Amplify will not attempt to re-identify de-identified data. We may use aggregate information (which is information that has been collected in summary form such that the data cannot be associated with any individual) for analytics and reports. For example, our promotional materials may note the total number of students served by our programs in the prior year, but that information cannot be used to identify any one student. We may also share de-identified or aggregate data with research partners to help us analyze the information for product improvement and development purposes.

Records and information are de-identified when all personal information has been removed or obscured, such that the remaining information does not reasonably identify a specific individual. We de-identify Student Data in compliance with Applicable Laws and in accordance with the guidelines of NIST SP 800-122. Amplify has implemented internal procedures and controls to protect against the re-identification of de-identified Student Data. Amplify does not disclose de-identified data to its research partners unless that party has agreed in writing not to attempt to re-identify such data.

6. Data prohibitions, Advertising, Advertising limitations

Amplify will not:

  • sell Student Data to third parties;
  • use or disclose Student Data to inform, influence, or enable targeted advertising to a Student based on Student Data or information or data inferred over time from the Student’s usage of the Products;
  • use Student Data to develop a profile of a Student for any purpose other than providing the Products to a School or Authorized School User, or as authorized by a parent or legal guardian;
  • use Student Data for any commercial purpose other than to provide the Products to the School or Authorized School User, or as permitted by Applicable Laws.

7. External third-party services

This Privacy Policy applies solely to Amplify’s Products and practices. Schools and other Authorized Users may choose to connect or use our Products in conjunction with third-party services and Products. Additionally, our sites and Products may contain links to third-party websites or services . This Privacy Policy does not address, and Amplify is not responsible for, the privacy, information, or other practices of such third parties. Schools should carefully consider which third-party applications to include among the Products and services they provide to Students and vet the privacy and data security standards of those providers.

Authorized Users may be able to log in to our Products using third-party sign-in services such as Clever, ClassLink or Google. These services authenticate your identity and provide you with the option to share certain personal information with us, including your name and email address, to pre-populate our account sign-up form. If you choose to enable a third party to share your third-party account credentials with Amplify, we may obtain personal information via that mechanism. You may configure your accounts on these third-party platform services to control what information they share.

8. Security

Amplify maintains a comprehensive information security program and uses industry standard administrative, technical, operational, and physical measures to safeguard Student Data in its possession against loss, theft and unauthorized use, disclosure, or modification. Amplify performs periodic risk assessments of its information security program and prioritizes the remediation of identified security vulnerabilities. Please see https://amplify.com/security for a detailed description of Amplify’s security program.

In the event Amplify discovers or is notified that Student Data within our possession or control was disclosed to, or acquired by, an unauthorized party, we will investigate the incident, take steps to mitigate the potential impact, and notify the School in accordance with Applicable Laws.

Non-Student Data

Outside of Student Data, Amplify uses commercially reasonable administrative, technical, personnel, and physical measures to safeguard personal information in its possession against loss, theft, and unauthorized use, disclosure or modification.

9. Data Storage and Transfers

We are a United States Company, and our servers are hosted, managed, and controlled by us in the United States. If you are outside of the United States, we use industry standards to protect your data when it leaves your country of residence and your data will always be protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy, Applicable Laws and our Agreement regardless of the storage location.

Additionally, where we transfer your personal information to service providers outside of the United Kingdom (UK), European Economic Area (EEA), or other region that offers similar protections, we use specific appropriate safeguards to contractually obligate such service providers to protect personal information in accordance with Amplify’s commitment to privacy and security and applicable data protection laws.

If you have questions or wish to obtain more information about the international transfer of your personal information or the implemented safeguards, please contact us using the contact information below.

10. Data Retention / Deletion

Student Data

Upon request, we provide the School the opportunity to review and delete the personal information collected from Students. We will retain Student Data for the period necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy and our Agreement with the School. We do not knowingly retain Student Data beyond the time period required to support the School or Authorized School User’s educational purpose, unless authorized by the School or Authorized School User. Upon request, Amplify will return, delete, or destroy Student Data stored by Amplify in accordance with applicable law and customer requirements. We may not be able to delete all data in all circumstances, such as information retained in technical support records, customer service records, back-ups, and similar business records. All such information will be protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy and our Agreement until it has been permanently deleted. Unless otherwise notified by the School, we will delete or de-identify Student Data after termination of our Agreement with the School.

Non-Student Data

Outside of Student Data, we keep personal information as long as it is necessary or relevant for the practices described in this Privacy Policy or as otherwise required by our Agreement with the School, if applicable. We determine the appropriate retention period for personal information on the basis of the amount, nature and sensitivity of the personal information being processed, the potential risk of harm from unauthorized use or disclosure of the personal information, whether we can achieve the purposes of the processing through other means, and on the basis of applicable legal requirements (such as applicable statutes of limitations).

11. What rights and choices do you have?

What Choices Do You Have?

Marketing/Advertising

As noted above, we do not use Student Data for marketing purposes and we do not direct marketing to Students. Amplify does not use third party cookies and similar technologies for advertising and marketing purposes on Student-facing portions of the Products. The choices below apply to Non-Student Authorized Users.

Opt-out of Marketing Communications. If you want to stop receiving promotional materials from Amplify, you can follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or email us at privacy@amplify.com. Amplify does not send marketing communications to Students.

Opt-out of Cookies and Similar Tracking Technologies. With respect to cookies, you may be able to reject cookies through your browser or device controls. Note that you have to opt-out of cookies on each browser or device that you use. If you replace, change, or upgrade your browser or device, or delete your cookies, you may need to use these opt-out tools again. Please be aware that disabling cookies may negatively impact your experience as some features may not work properly. To learn more about browser cookies, including how to manage or delete them, check the “Help,” “Tools,” or similar section of your browser.

What Rights Do You Have?

Individuals in the U.S.

  • What Rights Do You Have With Respect to Student Data?
    • Review and Correction. FERPA requires schools to provide parents with access to their children’s education records, and parents may request that the school correct records that they believe to be inaccurate or misleading.
    • If you are a parent or guardian and would like to review, correct, or update your child’s data stored in our Products, contact your School. Amplify will work with your School to enable your access to and, if applicable, correction of your child’s education records.
    • If you have any questions about whom to contact or other questions about your child’s data, you may contact us using the information provided below.
    • Other Privacy Rights? Please see section 3 of our supplemental disclosures: “Additional U.S. State Privacy Law Rights” for more information about your U.S. privacy rights

Individuals in the EU/UK

Please see section 4 of our supplemental disclosures: “Notice for European Economic Area and United Kingdom Customers” for more information about your EU/UK privacy rights.

12. COPPA

We do not knowingly collect personal information from a Child User unless and until a School or Educator, with the permission of the School, has authorized us to collect such information to provide the Products. Amplify relies on the School acknowledging that it is acting as the parent’s agent and consenting on the parent’s behalf to process personal information of Child Users in accordance with all applicable provisions of COPPA. To the extent COPPA applies to the information we collect, we process such information for educational purposes only, and no other commercial purpose, at the direction of the School and on the basis of the School’s authorization. If you are a parent or guardian and have questions about your child’s use of the Products and any personal information collected, please direct these questions to your child’s school.

Please refer to the Appendix–Supplemental Disclosures if you are a Home User.

13. Updates to this Privacy Policy

We may change this Privacy Policy in the future. For example, we may update it to comply with new laws or regulations, to conform to industry best practices, or to reflect changes in our product offerings. When these changes do not reflect material changes in our practices with respect to use and/or disclosure of Authorized Users’ personal information, including Student Data, such changes to the Privacy Policy will become effective when we post the revised Privacy Policy on our website. In the event there are material changes in our practices that would result in Authorized Users’ personal information being used in a materially different manner than was disclosed when the information was collected, with respect to Student Data, we will notify the School, and with respect to other information, we will notify you via email and provide an opportunity to opt out before such changes take effect.

14. Contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@amplify.com
Mail: Amplify Education, Inc.
55 Washington St.#800
Brooklyn, NY, 11201
Phone: (800) 823-1969
Attn: General Counsel

To report a security vulnerability, visit https://amplify.com/report-a-vulnerability/.

Appendix – Supplemental Disclosures

1. Mathigon and Amplify Classroom accounts

While our Products are geared towards Schools we do provide a limited opportunity for Home Users to use the Products at home—outside of the school context. We do not allow persons under the age of 13 (or those under the age of consent in any applicable jurisdiction) to register for an account with us outside the school context.

If you are a Home User, you are prohibited from collecting or providing any personal information from students or minors. You are permitted to access the platform for instructional purposes, but you may not enroll or roster minors, create accounts for minors, or input any personal information of minors into the Product.

Please note that most parts of Mathigon can be used without creating an account or providing any personal information that directly identifies you.

What Rights Do You Have? If you are a Child User who is 13 or older with a legacy Mathigon account (or the parent or guardian of a Child User with a legacy Mathigon account), you may request that we provide for your review, delete from our records, or cease collecting any Child User personal information. To the extent that you are unable to exercise these rights through self-service features within your account with us, please contact us by sending an email to: help@amplify.com and we will provide assistance.

2. U.S. Notice at Collection

Personal Information We Collect How We Use Personal Information

Student Data, which includes:

  • Roster Information
  • Demographic Data, such as race and national origin
  • School Records
  • Account Information
  • Schoolwork and Student Generated Content
  • Teacher Comments and Feedback
  • Device and Usage Data
  • To provide and improve our educational Products;
  • To support Schools’ and Authorized School Users’ activities;
  • To ensure secure and effective operation of our Products;
  • For purposes requested or authorized by the School or Authorized School Users, or as otherwise permitted by Applicable Laws;
  • For adaptive or personalized learning features of the Products; provided that Student Data is not disclosed;
  • For customer support purposes, to respond to the inquiries and fulfill the requests of the School and their Authorized School Users;
  • To enforce product access and security controls; and
  • To conduct system audits and improve protections against the misuse of our Products, or to detect and prevent fraud and other harmful activities.

Authorized Users, which includes:

  • Contact Information
  • Account Information
  • Survey Responses
  • Device and Usage Data
  • For the purposes for which Student Data is used as set forth above;
  • For marketing purposes in limited circumstances (e.g. to periodically send newsletters and other promotional materials), which will not be based on Student Data or directed to K–12 students;
  • For internal research and analytics; and
  • As otherwise required or permitted, or as we may notify you at the time of collection.

Some of the information described above may be considered “sensitive” under the laws of certain jurisdictions (i.e., account credentials and race/national origin) (“Sensitive Information”). We use Sensitive Information for necessary or reasonably expected purposes – specifically, to provide you with our Services (i.e., account credentials are used to allow account logins and race/national origin are used for the School’s reporting purposes when voluntarily provided by the School).

We do not sell or share your personal information, as described in California law.

We retain your personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes disclosed in the chart above. Additional information about our retention of Student Data and personal information from other Authorized Users can be found in Section 10 of this Privacy Policy.

Please see the Additional U.S. State Privacy Law Rights section of this appendix for information about your privacy rights pursuant to applicable U.S. law.

Notice of Financial Incentive

From time to time, to support our services, we offer opportunities to complete surveys and questionnaires. As an incentive for completing the survey or questionnaire, you can voluntarily provide personal information as an entry into a raffle drawing or to obtain other benefits, discounts, offers, or deals that may constitute a financial incentive under California law (“Financial Incentive”). The categories of personal information required for us to provide the Financial Incentives include: contact information and any other information that you choose to provide when you complete the survey.

Participation is voluntary and you can opt out at any time before the survey is complete. We do not allow students to participate in our surveys.

The value of the personal information we collect in connection with our Financial Incentives is equivalent to the value of the benefit offered.

3. Additional U.S. State Privacy Law Rights

Note for Requests Relating to Student Data: Because Amplify provides the Products to Schools as a “School Official,” we collect, retain, use, and disclose Student Data only for or on behalf of the School for educational purposes, including the purpose of providing the Products specified in our Agreement with the School and for no other commercial purpose. Accordingly, we act as a “service provider” for the School with respect to School Data. We work with the School to support and assist them in addressing privacy requests relating to School Data. Please reach out to your School directly if you wish to exercise any privacy rights that may be available to you.

For all other requests: With respect to Amplify Data, individuals residing in certain U.S. states have the following rights, regarding your personal information (each of which is subject to various exceptions and limitations):

  • Access. You have the right to request, up to two times every 12 months, that we disclose to you the categories of personal information collected about you; the categories of sources from which the personal information is collected; the categories of personal information sold or shared; the business or commercial purpose for collecting, selling, or sharing the personal information; the categories of third parties with whom personal information was shared; and the specific pieces of personal information collected about you.
  • Correction. You have the right to request that we correct inaccurate personal information collected from you.
  • Deletion. You have the right to request that we delete the personal information that we maintain about you. Even after the deletion of your account, some personal information may remain on our servers, such as in technical support logs, server caches, data backups, or email conversations. These will be automatically deleted after a reasonable amount of time, unless we are legally required to retain information for longer, or unless there is a legitimate business reason (e.g. security and fraud prevention or financial record-keeping). We are not required to delete any information which has been aggregated or de-identified in accordance with Section 5.
  • No Discrimination. You have the right not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights.
  • Appeals. You have a right to appeal decisions concerning your ability to exercise your consumer rights.

See Submitting Requests section below for details on submitting a request to exercise these rights.

4. Notice for European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom (UK) Customers

As detailed at the beginning of our Privacy Policy (under the section titled “Our Role”), Amplify operates primarily as a processor that collects personal information on behalf of the School, and we act as a controller in limited circumstances where we offer Products outside the school context.

If you represent a School in the EEA or the UK, please note that we process personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy, our Acceptable Use Policy, and our standard Data Protection Agreement, which sets out our responsibilities when it comes to our processing activities. Schools must send an email to privacy@amplify.com to enter into that DPA.

Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases for our processing activities:

  • Consent;
    • We obtain your consent to use cookies to collect and process device and usage data to understand how individuals use our Products.
  • Pursuant to a contract for use of our Products;
    • We process School Data to provide our Products (e.g., to create, authenticate and manage your account, to verify your identity, to manage our Products) pursuant to the Agreement between us and the School, as required in order for us to perform our obligations.
  • To comply with our legal obligations;
    • We process all categories of personal information that we collect to ensure the safety and security of our Products where we are complying with security requirements under data protection and cyber and information security law.
    • We process all categories of personal information that we collect to comply with our legal obligations which includes, for example, to access, retain or share certain personal information where we receive a valid request from a government body, law enforcement body, judicial body regulator or similar, to deal with legal claims and prospective legal claims, and to ensure we are complying with applicable laws.
  • When we have a legitimate interest in doing so, which is not outweighed by the risks to the individual.
    • We process all categories of personal information that we collect to support the provision, effective management, and improvement of our Products where such activities are not strictly required under our contract. This is in our legitimate interests to ensure that we are providing the best possible service.
    • We process all categories of personal information that we collect to ensure the safety and security of our services where this is important but not required under the data protection law or cyber and information security laws. This is in our legitimate interests to ensure the security of our services and systems, to prevent threats, abuse or fraudulent or unlawful activity, to promote safety and security and to ensure our Products are used in accordance with our terms and conditions.
    • We process the contact information of Non-Student Authorized Users to manage our relationship, including to respond to queries or otherwise communicate with you in relation to our Products and the operation of our business where this is not strictly required under a contract with you. This is in our legitimate interests to communicate with and resolve queries from users of our Products and to ensure that we are providing the best possible service.

We process the contact information and survey data of Non-Student Authorized Users for internal research and marketing purposes in limited circumstances (e.g. to periodically send newsletters and other promotional materials), which will not be based on Student Data or directed to Students. This is in our legitimate interests to understand our customers and prospective customers, understand how our products and services are perceived in the market, to promote our products, and to grow and develop our business.

Your Data Subject Rights

Note for Requests Relating to School Data: Amplify acts as processor to its School customers with respect to all School Data. We work with our School customers to support and assist them in addressing privacy requests relating to School Data. Please reach out to your School directly if you wish to exercise any privacy rights that may be available to you.

For all other Requests With respect to Amplify Data, you have the following rights if you are in the EEA or UK, subject to certain exceptions:

  • Right of access: You have the right to ask us for confirmation on whether we are processing your personal information and access to that personal information.
  • Right to correction: You have the right to have your personal information corrected.
  • Right to erasure: You have the right to ask us to delete your personal information.
  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw consent that you have provided.
  • Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority: You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
  • Right to restriction of processing: You have the right to request the limiting of our processing under limited circumstances.
  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the personal information that you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, and you have the right to transmit that information to another controller, including to have it transmitted directly, where technically feasible.
  • Right to object: You have the right to object to our processing of your personal information

See Submitting Requests section below for details on submitting a request to exercise these rights.

5. Submitting Requests

To exercise any of the rights described in sections 2 and 3 of this appendix, email us at privacy@amplify.com and specify which privacy right you intend to exercise. We may require additional information from you to allow us to confirm your identity. The verification steps will vary depending on the sensitivity of the personal information and whether you have an account with us. Please note that your rights may not apply in all cases. For example, we may need to retain your personal information to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, prevent fraud and enforce our agreements. We will inform you if we are not able to fully respond to your requests. You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf. When submitting the request, please ensure the authorized agent identifies himself/herself/itself as an authorized agent and can show written permission from you to represent you. We may contact you directly to confirm that you have authorized the agent to act on your behalf or confirm your identity.

Complaints

If you have any issues, you have the right to lodge a complaint with an EEA or UK supervisory authority. We would, however, appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns before you approach a data protection regulator and would welcome you directing an inquiry first to us. To do so, please contact us by email at privacy@amplify.com or by mail at Amplify Education, Inc., 55 Washington St.#800, Brooklyn, NY, 11201.

6. Google APIs

Amplify uses Google’s Application Programming Interface (API) Services to enable Authorized Users to log in to Amplify, import classes and rosters from Google Classroom, create assignments in Google Classroom, and copy, edit, and publish Amplify content using Google Slides. Amplify will use and transfer information received from Google’s API in accordance with Google API Service User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

Update History:

Update: 6/13/2025: This Policy has been updated to align with product updates and to provide additional context for authorized educational use of Amplify’s Products.

Update 6/27/2024: The Policy has been updated to include an explanation regarding Google APIs in the Appendix — Supplemental Disclosures section.

Update 6/30/2023: This Privacy Policy has been updated to address new state law data privacy requirements.

Website Privacy Policy

Last Modified:  February 2026

Update: February 2, 2026: This Privacy Policy has been updated to address additional rights for individuals in the European Union/UK.

Below is the Website Privacy Policy for the amplify.com site (“Privacy Policy”). For purposes of clarity and as further outlined below, this Privacy Policy does not apply to student data. You can visit this page to read about the principles and policy governing student data collected and maintained on behalf of our school customers.

We advise you to read this Privacy Policy in its entirety, including the jurisdiction-specific provisions in the appendix. Our Notice at Collection for California Residents is available in the Notice for our California Customers.

Who We Are / What This Privacy Policy Covers

Amplify Education, Inc. (“Amplify”) recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes our practices in connection with information that we may collect through your use of this website (the “Site”).

This Privacy Policy does not apply to Amplify’s handling of:

  • student data or other information collected from users of Amplify’s products that support classroom instruction and learning, which are governed by our Customer Privacy Policy.
  • staff or applicant data that we process in accordance with our staff or applicant privacy notice, respectively.

If you have any question as to what legal agreement or privacy policy controls the collection and use of your information, please contact us using information below in the Contact Us section.

This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and is subject to our Website Terms of Use, which governs your use of the Site.

Our Role: We are the controller of all personal information (as defined below) that we receive through our Site and can be reached by email at privacy@amplify.com or by mail at Amplify Education, Inc., 55 Washington St.#800, Brooklyn, NY, 11201.

1. What personal information do we collect?

When you visit and / or interact with our Site, we may collect the following information about you that, alone or in combination, could be used to identify you or your device (“personal information”):

  • Contact Information, such as name, district / school name, professional affiliation, title / role, email address, shipping address, address and phone number.
  • Account Information, such as customer user login and password. 
  • Demographic Information, such as age and gender.
  • Information You Submit, such as information voluntarily provided on message boards, feedback sections, and other public areas of the Site.
  • Site Activity Information, which is collected when you access and interact with the Site, we and our Service Providers (as defined below) may collect certain information about those visits. For example, we or our Service Providers may receive and record information about your computer and browser, including your IP address, browser type, and other software or hardware information. If you access the Site from a mobile or other device, we may collect a unique device identifier assigned to that device, or other characteristics of the device hardware, operating system and configurations for that device. On certain pages of the Site, we may use third party tools to help us look at mouse movements, clicks, keystrokes, data or text entered, and the pages you visit.
  • Location Information, such as state, country and / or zip code, which we use to help us customize your experience, as well as to help us facilitate your privacy rights.
  • Audio, electronic, visual, or similar information: such as customer service interactions, call recordings, chat transcripts, files you attach, and email, text, or other correspondence.

If you make a purchase through our online store, you may provide payment and other information directly to our third party e-commerce platform to complete your purchase.

We ask that you not send us, and you not disclose, any government identifiers (such as social security numbers) or information related to racial or ethnic origin, health, or criminal background on or through the Site or otherwise.

2. Where/How do we collect personal information?

Amplify may collect personal information directly from you at various points, including the following:

  • Product Information and Newsletters. When you submit a request to obtain information about our products, services or other informational material or subscribe to one of our newsletters, you may be asked to submit information such as name, professional affiliation, email address, company name, address and phone and details on your query or interests in our products and services. This information is collected to help us process your request.
  • Customer Support. When you submit a form to contact our customer service, you may be asked to submit information such as name, e-mail, district, customer user login and password and details on your query. In addition, some features of our Site, such as our customer live chat functionality or other customer service systems may allow you to voluntarily provide personal information to us. This information is collected to help us process your request. Please only provide what is needed to facilitate the support request.
  • Product Orders. If you use e-commerce areas of our Site to order our products, we request information from you on our order form. To purchase products through the Site, you must provide contact information (such as name and shipping address) and financial information (such as credit card number). This information is used for billing purposes and to fill your orders. We will also use this information to contact you to confirm your order or to inform you of any issues or delays.
  • Registration. You may be asked to submit information to use certain parts of the Site (such as posting comments on certain areas of the Site), register for an event or webinar, or view restricted content that may be available on the Site. For instance, you may be asked to provide your name, email address and event or webinar-related preferences to help us process your registration or content request.
  • Public Areas and Discussion Forums. Any information you share in public areas, such as message boards or feedback sections, becomes public. Please be careful about what you disclose and do not post any personal information that you expect to keep private.
  • Contests and Sweepstakes. When we run a contest or sweepstakes relating to the Site or Amplify, it will be accompanied by a set of rules. The rules for each contest/sweepstakes will specify how the information gathered from you for your entry will be used and disclosed.

As you visit or use our Site, we may collect Site activity information through cookies and similar technologies.

  • Cookies, Pixels, and Other Tracking Technologies. Cookies and other tracking technologies (such as pixels, beacons, and Adobe Flash technology) are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They allow the website or mobile app to remember your actions and preferences over a period of time. We use the following types of cookies:
    • Strictly necessary cookies – These are cookies that are required for the operation of our Site. They include, for example, cookies that enable you to log into secure areas of our Site. These cookies are not generally stored beyond the browser session and are less likely to include personal information. This category of cookies cannot be disabled.
    • Functionality Cookies – We use these cookies so that we recognize you on our Site and remember your previously selected preferences. These cookies are stored on your device between browsing sessions but expire after a pre-defined period. These cookies enable our Site to “recognize” you when you use our Site, including your preferences such as your preferred language , time, and location. A mix of first party (placed by us) and third-party cookies (placed by third parties) are used.
    • Analytics Cookies – These cookies help us and our Service Providers compile statistics and analytics about users of the Site, including Site Activity Information. For example, we use Google Analytics to help us understand how users interact with the Platform. Google Analytics uses cookies to track your interactions with the Site, then collects that information and reports it to us. This information helps us improve the Site so that we can better serve you. To learn more about Google Analytics, visit https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=en. If you wish, you can opt-out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available on https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.
    • Advertising Cookies – We use these cookies to collect information about your visit to our Site, the content you viewed, the links you followed and information about your browser, device, and your IP address. We sometimes share some limited aspects of this data with third parties for advertising purposes. We may also share Site Activity Information collected through cookies with our advertising partners. This means that when you visit another website, you may be shown advertising based on your browsing patterns on our Site.

For information on how to opt-out of these technologies, please see What Choices Do You Have? below.

  • Social Plugins. Certain areas of our Site permit you to utilize social media functionality, such as the Facebook “Like” or Google “+1” buttons (“Social Plugins”). To use a Social Plugin, you must authorize the third-party provider of that Social Plugin, e.g. Facebook or Google, to access, collect, and/or disclose your information related to your use of that Social Plugin, subject to that company’s privacy policies, which may differ from this Privacy Policy. In addition, such providers may be able to collect information about you, including your activity on the Site, and they may notify your connections on their social networking platform about your use of the Site. Such services may also employ unique identifiers that allow your activity to be monitored across multiple websites for purposes of delivering more targeted advertising to you.

Amplify also receives information from other sources.

  • Information from Other Sources. We may supplement any information we collect via this Site with information from publicly or commercially available sources.

3. How do we use personal information?

We may use any personal information and other information we collect from and about you for the following purposes and as described elsewhere in this Privacy Policy:

  • To provide and manage the Site. We use the personal information we collect from and about you to provide the Site and features to you, including to measure and improve its services and features, to personalize your experience by delivering relevant content, to deliver marketing messages, to allow you to comment on content, to provide you with customer support, and to respond to inquiries. We may also use and disclose aggregate or anonymous data about your use of and activity on the Site to assist us in this regard and for any other purpose.
  • To contact you. Amplify may periodically send promotional materials (e.g., newsletters) or notifications related to the Site and to Amplify’s business to the contact information you provided to us at registration.
  • To improve our products and services. We may use your personal information for our business purposes, such as data analysis, audits, developing new products and services, enhancing the Site, improving our services, identifying usage trends, and determining the effectiveness of our promotional campaigns.
  • For marketing and advertising. We may use your personal information to help us market our products to you or your school district.

4. To whom do we disclose personal information?

We may disclose any personal information and other information we collect from and about you for the following purposes and as described elsewhere in this Privacy Policy:

  • To share with our affiliated education companies. Amplify may share your personal information with Amplify’s affiliated education companies for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.
  • To allow service providers to assist us. We may engage third party service providers, agents and partners (“Service Providers”) to perform functions on our behalf, such as analytics, credit card processing, shipping or stocking orders and providing customer service. We may disclose your personal information to such Service Providers to enable them to assist us in these efforts.
  • To allow our marketing and advertising partners to assist us. We may engage marketing and advertising partners to help us market and advertise our products and services, including via digital ads sent in connection with your visit to the Site. We may disclose Site Activity information, as well as contact information and other aggregate insights to such partners to enable them to assist us in these efforts.
  • To protect the rights of Amplify and our users. There may be instances when Amplify may disclose your personal information, in situations where Amplify has a good faith belief that such disclosure is necessary or appropriate in order to: (i) protect, enforce, or defend the legal rights, privacy, safety, operations, or property of Amplify, our parents, subsidiaries or affiliates or our or their employees, agents and contractors (including enforcement of our agreements, including our terms of use); (ii) protect the rights, safety, privacy, security or property of users of the Site or others; (iii) protect against fraud or for risk management purposes; (iv) comply with the law or legal process, including laws outside your country of residence; (v) respond to requests from public and government authorities, including those outside your country of residence; or (vi) allow us to pursue available remedies or limit the damages that we may sustain.
  • To complete a merger or sale of assets. If Amplify sells all or part of its business or makes a sale or transfer of its assets or is otherwise involved in a merger, transfer or other disposition of all or part of its business, assets or stock (including in connection with any bankruptcy or similar proceedings), Amplify may transfer your personal information to the party or parties involved in the transaction.

5. What rights and choices do you have?

Opt-out of Marketing Communications. If you want to stop receiving promotional materials from Amplify, you can follow the unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email. There are certain service notification emails that you may not opt-out of, such as notifications of changes to the Site or policies. If you have additional questions, please contact us using information below in the Contact Us section.

Opt-of Cookies and Similar Tracking Technologies. There are a few ways to opt out or delete cookies.

  • On Your Browser. Most browsers are initially set to accept cookies, but your browser may permit you to change your settings to notify you of a cookie being set or updated, or to block cookies altogether. Please consult the “Help” section of your browser for more information. Please note that by blocking any or all cookies you may not have access to certain features, content or personalization that may be available through the Site. Please also note that you must opt out separately on each device (including each web browser on each device) that you use to access our Site if you wish to opt out, and if you clear your cookies or if you use a different browser or device, you will need to renew your opt-out preferences.
  • Interest-Based Advertising. Some advertisers and marketing companies participate in the self-regulatory programs of the Digital Advertising Alliance (“DAA”) and European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance (“eDAA”) in connection with online interest-based advertising. DAA and eDAA provide consumers with the ability to opt out of receiving interest-based advertising from their program participants at the following links:

What Rights Do You Have?

6. Security

Amplify uses commercially reasonable administrative, technical, personnel and physical measures to safeguard personal information in its possession against loss, theft and unauthorized use, disclosure or modification.

7. Data retention / Deletion

We will retain your personal information for the period necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy unless a longer retention period is required or allowed by law. Even after we have deleted your personal information from our systems, copies of some information from your account may remain viewable in some circumstances – where, for example, you have shared information with social media platforms and other unaffiliated services. We may also retain backup information related to your account on our servers for some time after cancellation for fraud detection or to comply with applicable law or our internal security policies. Because of the nature of caching technology, your account may not be instantly inaccessible to others, and there may be a delay in the removal of the content from elsewhere on the Internet and from search engines.

8. Data Storage and Transfers

We are a United States Company, and our servers are hosted, managed, and controlled by us in the United States. If you are outside of the United States, we use industry standards to protect your data when it leaves your country of residence and your data will always be protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy, Applicable Laws and our Agreement regardless of the storage location.

Additionally, where we transfer your personal information to service providers outside of the United Kingdom (UK), European Economic Area (EEA), or other region that offers similar protections, we use specific appropriate safeguards to contractually obligate such service providers to protect personal information in accordance with Amplify’s commitment to privacy and security and applicable data protection laws.

If you have questions or wish to obtain more information about the international transfer of your personal information or the implemented safeguards, please contact us using the contact information below.

9. External third-party services

The Site may be linked to sites operated by unaffiliated companies, and may carry advertisements or offer content, functionality, games, newsletters, contests or sweepstakes, or applications developed and maintained by unaffiliated companies. Amplify is not responsible for the privacy practices of unaffiliated companies, and once you leave the Site via a link or enable an unaffiliated service, you are subject to the applicable privacy policy of the unaffiliated service.

10. Updates to this policy

Amplify may modify this Privacy Policy. Please look at the Last Revised Date at the top of this Privacy Policy to see when this Privacy Policy was last revised. Any changes to this Privacy Policy will become effective when we post the revised Privacy Policy on the Site. If you do not wish to be bound by the terms of the revised Privacy Policy, you must discontinue your use of the Site.

11. Contact us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@amplify.com
Mail: Amplify Education, Inc.
55 Washington St.#800
Brooklyn, NY, 11201
Phone: (800) 823-1969
Attn: General Counsel

Appendix – Supplemental Disclosures

1. Notice for our California Customers

We retain your personal information for as long as you are an active user of our Site or continue to have an account with us, and in accordance with our legal obligations (which may require us to hold information to provide financial and other reporting and to defend against potential claims). If you are a California resident, please see below for information about your rights pursuant to California law.

Personal Information We Collect
How We Use Personal Information
Contact Information
  • To provide you with customer support and respond to inquiries.
  • To contact you with promotional emails (e.g. newsletters) or notifications related to the Site
  • To help us verify the identity of our user
  • As otherwise required or permitted by law, or as we may notify you at the time of collection
Account Information
  • To provide and manage the Site
  • To improve our products and services
  • As otherwise required or permitted by law, or as we may notify you at the time of collection
Payment Information
  • To complete your payment of purchases made through the Site
  • For internal operations (e.g. to improve and update our products)
  • For security and fraud prevention
  • As otherwise required or permitted by law, or as we may notify you at the time of collection
Information You Submit
  • To provide the Site and features to you, including to allow you to comment
  • To improve our products and services
  • As otherwise required or permitted by law, or as we may notify you at the time of collection.
Site Activity Information
  • We sell or share information about your Site activity with third parties for targeted advertisements on and off of Amplify. We also use this information to:
    • To provide and manage the Site
    • To improve our products and services
    • For internal operations (e.g. to improve and update our products)
    • For security, safety, and due diligence purposes
    • As otherwise required or permitted by law, or as we may notify you at the time of collection
Location Information
  • We use location information , such as state, country and / or zip code, which we use to help us customize your experience, as well as to help us facilitate your privacy rights.
Inferences
  • We may make inferences about your interests and personal preferences (such as the content you like to consume). We also use this information to:
    • To personalize your experience on the Site
    • For internal operations (e.g. to improve and update our products)
    • As otherwise required or permitted by law, or as we may notify you at the time of collection

Some of the information described above may be considered “sensitive” under the laws of certain jurisdictions (including payment information and account login credentials (“Sensitive Information”). Whether information is Sensitive Information will depend on the laws of your jurisdiction. We only use Sensitive Information, such as payment information and account credentials for necessary or reasonably expected purposes – specifically, to provide you with our Services (i.e., fulfill purchases and to allow account logins).

Shine the Light

California’s Shine the Light law (Civil Code § 1798.83) permits California residents to request certain information regarding our disclosure of certain categories of personal information to third parties for their own direct marketing purposes in the preceding calendar year. We do not share personal information, as defined by California’s Shine the Light law, with third parties for their own direct marketing purposes.

Notice of Financial Incentive 

 As part of our services, there may be opportunities for you to complete surveys and questionnaires. As an incentive for completing the survey or questionnaire, you can voluntarily provide your personal information, which in turn enters you into a raffle drawing or enables us to provide you with other benefits, discounts, offers, or deals that may constitute a financial incentive under California law (“Financial Incentive”). The categories of personal information required for us to provide the Financial Incentives include: contact information and any other information that you choose to provide when you complete the survey.

Participation is voluntary and you can opt out at any time before your survey is complete.

The value of the personal information we collect in connection with our Financial Incentives is equivalent to the value of the benefit offered.

2. Additional U.S. State Privacy Law Rights

Residents of certain U.S. states have the following rights, regarding your personal information (each of which are subject to various exceptions and limitations):

  • Access. You have the right to request, up to two times every 12 months, that we disclose to you the categories of personal information collected about you, the categories of sources from which the personal information is collected, the categories of personal information sold or shared, the business or commercial purpose for collecting, selling, or sharing the personal information, the categories of third parties with whom personal information was shared, and the specific pieces of personal information collected about you.
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We also honor the Global Privacy Control, a browser-based opt-out signal. We do not respond to other browser-based signals that do not meet applicable state law requirements, which may include older Do Not Track signals.

  • No Discrimination. You have the right not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights.
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3. Notice for European Economic Area and United Kingdom Customers

As detailed at the beginning of our Privacy Policy (under the section titled “Our Role”), Amplify acts as a controller with respect to personal information collected as you interact with our Site.

Lawful Basis for Processing

We rely on the following lawful bases for our processing activities:

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Your Data Subject Rights

If you are located in the EEA/UK, you have the following rights, subject to certain exceptions:

  • Right of access: You have the right to ask us for confirmation on whether we are processing your personal information and access to that personal information.
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  • Right to withdraw consent: You have the right to withdraw consent that you have provided.
  • Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority: You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
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  • Right to data portability: You have the right to receive the personal information that you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, and you have the right to transmit that information to another controller, including to have it transmitted directly, where technically feasible.
  • Right to object: You have the right to object to our processing of your personal information

To exercise any of these rights, contact us as set forth in the section entitled “Contact Us” above and specify which European privacy right you intend to exercise. We may require additional information from you to allow us to confirm your identity. Please note that we store information as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, and may continue to retain and use the information even after a data subject request for purposes of our legitimate interests, including to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, prevent fraud, and enforce our agreements.

Complaints

If you have any issues with our compliance, you have the right to lodge a complaint with an EEA or UK supervisory authority. We would, however, appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns before you approach a data protection regulator, and would welcome you directing an inquiry first to us. To do so, please contact us by email at privacy@amplify.com or by mail at Amplify Education, Inc., 55 Washington St.#800, Brooklyn, NY, 11201.

Grade 6

Module 1: Ratios and Unit Rates

Eureka MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Topic A Representing and Reasoning About Ratios 
Lesson 1: Ratios
Lesson 2: Ratios
Unit 2
Lesson 1: Pizza Maker [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Ratio Rounds (Print available)
Lesson 3: Equivalent Ratios
Lesson 4: Equivalent Ratios
Unit 2
Lesson 3: Rice Ratios
Lesson 4: Fruit Lab [Free lesson]
Lesson 5: Balancing Act
Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1
Lesson 8 World Records (Print available)
Lesson 11 Community Life (Print available)
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 5: Solving Problems by Finding Equivalent Ratios
Lesson 6: Solving Problems by Finding Equivalent Ratios
Unit 2
Lesson 5 Balancing Act
 
Lesson 7: Associated Ratios and the Value of a Ratio
Lesson 8: Equivalent Ratios Defined Through the Value of a Ratio
Unit 2
Lesson 6: Product Prices (Print available)
Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1
Topic B Collections of Equivalent Ratios 
Lesson 9: Tables of Equivalent RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 6: Product Prices (Print available)
Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1
Lesson 10: The Structure of Ratio Tables-Additive and MultiplicativeUnit 2
Lesson 10: Balloons
Lesson 11: Community Life (Print available)
Lesson 11: Comparing Ratios Using Ratio TablesUnit 2
Lesson 10: Balloons
Lesson 12: From Ratio Tables to Double Number Line DiagramsUnit 2
Lesson 6: Product Prices (Print available)
Lesson 8: World Records (Print available)
Lesson 12: Mixing Paint, Part 2
Lesson 14: Lunch Waste (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 13: From Ratio Tables to Equations Using the Value of a Ratio 
Lesson 14: From Ratio Tables, Equations, and Double Number Line Diagrams to Plots on the Coordinate Plane 
Lesson 15: A Synthesis of Representations of Equivalent Ratio Collections 
Topic C Unit Rates 
Lesson 16: From Ratio to RatesUnit 2
Lesson 8: World Records (Print available)
 
Unit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 5: Soft Serve [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: Welcome to the Robot Factory
Lesson 17: From Rates to Ratios 
Lesson 18: Finding a Rate by Dividing Two QuantitiesUnit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 5: Soft Serve [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: Welcome to the Robot Factory
Lesson 7: More Soft Serve
Lesson 19: Comparison Shopping-Unit Price and Related Measurement Conversions
Lesson 20: Comparison Shopping-Unit Price and Related Measurement Conversions
Lesson 21: Getting the Job Done—Speed, Work, and Measurement Units
Lesson 22: Getting the Job Done—Speed, Work, and Measurement Units
Unit 3
Lesson 2: Counting Classrooms
Lesson 3: Pen Pals
Lesson 23: Problem-Solving Using Rates, Unit Rates, and Conversions.Unit 3
Lesson 13: A Country as a Village
Topic D Percent 
Lesson 24: Percent and Rates per 100Unit 3
Lesson 8: Lucky Duckies [Free lesson]
Lesson 9: Bicycle Goals
Lesson 25: A Fraction as a Percent 
Lesson 26: Percent of a Quantity.Unit 3
Lesson 10: What´s Missing? (Print available)
Lesson 11: Cost Breakdown
Lesson 27: Solving Percent Problems
Lesson 28: Solving Percent Problems
Lesson 29: Solving Percent Problems
Unit 3
Lesson 10: What´s Missing? (Print available)
Lesson 11: Cost Breakdown
Lesson 12: More Bicycle Goals
Lesson 13: A Country as a Village
Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Module 2: Arithmetic Operations Including Division of Fractions

Lesson 1: Interpreting Division of a Fraction by a Whole Number—Visual Models.Unit 4
Lesson 2: Making Connections (Print available)
Lesson 2: Interpreting Division of a Whole Number by a Fraction —Visual Models.Unit 4
Lesson 1: Cookie Cutter
Lesson 3: Flour Planner [Free lesson]
Lesson 4: Flower Planters
Lesson 5: Garden Bricks (Print available)
Lesson 3: Interpreting and Computing Division of a Fraction by a Fraction—More Models
Lesson 4: Interpreting and Computing Division of a Fraction by a Fraction—More Models
Unit 4
Lesson 5: Garden Bricks
Lesson 6: Fill the Gap [Free lesson]
Lesson 7: Break It Down
Lesson 8: Potting Soil
Lesson 9: Division Challenges
Lesson 10: Swap Meet (Print available)
Practice Day
Lesson 5: Creating Division Stories. 
Lesson 6: More Division Stories. 
Lesson 7: The Relationship Between Visual Fraction Models and Equations 
Lesson 8: Dividing Fractions and Mixed NumbersUnit 4
Lesson 5: Garden Bricks (Print available)
Lesson 6: Fill the Gap [Free lesson]
Topic B Multi-Digit Decimal Operations—Adding, Subtracting, and Multiplying
Lesson 9: Sums and Differences of DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 2: Decimal Diagrams [Free lesson]
Lesson 3: Fruit by the Pound
Lesson 4: Missing Digits
Lesson 10: The Distributive Property and the Products of DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 5: Decimal Multiplication
Lesson 6: Multiplying with Areas
Lesson 7: Multiplication Methods (Print available)
Lesson 11: Fraction Multiplication and the Products of DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 7: Multiplication Methods (Print available)
Topic C Dividing Whole Numbers and Decimals
Lesson 12: Estimating Digits in a Quotient 
Lesson 13: Dividing Multi-Digit Numbers Using the AlgorithmUnit 5
Lesson 9: Long Division Launch
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 14: The Division Algorithm—Converting Decimal Division into Whole Number Division Using Fractions. 
Lesson 15: The Division Algorithm—Converting Decimal Division into Whole Number Division Using Mental Math 
Topic D Number Theory—Thinking Logically About Multiplicative Arithmetic 
Lesson 16: Even and Odd Numbers 
Lesson 17: Divisibility Tests for 3 and 9 
Lesson 18: Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common FactorUnit 5
Lesson 14: Common Multiples
Lesson 15: Common Factors
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 19: The Euclidean Algorithm as an Application of the Long Division Algorithm 

Module 3: Rational Numbers

Lesson 1: Positive and Negative Numbers on the Number Line—Opposite Direction and ValueUnit 7Lesson 2: Digging Deeper
Lesson 2: Real-World Positive and Negative Numbers and Zero.
Lesson 3: Real-World Positive and Negative Numbers and Zero.
Unit 7 Lesson 4: Sub-Zero
Lesson 4: The Opposite of a Number
Lesson 5: The Opposite of a Number’s Opposite
Lesson 6: Rational Numbers on the Number Line
Unit 7Lesson 2: Digging Deeper
Topic B Order and Absolute Value
Lesson 7: Ordering Integers and Other Rational Numbers
Lesson 8: Ordering Integers and Other Rational Numbers
Lesson 9: Comparing Integers and Other Rational Numbers
Unit 7Lesson 3: Order in the Class (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 10: Writing and Interpreting Inequality Statements Involving Rational Numbers 
Lesson 11: Absolute Value—Magnitude and Distance
Lesson 12: The Relationship Between Absolute Value and Order
Unit 7Lesson 5: Distance on the Number Line
Lesson 13: Statements of Order in the Real World. 
Topic C Rational Numbers and the Coordinate Plane 
Lesson 14: Ordered Pairs
Lesson 15: Locating Ordered Pairs on the Coordinate Plane
Unit 7Lesson 9: Sand Dollar SearchLesson 10: The A-maze-ing Coordinate PlaneLesson 11: Polygon Maker
Lesson 16: Symmetry in the Coordinate Plane. 
Lesson 17: Drawing the Coordinate Plane and Points on the PlaneLesson 10: The A-maze-ing Coordinate Plane
Lesson 18: Distance on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 7Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Lesson 19: Problem Solving and the Coordinate PlaneUnit 7Lesson 12: Graph Telephone (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Module 4: Expressions and Equations

Topic A Relationships of the Operations 
Lesson 1: The Relationship of Addition and Subtraction 
Lesson 2: The Relationship of Multiplication and Division 
Lesson 3: The Relationship of Multiplication and Addition. 
Lesson 4: The Relationship of Division and Subtraction 
Topic B Special Notations of Operations 
Lesson 5: ExponentsUnit 6Lesson 10: PowersLesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 6: The Order of Operations 
Topic C Replacing Letters and Numbers 
Lesson 7: Replacing Letters with Numbers
Lesson 8: Replacing Numbers with Letters
Unit 6Lesson 7: Border TilesLesson 12: Squares and Cubes
Topic D Expanding, Factoring, and Distributing Expressions 
Lesson 9: Writing Addition and Subtraction ExpressionsUnit 6Lesson 6: Vari-applesLesson 8: Products and Sums [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Products, Sums, and Differences
Lesson 10: Writing and Expanding Multiplication Expressions
Lesson 11: Factoring Expressions
Lesson 12: Distributing Expressions
Unit 6Lesson 8: Products and Sums [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Products, Sums, and Differences
Lesson 13: Writing Division Expressions 
Lesson 14: Writing Division Expressions 
Topic E Expressing Operations in Algebraic Form 
Lesson 15: Read Expressions in Which Letters Stand for Numbers
Lesson 16: Write Expressions in Which Letters Stand for Numbers
Lesson 17: Write Expressions in Which Letters Stand for Numbers
Unit 6Lesson 6: Vari-applesLesson 7: Border Tiles
Topic F Writing and Evaluating Expressions and Formulas 
Lesson 18: Writing and Evaluating Expressions—Addition and Subtraction
Lesson 19: Substituting to Evaluate Addition and Subtraction Expressions
Lesson 20: Writing and Evaluating Expressions—Multiplication and Division
Lesson 21: Writing and Evaluating Expressions—Multiplication and Addition
Unit 6Lesson 7: Border TilesLesson 8: Products and Sums [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Products, Sums, and DifferencesLesson 12: Squares and Cubes
Lesson 22: Writing and Evaluating Expressions—ExponentsUnit 6Lesson 10: PowersLesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)Lesson 12: Squares and CubesPractice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic G Solving Equations 
Lesson 23: True and False Number Sentences
Lesson 24: True and False Number Sentences
Unit 6Lesson 1: Weight for It [Free lesson]
Lesson 25: Finding Solutions to Make Equations TrueUnit 6Lesson 1: Weight for It [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Five Equations
Lesson 26: One-Step Equations—Addition and SubtractionUnit 6Lesson 1: Weight for It [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Five EquationsLesson 3: Hanging Around
Lesson 27: One-Step Equations—Multiplication and Division
Lesson 28: Two-Step Problems—All Operations
Lesson 29: Multi-Step Problems—All Operations
Unit 6Lesson 3: Hanging AroundLesson 4: Hanging It UpLesson 5: Swap and Solve
Topic H Applications of Equations 
Lesson 30: One-Step Problems in the Real World
Lesson 31: Problems in Mathematical TermsLesson Lesson 32: Multi-Step Problems in the Real World
Unit 6Lesson 3: Hanging AroundLesson 4: Hanging It UpLesson 5: Swap and SolvePractice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 33: From Equations to Inequalities
Lesson 34: Writing and Graphing Inequalities in Real-World Problems
Unit 7Lesson 6: Tunnel Travel [Free lesson]Lesson 7: Comparing WeightsLesson 8: Shira´s Solutions

Module 5: Area, Surface Area, and Volume Problems

Topic A: Area of Triangles, Quadrilaterals, and Polygons
Lesson 1: The Area of Parallelograms Through Rectangle FactsUnit 1Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 2: The Area of Right Triangles
Lesson 3: The Area of Acute Triangles Using Height and Base
Unit 1Lesson 5: Exploring Triangles (Print available)Lesson 6: Triangles and ParallelogramsLesson 7: Off the Grid, Part 2
Lesson 4: The Area of All Triangles Using Height and BaseUnit 1Lesson 6: Triangles and ParallelogramsLesson 7: Off the Grid, Part 2
Lesson 5: The Area of Polygons Through Composition and DecompositionUnit 1Lesson 2: LettersLesson 8: Pile of PolygonsPractice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 6: Area in the Real World 
Topic B Polygons on the Coordinate Plane 
Lesson 7: Distance on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 1Lesson 8: Pile of Polygons
Lesson 8: Drawing Polygons in the Coordinate PlaneUnit 7Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Lesson 9: Determining Perimeter and Area of Polygons on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 1Lesson 8: Pile of Polygons
Lesson 10: Distance, Perimeter, and Area in the Real World 
Topic C Volume of Right Rectangular Prisms 
Lesson 11: Volume with Fractional Edge Lengths and Unit CubesUnit 4Lesson 11: Classroom ComparisonsLesson 12: Puzzling Areas (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 13: Volume ChallengesLesson 14: Planter Planner (Print available)
Lesson 12: From Unit Cubes to the Formulas for Volume  
Lesson 13: The Formulas for Volume 
Lesson 14: Volume in the Real WorldUnit 4Lesson 14: Planter Planner (Print available)
Topic D Nets and Surface Area 
Lesson 15: Representing Three-Dimensional Figures Using Nets
Lesson 16: Constructing Nets
Lesson 17: From Nets to Surface Area
Unit 1Lesson 10: Plenty of PolyhedraLesson 11: Nothing But Nets (Print available)Lesson 13: Take It To Go (Print available)
Lesson 18: Determining Surface Area of Three-Dimensional FiguresUnit 1Lesson 9: Renata´s Stickers [Free lesson]Lesson 10: Plenty of PolyhedraLesson 11: Nothing But Nets (Print available)Lesson 13: Take It To Go (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 19: Surface Area and Volume in the Real World 
Lesson 19a: Addendum Lesson for Modeling―Applying Surface Area and Volume to Aquariums 
Lesson 3: The Area of Acute Triangles Using Height and BaseUnit 1Lesson 5 Exploring TrianglesLesson 6 Triangles and ParallelogramsLesson 7 Off the Grid, Part 2

Module 6: Statistics

Topic A Understanding Distributions 
Lesson 1: Posing Statistical QuestionsUnit 8 Lesson 1: Screen TimeLesson 2: Dot Plots
Lesson 2: Displaying a Data Distribution
Lesson 3: Creating a Dot Plot
Unit 8 Lesson 2: Dot PlotsLesson 3: Minimum Wage (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Lots More Dots
Lesson 4: Creating a Histogram
Lesson 5: Describing a Distribution Displayed in a Histogram
Unit 8Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens [Free lesson]Lesson 6: DIY Histograms (Print available)
Topic B Summarizing a Distribution That Is Approximately Symmetric Using the Mean and Mean Absolute Deviation 
Lesson 6: Describing the Center of a Distribution Using the Mean
Lesson 7: The Mean as a Balance Point
Unit 8Lesson 7: Snack Time
Lesson 8: Variability in a Data DistributionUnit 8Lesson 8: Pop It!
Topic 9: The Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD).Unit 8Lesson 9: Hoops
Lesson 10: Describing Distributions Using the Mean and MAD
Lesson 11: Describing Distributions Using the Mean and MAD
Unit 8Lesson 10 Hollywood Part 1Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Topic C Summarizing a Distribution That Is Skewed Using the Median and the Interquartile Range 
Lesson 12: Describing the Center of a Distribution Using the MedianUnit 8Lesson 11: Toy Cars [Free lesson]Lesson 12: In the News
Lesson 13: Describing Variability Using the Interquartile Range (IQR)Unit 8Lesson 13: Pumpkin Patch
Lesson 14: Summarizing a Distribution Using a Box Plot
Lesson 15: More Practice with Box Plots
Unit 8Lesson 14: Car, Plane, Bus, or Train? (Print available)
Lesson 16: Understanding Box PlotsUnit 8Lesson 14: Car, Plane, Bus, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 15: Hollywood Part 2Lesson 16: Hollywood Part 3 (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic D Summarizing and Describing Distributions 
Lesson 17: Developing a Statistical Project 
Lesson 18: Connecting Graphical Representations and Numerical SummariesUnit 8Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens [Free lesson]
Lesson 19: Comparing Data DistributionsUnit 8Lesson 15: Hollywood Part 2
Lesson 20: Describing Center, Variability, and Shape of a Data Distribution from a Graphical Representation
Lesson 21: Summarizing a Data Distribution by Describing Center, Variability, and Shape
Unit 8Lesson 16: Hollywood Part 3 (Print available)
Lesson 22: Presenting a Summary of a Statistical Project 
Lesson 3: Creating a Dot PlotUnit 8Lesson 2 Dot PlotsLesson 3 Minimum Wage [Free lesson]Lesson 4 Lots More Dots

Grade 7

Module 1: Ratios and Proportional Relationships

Eureka MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Topic A Proportional Relationships 
Lesson 1: An Experience in Relationships as Measuring RateUnit 2
Lesson 1: Paint [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Balloon Float
 
Unit 4
Lesson 1: Mosaics [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Peach Cobbler (Print available)
Lesson 2: Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2  
Lesson 2: Balloon Float
Lesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)
 
Unit 4
Lesson 3: Sticker Sizes
Lesson 3: Identifying Proportional and Non-Proportional Relationships in Tables
Lesson 4: Identifying Proportional and Non-Proportional Relationships in Tables
Unit 2
Lesson 2: Balloon Float
Lesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)
Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 5: Identifying Proportional and Non-Proportional Relationships in Graphs
Lesson 6: Identifying Proportional and Non-Proportional Relationships in Graphs
Unit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops [Free lesson]
Lesson 9: Gallon Challenge
Lesson 10: Three Turtles
Lesson 11: Four Representations (Print available)
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Topic B Unit Rate and the Constant of Proportionality 
Lesson 7: Unit Rate as the Constant of ProportionalityUnit 2
Lesson 2: Balloon Float
Lesson 8: Representing Proportional Relationships with Equations
Lesson 9: Representing Proportional Relationships with Equations
Unit 2
Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 5: Snapshots
Lesson 6: Two and Two (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 7: All Kinds of Equations
Lesson 10: Interpreting Graphs of Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops [Free lesson]
Lesson 9: Gallon Challenge
Lesson 10: Three Turtles
Lesson 11: Four Representations (Print available)
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Topic C Ratios and Rates Involving Fractions 
Lesson 11: Ratios of Fractions and Their Unit Rates
Lesson 12: Ratios of Fractions and Their Unit Rates
Unit 2
Lesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)
Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 5: Snapshots
Lesson 6: Two and Two [Free lesson]
Lesson 13: Finding Equivalent Ratios Given the Total QuantityUnit 2  
Lesson 2: Balloon Float
Lesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)
Lesson 14: Multi-Step Ratio Problems 
Lesson 15: Equations of Graphs of Proportional Relationships Involving FractionsUnit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops [Free lesson]
Lesson 9: Gallon Challenge
Lesson 10: Three Turtles
Lesson 11: Four Representations
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Topic D Ratios of Scale Drawings 
Lesson 16: Relating Scale Drawings to Ratios and RatesUnit 1
Lesson 1: Scaling Machines [Free lesson]
Lesson 17: The Unit Rate as the Scale FactorUnit 1
Lesson 2: Scaling Robots
Lesson 3: Make It Scale
Lesson 4: Scale Factor Challenges
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 18: Computing Actual Lengths from a Scale DrawingUnit 1
Lesson 6: Introducing Scale
Lesson 7: Will It Fit? (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 19: Computing Actual Areas from a Scale DrawingUnit 1
Lesson 5: Tiles
Lesson 6: Introducing Scale
Lesson 7: Will It Fit? (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 8: Scaling States (Print available)
Lesson 20: An Exercise in Creating a Scale Drawing
Lesson 21: An Exercise in Changing Scales
Lesson 22: An Exercise in Changing Scales
Unit 1
Lesson 8: Scaling States (Print available)
Lesson 9: Scaling Buildings
Lesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Module 2: Rational Numbers

Topic A Addition and Subtraction of Integers and Rational Numbers 
Lesson 1: Opposite Quantities Combine to Make ZeroUnit 5
Lesson 1: Floats and Anchors [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Using the Number Line to Model the Addition of Integers
Lesson 3: Understanding Addition of Integers
Lesson 4: Efficiently Adding Integers and Other Rational Numbers
Lesson 5: Understanding Subtraction of Integers and Other Rational Numbers
Unit 5
Lesson 2: More Floats and Anchors
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 5: Number Puzzles
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles [Free lesson]
Lesson 11: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)
Lesson 6: The Distance Between Two Rational Numbers 
Lesson 7: Addition and Subtraction of Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 3: Bumpers
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 5: Number Puzzles
Lesson 10; Integer Puzzles [Free lesson]
Lesson 11: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 8: Applying the Properties of Operations to Add and Subtract Rational Numbers 
Lesson 9: Applying the Properties of Operations to Add and Subtract Rational Numbers 
Topic B Multiplication and Division of Integers and Rational Numbers 
Lesson 10: Understanding Multiplication of Integers
Lesson 11: Develop Rules for Multiplying Signed Numbers
Unit 5
Lesson 6: Floating in Groups
Lesson 7: Back in Time
Lesson 8: Speeding Turtles
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles [Free lesson]
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 12: Division of IntegersUnit 5
Lesson 8: Speeding Turtles
Lesson 13: Converting Between Fractions and Decimals Using Equivalent Fractions 
Lesson 14: Converting Rational Numbers to Decimals Using Long DivisionUnit 4
Lesson 13: Decimal Deep Dive (Print available)
Lesson 15: Multiplication and Division of Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 8: Speeding Turtles
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles [Free lesson]
Lesson 12: Arctic Sea Ice (Print available)
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 16: Applying the Properties of Operations to Multiply and Divide Rational Numbers 
Topic C Applying Operations with Rational Numbers to Expressions and Equations 
Lesson 17: Comparing Tape Diagram Solutions to Algebraic SolutionsUnit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 3: Equations
Lesson 4: Seeing Structure (Print available)
Lesson 18: Writing, Evaluating, and Finding Equivalent Expressions with Rational Numbers
Lesson 19: Writing, Evaluating, and Finding Equivalent Expressions with Rational Numbers
Unit 5
Lesson 9 Expressions
Lesson 20: Investments—Performing Operations with Rational Numbers
Lesson 21: If-Then Moves with Integer Number Cards
Lesson 22: Solving Equations Using Algebra
Lesson 23: Solving Equations Using Algebra
Unit 6
Lesson 3: Equations
Lesson 4: Seeing Structure (Print available)
Lesson 6: Balancing Equations
Lesson 7: Keeping It True (Print available)
Lesson 12: Community Day (Print available)
 
Unit 5
Lesson 3: Bumpers

Module 3: Expressions and Equations

Topic A Use Properties of Operations to Generate Equivalent Expressions 
Lesson 1: Generating Equivalent Expressions
Lesson 2: Generating Equivalent Expressions
Unit 5 Lesson 9: Expressions (Print available)Unit 6Lesson 9: Always-Equal MachinesLesson 11: Equation Roundtable (Print available)
Lesson 3: Writing Products as Sums and Sums as Products
Lesson 4: Writing Products as Sums and Sums as Products
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Smudged ReceiptsLesson 6: Balancing EquationsLesson 7: Keeping It True (Print available)Lesson 8: Factoring and ExpandingLesson 9: Always-Equal MachinesLesson 10: Collect the Squares [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Equation Roundtable (Print available)Lesson 12: Community Day (Print available)
Lesson 5: Using the Identity and Inverse to Write Equivalent Expressions 
Lesson 6: Collecting Rational Number Like Terms 
Topic B Solve Problems Using Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities 
Lesson 7: Understanding EquationsUnit 6Lesson 2: Smudged ReceiptsLesson 5: Balancing MovesLesson 6: Balancing Equations
Lesson 8: Using If-Then Moves in Solving Equations
Lesson 9: Using If-Then Moves in Solving Equations
Unit 6Lesson 2: Smudged ReceiptsLesson 6: Balancing EquationsLesson 7: Keeping It True (Print available)Lesson 8: Factoring and Expanding (Print available)Lesson 9: Always-Equal MachinesLesson 10: Collect the Squares [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Equation Roundtable (Print available)Lesson 12: Community Day (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 10: Angle Problems and Solving EquationsUnit 7Lesson 2: Friendly Angles [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Angle DiagramsLesson 4: Missing Measures (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 11: Angle Problems and Solving Equations 
Lesson 12: Properties of Inequalities
Lesson 13: Inequalities
Lesson 14: Solving Inequalities
Unit 6Lesson 14: Unbalanced HangersLesson 15: Budgeting (Print available)Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep [Free lesson]Lesson 17: Write Them and Solve Them (Print available)
Lesson 15: Graphing Solutions to InequalitiesUnit 6Lesson 13: I Saw the SignsPractice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic C Use Equations and Inequalities to Solve Geometry Problems 
Lesson 16: The Most Famous Ratio of AllUnit 3Lesson 2: Is It a Circle?Lesson 3: Measuring Around [Free lesson]
Lesson 17: The Area of a CircleUnit 3Lesson 5: Area StrategiesLesson 6: Radius Squares (Print available)Lesson 7: Why Pi? (Print available)Lesson 8: Area Challenges [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Circle vs. SquarePractice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 18: More Problems on Area and CircumferenceUnit 3Lesson 4: Perimeter ChallengesLesson 5: Area StrategiesLesson 6: Radius Squares (Print available)Lesson 7: Why Pi? (Print available)Lesson 8: Area Challenges [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Circle vs. Square
Lesson 19: Unknown Area Problems on the Coordinate Plane
Lesson 20: Composite Area Problems
Unit 3Lesson 4: Perimeter ChallengesPractice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 21: Surface Area
Lesson 22: Surface Area
Lesson 23: The Volume of a Right Prism
Lesson 24: The Volume of a Right Prism
Unit 7Lesson 10: Simple PrismsLesson 11: More Complicated Prisms Lesson 12: Surface Area Strategies (Print Available)Lesson 13: Popcorn PossibilitiesPractice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 25: Volume and Surface Area
Lesson 26: Volume and Surface Area
Unit 7Lesson 13: Popcorn PossibilitiesPractice Day 2

Module 4: Percent and Proportional Relationships

Topic A Finding the Whole 
Lesson 1: PercentUnit 4Lesson 1: Mosaics [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Peach Cobbler (Print available)Lesson 3: Sticker Sizes
Lesson 2: Part of a Whole as a PercentUnit 4Lesson 1: Mosaics [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Peach Cobbler (Print available)
Lesson 3: Comparing Quantities with PercentUnit 4Lesson 1: Mosaics [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Peach Cobbler (Print available)Lesson 3: Sticker Sizes
Lesson 4: Percent Increase and DecreaseUnit 4Lesson 4: More and LessLesson 5: All the EquationsLesson 6: 100% (Print available)Lesson 7: Percent machines [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Tax and TipLesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)Lesson 11: Bookcase BuilderLesson 12: Posing Percent Problems [Free lesson]
Lesson 5: Finding One Hundred Percent Given Another Percent 
Lesson 6: Fluency with PercentsUnit 4Lesson 7: Percent machines [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Tax and TipLesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)Lesson 11: Bookcase BuilderLesson 12: Posing Percent Problems [Free lesson]
Topic B Percent Problems Including More Than One Whole 
Lesson 7: Markup and Markdown ProblemsUnit 4Lesson 7: Percent machines [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Tax and TipLesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)Lesson 11: Bookcase BuilderLesson 12: Posing Percent Problems [Free lesson]
Lesson 8: Percent Error Problems
Lesson 9: Problem Solving When the Percent Changes
Unit 4Lesson 4: More and LessLesson 5: All the EquationsLesson 6: 100% (Print available)Lesson 7: Percent machines [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Tax and TipLesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)Lesson 11: Bookcase BuilderLesson 12: Posing Percent Problems [Free lesson]
Lesson 10: Simple Interest 
Lesson 11: Tax, Commissions, Fees, and Other Real-World Percent ApplicationsUnit 4Lesson 8: Tax and TipLesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)Lesson 11: Bookcase BuilderLesson 12: Posing Percent Problems [Free lesson]Practice Day (Print available)
Topic C Scale Drawings 
Lesson 12: The Scale Factor as a Percent for a Scale Drawing 
Lesson 13: Changing ScalesUnit 1Lesson 1: Scaling Machines [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Scaling RobotsLesson 3: Make It ScaleLesson 4: Scale Factor ChallengesLesson 5: TilesLesson 6: Introducing ScaleLesson 7: Will It Fit? (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Scaling States (Print available)Lesson 9: Scaling BuildingsLesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available) Unit 3Lesson 1 Toothpicks
Lesson 14: Computing Actual Lengths from a Scale DrawingUnit 1Lesson 6: Introducing ScaleLesson 7: Will It Fit? (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Scaling States (Print available)Lesson 9: Scaling BuildingsLesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available) Unit 3Lesson 1: Toothpicks
Lesson 15: Solving Area Problems Using Scale DrawingsUnit 1Lesson 5: Tiles
Topic D Population, Mixture, and Counting Problems Involving Percents 
Lesson 16: Population ProblemsUnit 8Lesson 10: Crab Island [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Headlines
Lesson 17: Mixture Problems 
Lesson 18: Counting Problems 

Module 5: Statistics and Probability

Topic A Calculating and Interpreting Probabilities 
Lesson 1: Chance ExperimentsUnit 8Lesson 1: How Likely? (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Prob-bear-bilities [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Mystery Bag
Lesson 2: Estimating Probabilities by Collecting Data
Lesson 3: Chance Experiments with Equally Likely Outcomes
Lesson 4: Calculating Probabilities for Chance Experiments with Equally Likely Outcomes
Unit 8Lesson 3: Mystery BagLesson 4: Spin ClassLesson 5: Is It Fair?Lesson 6: Fair Games
Lesson 5: Chance Experiments with Outcomes That Are Not Equally LikelyUnit 8Lesson 4: Spin ClassLesson 5: Is It Fair?Lesson 6: Fair GamesLesson 7: Weather or Not
Lesson 6: Using Tree Diagrams to Represent a Sample Space and to Calculate ProbabilitiesUnit 8Lesson 6: Fair GamesLesson 7: Weather or Not
Lesson 7: Calculating Probabilities of Compound EventsUnit 8Lesson 8: Simulate It! (Print available)Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Topic B Estimating Probabilities 
Lesson 8: The Difference Between Theoretical Probabilities and Estimated Probabilities
Lesson 9: Comparing Estimated Probabilities to Probabilities Predicted by a Model
Unit 8Lesson 6: Fair GamesLesson 7: Weather or NotLesson 8: Simulate It! (Print available)Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)
Lesson 10: Conducting a Simulation to Estimate the Probability of an EventUnit 8Lesson 7: Weather or NotLesson 8: Simulate It! (Print available)Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)
Lesson 11: Conducting a Simulation to Estimate the Probability of an Event
Lesson 12: Applying Probability to Make Informed Decisions
Unit 8Lesson 7: Weather or NotLesson 8: Simulate It! (Print available)
Topic C Random Sampling and Estimating Population Characteristics 
Lesson 13: Populations, Samples, and Generalizing from a Sample to a PopulationUnit 8Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 10: Crab Island [Free lesson]Lesson 11: HeadlinesLesson 12: Flower Power
Lesson 14: Selecting a Sample
Lesson 15: Random Sampling
Lesson 16: Methods for Selecting a Random Sample
Unit 8Lesson 10: Crab Island [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Headlines
Lesson 17: Sampling VariabilityUnit 8Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 13: Plots and Samples
Lesson 18: Sampling Variability and the Effect of Sample Size
Lesson 19: Understanding Variability When Estimating a Population Proportion
Unit 8Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 13: Plots and SamplesLesson 14: School Newspaper (Print available)
Lesson 20: Estimating a Population Proportion 
Topic D Comparing Populations 
Lesson 21: Why Worry About Sampling Variability?Unit 8Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 13: Plots and SamplesLesson 14: School Newspaper (Print available)
Lesson 22: Using Sample Data to Compare the Means of Two or More Populations
Lesson 23: Using Sample Data to Compare the Means of Two or More Populations
Unit 8Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 10: Crab Island [Free lesson]Lesson 13: Plots and SamplesLesson 14: School Newspaper (Print available)Lesson 15: Asthma Rates (Print available)

Module 6: Geometry

Topic A Unknown Angles 
Lesson 1: Complementary and Supplementary AnglesUnit 7Lesson 2: Friendly Angles [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Angle Diagrams
Lesson 2: Solving for Unknown Angles Using Equations
Lesson 3: Solving for Unknown Angles Using Equations
Lesson 4: Solving for Unknown Angles Using Equations
Unit 7Lesson 1: PinwheelsLesson 2: Friendly AnglesLesson 3: Angle DiagramsLesson 4: Missing Measures (Print available) [Free lesson]
Topic B Constructing Triangles 
Lesson 5: Identical TrianglesUnit 7Lesson 6: Is It Enough?Lesson 7: More Than One
Lesson 6: Drawing Geometric ShapesUnit 7Lesson 6: Is It Enough?Lesson 7: More Than OneLesson 8: Can You Draw It? (Print available)
Lesson 7: Drawing Parallelograms 
Lesson 8: Drawing TrianglesUnit 7Lesson 5: Can You Build It? [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Is It Enough?Lesson 7: More Than OneLesson 8: Can You Draw It? (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 9: Conditions for a Unique Triangle―Three Sides and Two Sides and the Included
Lesson 10: Conditions for a Unique Triangle—Two Angles and a Given Side Angle
Unit 7Lesson 8: Can You Draw It? (Print available)
Lesson 11: Conditions on Measurements That Determine a TriangleUnit 7Lesson 5: Can You Build It? [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Is It Enough?Lesson 7: More Than OneLesson 8: Can You Draw It? (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 12: Unique Triangles―Two Sides and a Non-Included Angle 
Lesson 13: Checking for Identical Triangles
Lesson 14: Checking for Identical Triangles
Unit 7Lesson 6: Is It Enough?Lesson 7: More Than OnePractice Day 1
Lesson 15: Using Unique Triangles to Solve Real-World and Mathematical Problems 
Topic C Slicing Solids 
Lesson 16: Slicing a Right Rectangular Prism with a Plane
Lesson 17: Slicing a Right Rectangular Pyramid with a Plane
Lesson 18: Slicing on an Angle
Unit 7Lesson 9: Slicing Solids
Lesson 19: Understanding Three-Dimensional Figures 
Topic D Problems Involving Area and Surface Area 
Lesson 20: Real-World Area ProblemsUnit 3Lesson 5: Area Strategies
Lesson 21: Mathematical Area ProblemsUnit 3Lesson 5: Area StrategiesLesson 6: Radius Squares (Print available)
Lesson 22: Area Problems with Circular RegionsUnit 3Lesson 5: Area StrategiesLesson 8: Area Challenges [Free lesson]
Lesson 23: Surface Area
Lesson 24: Surface Area
Unit 7Lesson 12: Surface Area Strategies (Print available)Lesson 13: Popcorn Possibilities
Topic E Problems Involving Volume 
Lesson 25: Volume of Right PrismsUnit 7Lesson 10: Simple PrismsLesson 11: More Complicated PrismsLesson 13: Popcorn Possibilities
Lesson 26: Volume of Composite Three-Dimensional ObjectsUnit 7Lesson 11: More Complicated Prisms
Lesson 27: Real-World Volume ProblemsUnit 7Lesson 13: Popcorn Possibilities

Grade 8

Module 1: Integer Exponents and Scientific Notation

Eureka MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Topic A Exponential Notation and Properties of Integer Exponents 
Lesson 1: Exponential NotationUnit 7 Lesson 1 Circles [Free lesson]Lesson 2 Combining Exponents
Lesson 2: Multiplication of Numbers in Exponential Form
Lesson 3: Numbers in Exponential Form Raised to a Power
Unit 7 Lesson 2 Combining ExponentsLesson 3 Power Pairs (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 4 Rewriting Powers
Lesson 4: Numbers Raised to the Zeroth Power
Lesson 5: Negative Exponents and the Laws of Exponents
Unit 7 Lesson 5 Zero and Negative ExponentsLesson 6 Write a Rule (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 6: Proofs of Laws of Exponents 
Topic B Magnitude and Scientific Notation 
Lesson 7: MagnitudeUnit 7 Lesson 7 Scales and Weights
Lesson 8: Estimating QuantitiesUnit 7 Lesson 7: Scales and WeightsLesson 8: Point ZapperLesson 9: Use Your Powers
Lesson 9: Scientific Notation
Lesson 10: Operations with Numbers in Scientific Notation
Unit 7 Lesson 10: Solar System [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Balance the Scales [Free lesson]Lesson 13: Star Power
Lesson 11: Efficacy of Scientific NotationUnit 7 Lesson 13: Star Power
Lesson 12: Choice of Unit 
Lesson 13: Comparison of Numbers Written in Scientific Notation and Interpreting Scientific Notation Using TechnologyUnit 7  Lesson 13: Star Power Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Module 2: The Concept of Congruence

Topic A Definitions and Properties of the Basic Rigid Motions 
Lesson 1: Why Move Things Around?
Lesson 2: Definition of Translation and Three Basic Properties
Unit 1Lesson 1: Transformers [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding [Free lesson]
Lesson 3: Translating LinesUnit 1Lesson 1: Transformers [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding [Free lesson] Unit 3Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 4: Definition of Reflection and Basic Properties
Lesson 5: Definition of Rotation and Basic Properties
Lesson 6: Rotations of 180 Degrees
Unit 1Lesson 1: Transformers [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated
Topic B Sequencing the Basic Rigid Motions 
Lesson 7: Sequencing Translations
Lesson 8: Sequencing Reflections and Translations
Unit 1Lesson 3: Transformation GolfLesson 6: Connecting the Dots [Free lesson]
Lesson 9: Sequencing Rotations
Lesson 10: Sequences of Rigid Motions
Unit 1Lesson 3: Transformation GolfLesson 6: Connecting the Dots [Free lesson]Lesson 13: Tessellate [Free lesson]Practice Day
Topic C Congruence and Angle Relationships 
Lesson 11: Definition of Congruence and Some Basic PropertiesUnit 1 Lesson 7: Are They the Same?Lesson 8: No Bending, No StretchingLesson 9: Are They Congruent?Practice Day
Lesson 12: Angles Associated with Parallel LinesUnit 1 Lesson 10: Transforming Angles  
Lesson 13: Angle Sum of a TriangleUnit 1 Lesson 11: Tearing It Up (Print available)
Lesson 14: More on the Angles of a TriangleUnit 1 Lesson 11: Tearing It Up (Print available)Lesson 12: Puzzling It Out [Free lesson]
Topic D: The Pythagorean Theorem 
Lesson 15: Informal Proof of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8Lesson 7: Pictures to Prove It
Lesson 16: Applications of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8Lesson 10: Taco TruckPractice Day 2 (Print available)

Module 3: Similarity

Topic A Dilation 
Lesson 1: What Lies Behind “Same Shape”?Unit 2Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Properties of Dilations
Lesson 3: Examples of Dilations
Unit 2Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Match My DilationLesson 4: Dilations on a Plane (Print available)
Lesson 4: Fundamental Theorem of Similarity
Lesson 5: First Consequences of FTS
Unit 2Lesson 5: Transformations Golf with DilationsLesson 6: Social Scavenger Hunt (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: Dilations on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 8Lesson 4: Dilations on a Plane (Print available)
Lesson 7: Informal Proofs of Properties of Dilations 
Topic B Similar Figures 
Lesson 8: Similarity
Lesson 9: Basic Properties of Similarity
Unit 2Lesson 5: Transformations Golf with DilationsLesson 6: Social Scavenger Hunt (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 10: Informal Proof of AA Criterion for SimilarityUnit 2Lesson 7: Are Angles Enough?
Lesson 11: More About Similar TrianglesUnit 2Lesson 7: Are Angles Enough?Lesson 8: Shadows
Lesson 12: Modeling Using SimilarityUnit 2Lesson 8: ShadowsLesson 9: Water SlideLesson 10: Points on a PlanePractice Day 
Topic C The Pythagorean Theorem 
Lesson 13: Proof of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8Lesson 6: The Pythagorean TheoremLesson 7: Pictures to Prove ItLesson 8: Triangle-Tracing Turtle [Free lesson]
Lesson 14: The Converse of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8 Lesson 9: Make It Right

Module 4: Linear Equations

Topic A Writing and Solving Linear Equations 
Lesson 1: Writing Equations Using Symbols 
Lesson 2: Linear and Nonlinear Expressions in x 
Lesson 3: Linear Equations in xUnit 4Lesson 3: Balanced MovesLesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)
Lesson 4: Solving a Linear EquationUnit 4Lesson 3: Balanced MovesLesson 4: More Balanced MovesLesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Strategic Solving (Print available)
Lesson 5: Writing and Solving Linear EquationsUnit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials Unit 4Lesson 3: Balanced MovesLesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Strategic Solving (Print available)
Lesson 6: Solutions of a Linear EquationUnit 3Lesson 10: Solutions Unit 4Lesson 3: Balanced MovesLesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Strategic Solving (Print available)
Lesson 7: Classification of SolutionsUnit 4Lesson 7: All, Some, or None?
Lesson 8: Linear Equations in Disguise 
Lesson 9: An Application of Linear Equations 
Topic B Linear Equations in Two Variables and Their GraphsUnit 3Lesson 2: Water TankLesson 3: PostersLesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 10: A Critical Look at Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Water TankLesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 7: Water CoolerLesson 8: Landing PlanesLesson 9: Coin Capture
Lesson 11: Constant RateUnit 2Lesson 9: Water SlideLesson 10: Points on a PlanePractice Day  Unit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Translations Unit 4Lesson 8: When Are They the Same?
Lesson 12: Linear Equations in Two VariablesUnit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 6: Translations Unit 4Lesson 3: Balanced MovesLesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)
Lesson 13: The Graph of a Linear Equation in Two VariablesUnit 3 Lesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: TranslationsLesson 7: Water CoolerLesson 10: SolutionsLesson 11: Pennies and Quarters
Lesson 14: The Graph of a Linear Equation―Horizontal and Vertical LinesUnit 3 Lesson 9: Coin CapturePractice Day  [Free lesson]
Topic C Slope and Equations of Lines 
Lesson 15: The Slope of a Non-Vertical LineUnit 3Lesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: TranslationsLesson 7: Water CoolerLesson 8: Landing Planes
Lesson 16: The Computation of the Slope of a Non-Vertical LineUnit 3Lesson 7: Water CoolerLesson 8: Landing Planes
Lesson 17: The Line Joining Two Distinct Points of the Graph 𝑦 = 𝑚x + 𝑏 Has Slope mUnit 3Lesson 7: Water Cooler
Lesson 18: There Is Only One Line Passing Through a Given Point with a Given SlopeUnit 3Lesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 7: Water Cooler
Lesson 19: The Graph of a Linear Equation in Two Variables Is a LineUnit 3Lesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 20: Every Line Is a Graph of a Linear EquationUnit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 21: Some Facts About Graphs of Linear Equations in Two VariablesUnit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 6: TranslationsPractice Day 
Lesson 22: Constant Rates RevisitedUnit 2Lesson 9: Water SlideLesson 10: Points on a Plane Unit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Water TankLesson 3: Posters
Lesson 23: The Defining Equation of a LineUnit 3Lesson 10: SolutionsLesson 11: Pennies and Quarters
Topic D Systems of Linear Equations and Their Solutions 
Lesson 24: Introduction to Simultaneous EquationsUnit 4Lesson 7: All, Some, or None?Lesson 8: When Are They the Same?Lesson 13: All, Some, or None? Part 2
Lesson 25: Geometric Interpretation of the Solutions of a Linear SystemUnit 4  Lesson 9: On or Off the Line?Lesson 10: On Both LinesLesson 11: Make Them Balance [Free lesson]Lesson 12: Line Zapper [Free lesson]Lesson 13: All, Some, or None? Part 2Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 26: Characterization of Parallel LinesUnit 3 Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 27: Nature of Solutions of a System of Linear EquationsUnit 4  Lesson 9: On or Off the Line?
Lesson 28: Another Computational Method of Solving a Linear System 
Lesson 29: Word Problems 
Lesson 30: Conversion Between Celsius and Fahrenheit 
Topic E Pythagorean Theorem 
Lesson 31: System of Equations Leading to Pythagorean Triples 

Module 5: Examples of Functions from Geometry

Topic A Functions 
Lesson 1: The Concept of a FunctionUnit 5 Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Guess My Rule [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Formal Definition of a FunctionUnit 5 Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Guess My Rule [Free lesson] Lesson 3: Function or Not?
Lesson 3: Linear Functions and ProportionalityUnit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson] Unit 5Lesson 4: Window Frames
Lesson 4: More Examples of FunctionsUnit 5Lesson 3: Function or Not?Lesson 4: Window Frames
Lesson 5: Graphs of Functions and EquationsUnit 5Lesson 4: Window FramesLesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 6: Graphs of Linear Functions and Rate of ChangeUnit 2Lesson 9: Water SlideLesson 10: Points on a Plane Unit 3Lesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 7: Comparing Linear Functions and GraphsUnit 5Lesson 3: PostersLesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 8: Graphs of Simple Nonlinear Functions 
Topic B Volume 
Lesson 9: Examples of Functions from GeometryUnit 8Lesson 1: Tilted SquaresLesson 2: From Squares to Roots
Lesson 10: Volumes of Familiar Solids—Cones and CylindersUnit 5Lesson 10: Volume LabLesson 11: Cylinders [Free lesson]Lesson 12: Scaling CylindersLesson 13: Cones [Free lesson]Lesson 14: Missing Dimensions (Print available)
Lesson 11: Volume of a SphereUnit 5 Lesson 15: Spheres Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Module 6: Linear Functions

Topic A Linear Functions 
Lesson 1: Modeling Linear RelationshipsUnit 5 Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 2: Interpreting Rate of Change and Initial ValueUnit 2Lesson 9: Water SlideLesson 10: Points on a Plane Unit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Water TankLesson 3: PostersLesson 4: Stacking Cups
Lesson 3: Representations of a LineUnit 5Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 4: Increasing and Decreasing Functions
Lesson 5: Increasing and Decreasing Functions
Unit 5Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing [Free lesson]Lesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Graphing Stories
Topic B Bivariate Numerical Data 
Lesson 6: Scatter Plots
Lesson 7: Patterns in Scatter Plots
Unit 6 Lesson 1: Click BattleLesson 2: Wing SpanLesson 3: Robots [Free lesson]Practice Day 1 (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 8: Informally Fitting a LineUnit 6 Lesson 4: Dapper Cats [Free lesson]Lesson 5: Fit Fights [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Interpreting SlopesLesson 7: Scatter Plot CityLesson 8: Animal BrainsPractice Day 1 (Print available) [Free lesson]Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 9: Determining the Equation of a Line Fit to Data 
Topic C Linear and Nonlinear Models 
Lesson 10: Linear Models
Lesson 11: Using Linear Models in a Data Context
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Window FramesLesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesUnit 6 Lesson 6: Interpreting SlopesLesson 8: Animal BrainsPractice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 12: Nonlinear Models in a Data Context 
Topic D Bivariate Categorical Data 
Lesson 13: Summarizing Bivariate Categorical Data in a Two-Way TableUnit 6 Lesson 9: Tasty Fruit
Lesson 14: Association Between Categorical VariablesUnit 6 Lesson 10: Finding Associations [Free lesson] Lesson 11: Federal Budgets Practice Day 3

Module 7: Introduction to Irrational Numbers Using Geometry

Topic A Square and Cube Roots 
Lesson 1: The Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 6: The Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 2: Square RootsUnit 8
Lesson 2: From Squares to Roots
Lesson 3: Between Squares
Lesson 4: Root Down [Free lesson]
Lesson 3: Existence and Uniqueness of Square Roots and Cube RootsUnit 8
Lesson 5: Filling Cubes
Lesson 4: Simplifying Square RootsUnit 8
Lesson 2: From Squares to Roots
Lesson 3: Between Squares
Lesson 4: Root Down [Free lesson]
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 5: Solving Equations with Radicals 
Topic B Decimal Expansions of Numbers 
Lesson 6: Finite and Infinite Decimals
Lesson 7: Infinite Decimals
Lesson 8: The Long Division Algorithm
Lesson 9: Decimal Expansions of Fractions, Part 1
Lesson 10: Converting Repeating Decimals to Fractions
Unit 8
Lesson 12: Fractions to Decimals
Lesson 13: Decimals to Fractions
Lesson 11: The Decimal Expansion of Some Irrational Numbers 
Lesson 12: Decimal Expansions of Fractions, Part 2 
Lesson 13: Comparing Irrational NumbersUnit 8
Lesson 14: Hit the Target
Lesson 14: Decimal Expansion of π 
Topic C The Pythagorean Theorem 
Lesson 15: Pythagorean Theorem, RevisitedUnit 8
Lesson 6: The Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 7: Pictures to Prove It
Lesson 16: Converse of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 9: Make It Right
Lesson 17: Distance on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 8
Lesson 11: Pond Hopper
Lesson 18: Applications of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 10: Taco Truck [Free lesson]
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic D Applications of Radicals and Roots 
Lesson 19: Cones and Spheres 
Lesson 20: Truncated Cones 
Lesson 21: Volume of Composite Solids 
Lesson 22: Average Rate of Change 
Lesson 23: Nonlinear Motion 

Grade 6

Unit 1: Area and Surface Area

Illustrative MathematicsDesmos Math 6–A1
Topic A: Reasoning to Find Area 
Lesson 1: Tiling the PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 1: Shapes on a Plane [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Finding Area by Decomposing and Rearranging
Lesson 3: Reasoning to Find Area
Unit 1
Lesson 2: Letters
Topic 2: Parallelograms
Lesson 4: Parallelograms
Lesson 5: Bases and Heights of Parallelograms
Lesson 6: Area of Parallelograms
Unit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Topic 3: Triangles
Lesson 7: From Parallelograms to TrianglesUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 6: Triangles and Parallelograms
Lesson 8: Area of TrianglesUnit 1
Lesson 5: Exploring Triangles (Print available)
Lesson 9: Formula for the Area of a Triangle
Lesson 10: Bases and Heights of Triangles
Unit 1
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 6: Triangles and Parallelograms
Topic 4: Polygons
Lesson 11: PolygonsUnit 1
Lesson 2: Letters
Lesson 8: Pile of Polygons
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Unit 7
Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Topic 5: Surface Area
Lesson 12: What is Surface Area?Unit 1
Lesson 9: Renata´s Stickers [Free lesson]
Lesson 13: PolyhedraUnit 1Lesson 10: Plenty of Polyhedra
Lesson 14: Nets and Surface AreaUnit 1
Lesson 10: Plenty of Polyhedra
Lesson 11: Nothing But Nets (Print available)
Lesson 13: Take It To Go
Lesson 15: More Nets, More Surface AreaUnit 1
Lesson 10: Plenty of Polyhedra
Lesson 11: Nothing But Nets (Print available)
Lesson 12: Face Value
Lesson 13: Take It To Go (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 16: Distinguishing Between Surface Area and Volume
Topic 6: Squares and Cubes 
Lesson 17: Squares and CubesUnit 6
Lesson 12: Squares and Cubes
Lesson 18: Surface Area of a Cube 
Topic 7: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 19: Designing a TentUnit 1
Lesson 13: Take It To Go (Print available)

Unit 2: Introducing Ratios

Topic 1: Introducing Ratios
Lesson 1: Introducing Ratios and Ratio LanguageUnit 2Lesson 1: Pizza Maker [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Ratio Rounds (Print available)
Lesson 2: Representing Ratios with DiagramsUnit 2Lesson 1: Pizza Maker [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Ratio Rounds (Print available)Lesson 3: Rice Ratios (Print available)
Topic 2: Equivalent Ratios
Lesson 3: RecipesUnit 2Lesson 1: Pizza Maker [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Rice Ratios (Print available)
Lesson 4: Color MixturesUnit 2Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1Lesson 12: Mixing paint, Part 2
Lesson 5: Defining Equivalent RatiosUnit 2Lesson 3: Rice Ratios (Print available)Lesson 4: Fruit Lab [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Community LifePractice Day 1 (Print available)
Topic 3: Representing Equivalent ratios
Lesson 6: Introducing Double Number Line DiagramsUnit 2Lesson 5: Balancing Act
Lesson 7: Creating Double Line DiagramsUnit 2Lesson 5: Balancing ActLesson 6: Product prices (Print available)
Lesson 8: How Much for One?Unit 2Lesson 6: Product prices (Print available)
Lesson 9: Constant SpeedUnit 2Lesson 8: World Records (Print available)
Lesson 10: Comparing Situations by Examining RatiosUnit 2Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1 
Topic 4: Solving Ratio and Rate Problems
Lesson 11: Representing Ratios with TablesUnit 2Lesson 9: Disaster Preparation [Free lesson]
Lesson 12: Navigating a Table of Equivalent Ratios
Lesson 13: Tables and Double Line Diagrams
Unit 2Lesson 6: Product prices (Print available)Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1
Lesson 14: Solving Equivalent Ratio ProblemsUnit 2Lesson 6: Product prices (Print available)Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1Lesson 10: BalloonsLesson 11: Community Life (Print available)
Topic 5: Part-Part-Whole Ratios
Lesson 15: Part-Part-Whole RatiosUnit 2Lesson 12: Mixing paint, Part 2Lesson 13: City Planning
Lesson 16: Solving More Ratio ProblemsUnit 2Lesson 13: City PlanningLesson 14: Lunch Waste (Print available)
Topic 6: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 17: A Fermi ProblemUnit 2Lesson 13: City PlanningLesson 14: Lunch Waste (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Unit 3: Rates and Percentages

Topic 1: Units of Measurement 
Lesson 1: The Burj KhalifaUnit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Topic 2: Unit Conversion
Lesson 2: Anchoring Units of MeasurementUnit 3
Lesson 1: Many Measurements (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 3: Measuring with Different-Sized Units
Lesson 4: Converting Units
Unit 3
Lesson 2: Counting Classrooms
Lesson 3: Pen Pals
Topic 3: Rates
Lesson 5: Comparing Speeds and PricesUnit 2
Lesson 8: World Records (Print available) 

Unit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 5: Soft Serve [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: Welcome to the Robot Factory
Lesson 6: Interpreting Rates
Lesson 7: Equivalent Ratios Have the Same Unit Rates
Unit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 5: Soft Serve [Free lesson]
Lesson 8: More About Constant SpeedUnit 2
Lesson 8: World Records (Print available) 

Unit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 9: Solving Rate ProblemsUnit 3
Lesson 7: More Soft Serve
Topic 4: Percentages
Lesson 10: What Are percentagesUnit 3
Lesson 8: Lucky Duckies [Free lesson]
Lesson 9: Bicycle Goals
Lesson 11: Percentages and Double Number LinesUnit 3
Lesson 9: Bicycle Goals
Lesson 10: What’s Missing? (Print available)
Lesson 12: Percentages and Tape DiagramsUnit 3
Lesson 10: What’s Missing? (Print available)
Lesson 13: Benchmark percentagesUnit 3
Lesson 8: Lucky Duckies [Free lesson]
Lesson 14: Solving Percentage Problems
Lesson 15: Finding This Percent of That
Lesson 16: Finding the Percentage
Unit 3
Lesson 10: What’s Missing? (Print available)
Lesson 11: Cost Breakdown
Lesson 12: More Bicycle Goals
Lesson 13: A Country as a Village
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 17: Painting a RoomUnit 3
Lesson 13: A Country as a Village
Lesson 7: Equivalent Ratios Have the Same Unit RatesUnit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 5: Soft Serve [Free lesson]

Unit 4: Dividing Fractions

Topic 1: Making Sense of Division 
Lesson 1: Size of Divisor and Size of Quotient
Lesson 2: Meanings of Division
Unit 4Lesson 1: Cookie Cutter
Lesson 3: Interpreting Division SituationsUnit 4Lesson 2: Making Connections (Print available)
Topic 2: Meanings of Fraction Division
Lesson 4: How Many Groups (Part 1)Unit 4Lesson 3: Flour Planner [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Flower Planters 
Lesson 5: How Many Groups (Part 2)Unit 4Lesson 5: Garden Bricks (Print available)
Lesson 6: Using Diagrams to Find the Number of GroupsUnit 4Lesson 5: Garden Bricks (Print available)Lesson 6: Fill the Gap [Free lesson]
Lesson 7: What Fraction of a Group?
Lesson 8: How Much in Each Group? (Part 1)
Lesson 9: How Much in Each Group? (Part 2)
Unit 4Lesson 8: Potting Soil
Topic 3: Algorithm for Fraction Division
Lesson 10: Dividing by Unit and Non-Unit FractionsUnit 4Lesson 7: Break It DownLesson 8: Potting SoilLesson 9: Division Challenges 
Lesson 11: Using an Algorithm to Divide FractionsUnit 4Lesson 9: Division ChallengesPractice Day
Topic 4: Fractions in Lengths, Areas, and Volumes
Lesson 12: Fractional LengthsUnit 4Lesson 11: Classroom Comparisons
Lesson 13: Rectangles with Fractional Side LengthsUnit 4Lesson 12: Puzzling Areas (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 14: Fractional Lengths in Triangles and Prisms
Lesson 15: Volume of PrismsUnit 4Lesson 13: Volume Challenges
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 16: Solving Problems with FractionsUnit 4Lesson 10: Swap Meet (Print available)
Lesson 17: Fitting Boxes into BoxesUnit 4Lesson 14: Planter Planner (Print available)

Unit 5: Arithmetic in Base Ten

Topic 1: Warming Up to Decimals 
Lesson 1: Using Decimals in a Shopping ContextUnit 5Lesson 1: Dishing Out Decimals (Print available) [Free lesson]
Topic 2: Adding and Subtracting Decimals
Lesson 2: Using Decimals to Represent Addition and SubtractionUnit 5Lesson 3: Fruit by the PoundLesson 4: Missing Digits
Lesson 3: Adding and Subtracting Decimals with Few Non-Zero DigitsUnit 5Lesson 4: Missing Digits
Lesson 4: Adding and Subtracting Decimals with Many Non-Zero Digits 
Topic 3: Multiplying Decimals
Lesson 5: Decimal Points in ProductsUnit 5Lesson 5: Decimal Multiplication
Lesson 6: Methods for Multiplying DecimalsUnit 5Lesson 5: Decimal MultiplicationLesson 6: Multiplying with AreasLesson 7: Multiplication methods (Print available)
Lesson 7: Using Diagrams to Represent MultiplicationUnit 5Lesson 5: Decimal MultiplicationLesson 6: Multiplying with Areas
Lesson 8: Calculating Products of DecimalsUnit 5Lesson 6: Multiplying with Areas
Topic 4: Dividing Decimals
Lesson 9: Using the Partial Quotients MethodUnit 5Lesson 8: Division Diagrams
Lesson 10: Using Long DivisionUnit 5Lesson 8: Division DiagramsLesson 9: Long Division Launch (Print available)Lesson 10: Return of the Long Division (Print available)
Lesson 11: Dividing Numbers That Result in Decimals
Lesson 12: Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers
Lesson 13: Dividing Decimals by Decimals
Unit 5Lesson 9: Long Division Launch (Print available)Lesson 10: Return of the Long Division (Print available)
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 14: Using Operations on Decimals to Solve ProblemsUnit 5Lesson 11: Movie Time [Free lesson]
Lesson 15: Making and Measuring Boxes
Lesson 12: Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers 
Lesson 13: Dividing Decimals by DecimalsUnit 5Lesson 9: Long Division Launch (Print available)Lesson 10: Return of the Long Division (Print available)

Unit 6: Expressions and Equations

Lesson 1: Tape Diagrams and Equations
Lesson 2: Truth and Equations
Unit 6Lesson 1: Weight for It [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Five Equations (Print available)
Lesson 3: Staying in BalanceUnit 6Lesson 1: Weight for It [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Five Equations (Print available)Lesson 3: Hanging Around
Lesson 4: Practice Solving Equations and Representing Situations with EquationsUnit 6Lesson 3: Hanging AroundLesson 4: Hanging It UpLesson 5: Swap and Solve (Print available)
Lesson 5: A New Way to Interpret a and bUnit 6Lesson 4: Hanging It UpLesson 5: Swap and Solve (Print available)
Topic 2: Equal and Equivalent
Lesson 6: Write Expressions Where Letters Stand for NumbersUnit 6Lesson 6: Vari-applesLesson 7: Border Tiles
Lesson 7: Revisit PercentagesUnit 3Lesson 10: What’s Missing?Lesson 11: Cost BreakdownLesson 12: More Bicycle Goals
Lesson 8: Equal and EquivalentUnit 6Lesson 1: Weight for It [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Five Equations (Print available)Lesson 3: Hanging AroundLesson 6: Vari-apples
Topic 9: The Distributive Property, Part 1Unit 6Lesson 8: Products and Sums [Free lesson]
Lesson 10: The Distributive Property, Part 2
Lesson 11: The Distributive Property, Part 3
Unit 6Lesson 8: Products and Sums [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Products, Sums, and Differences (Print available)
Topic 3: Expressions with Exponents
Lesson 12: Meaning of ExponentsUnit 6Lesson 10: PowersLesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)
Lesson 13: Expressions with Exponents
Lesson 14: Evaluating Expressions with Exponents
Lesson 15: Equivalent Exponential Expressions
Unit 6Lesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)Lesson 12: Squares and Cubes
Topic 4: Relationships Between Quantities 
Lesson 16: Two Related Quantities, Part 1
Lesson 17: Two Related Quantities, Part 2
Lesson 18: More Relationships
Unit 6Lesson 13: Turtles All the WayLesson 14: Representing RelationshipsLesson 15: Connecting Representations (Print available)
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 19: Tables, Equations, and Graphs, Oh My!Unit 6Lesson 16: Subway fares (Print available) [Free lesson]

Unit 7: Rational Numbers

Topic 1: Positive and Negative Numbers
Lesson 1: Positive and Negative NumbersUnit 7Lesson 1: Can You Dig In [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Digging Deeper
Lesson 2: Points on the Number LineUnit 7Lesson 2: Digging Deeper
Lesson 3: Comparing Positive and Negative Numbers
Lesson 4: Ordering Rational Numbers
Unit 7Lesson 3: Order in the Class (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 5: Using Negative Numbers to make Sense of ContextsUnit 7 Lesson 4: Sub-Zero
Lesson 6: Absolute Value of Numbers
Lesson 7: Comparing Numbers and Distance from Zero
Unit 7Lesson 5: Distance on the Number Line
Topic 2: Inequalities
Lesson 8: Writing and Graphing InequalitiesUnit 7Lesson 13: Popcorn Possibilities
Lesson 9: Solutions of Inequalities
Lesson 10: Interpreting Inequalities
Unit 7Lesson 6: Tunnel Travel [Free lesson]Lesson 7: Comparing WeightsLesson 8: Shira´s Solutions
Topic 3: The Coordinate Plane
Lesson 11: Points on the Coordinate Plane
Lesson 12: Constructing the Coordinate Plane
Unit 7Lesson 9: Sand Dollar SearchLesson 10: The A-maze-ing Coordinate Plane
Lesson 13: Interpreting Points on a Coordinate PlaneUnit 7Lesson 9: Sand Dollar SearchLesson 10: The A-maze-ing Coordinate PlaneLesson 11: Polygon Maker
Lesson 14: Distances on a Coordinate PlaneUnit 7Lesson 11: Polygon MakerLesson 12: Graph Telephone (Print available)
Lesson 15: Shapes on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 1Lesson 1: Shapes on a Plane [Free lesson]Lesson 2: LettersLesson 5: Exploring Triangles (Print available)Lesson 6: Triangles and ParallelogramsUnit 7Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available)Lesson 11: Polygon MakerLesson 12: Graph Telephone (Print available)
Topic 4: Common Factors and Common Multiples
Lesson 16: Common FactorsUnit 5Lesson 15: Common factors
Lesson 17: Common MultiplesUnit 5Lesson 14: Common Multiples
Lesson 18: Using Common Multiples and Common FactorsUnit 5Lesson 14: Common MultiplesLesson 15: Common factorsPractice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 19: Drawing on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 7Lesson 11: Polygon MakerLesson 12: Graph Telephone (Print available)

Unit 8: Data Sets and Distributions

Topic 1: Data, Variability, and Statistical Questions
Lesson 1: Got Data?
Lesson 2: Statistical Questions
Unit 8Lesson 1: Screen TimeLesson 2: Dot Plots
Topic 2: Dot Plots and Distributions
Lesson 3: Representing Data Graphically
Lesson 4: Dot Plots
Lesson 5: Using Dot Plots to Answer Statistical Questions
Unit 8Lesson 2: Dot PlotsLesson 3: Minimum Wage (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Lots More Dots
Lesson 6: Interpreting Histograms
Lesson 7: Using Histograms to Answer Statistical Questions
Lesson 8: Describing Distributions on Histograms
Unit 8Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens [Free lesson]Lesson 6: DIY Histograms (Print available)
Topic 3: Measures of Center and Variability
Lesson 9: Mean
Lesson 10: Finding and Interpreting the Mean as a Balance Point
Unit 8Lesson 7: Snack Time
Lesson 11: Variability and MADUnit 8Lesson 8: Pop It!
Lesson 12: Using Mean and MAD to Make ComparisonsUnit 8Lesson 9: Hoops
Topic 4: Median and IQR
Lesson 13: MedianUnit 8Lesson 11: Toy Cars [Free lesson]Lesson 12: In the News
Lesson 14: Comparing Mean and MedianUnit 8Lesson 12: In the News
Lesson 15: Quartiles and Interquartile RangeUnit 8Lesson 13: Pumpkin Patch
Lesson 16: Box PlotsUnit 8Lesson 14: Car, Plane, Bus, or Train? (Print available)
Lesson 17: Using Box PlotsUnit 8Lesson 14: Car, Plane, Bus, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 15: Hollywood Part 2Lesson 16: Hollywood Part 3 (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 18: Using Data to Solve ProblemsUnit 8Lesson 16: Hollywood Part 3 (Print available)

Unit 9: Putting It All Together

Topic 1: Making Connections
Lesson 1: Fermi Problems
Lesson 2: In Our Class Were the World
Unit 3Lesson 13: A Country as a Village
Lesson 3: Rectangle MadnessUnit 5Lesson 14: Common MultiplesLesson 15: Common factors
Topic 2: Voting
Lesson 4: How Do We Choose?Unit 2Lesson 13: City PlanningLesson 14: Lunch Waste (Print available)
Lesson 5: More than Two ChoicesUnit 3Lesson 13: A Country as a Village
Lesson 6: Picking RepresentativesUnit 8Lesson 16: Hollywood Part 3 (Print available)

Grade 7

Unit 1: Scale Drawings

Illustrative MathematicsDesmos Math 6–A1
Topic 1: Scaled Copies 
Lesson 1: What are Scaled Copies?Unit 1Lesson 1: Scaling Machines [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Corresponding Parts and Scale FactorsUnit 1Lesson 2: Scaling Robots Unit 3Lesson 1: Toothpicks
Lesson 3: Making Scaled Copies
Lesson 4: Scaled Relationship
Unit 1Lesson 3: Make It Scale Unit 4Lesson 3: Sticker Sizes
Lesson 5: The Size and the Scale FactorUnit 1Lesson 4: Scale Factor Challenges
Lesson 6: Scaling and AreaUnit 1Lesson 5: TilesPractice Day 1 (Print available)
Topic 2: Scale Drawings 
Lesson 7: Scale DrawingsUnit 1Lesson 6: Introducing ScaleLesson 7: Will It Fit? (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 8: Scale Drawings and Maps 
Lesson 9: Creating Scale Drawings
Lesson 10: Changing Scales in Scale Drawings
Unit 1Lesson 8: Scaling StatesLesson 9: Scaling BuildingsLesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available)
Lesson 11: Scales without Units 
Lesson 12: Units in Scale DrawingsUnit 1Lesson 8: Scaling StatesLesson 9: Scaling BuildingsLesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic 3: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 13: Draw It to ScaleUnit 1Lesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available)

Unit 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships

Topic 1: Representing Proportional Relationships with Tables
Lesson 1: One of These Things Is Not Like the OthersUnit 2Lesson 1: Paint [Free lesson] 
Lesson 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships with TablesUnit 2Lesson 2: Balloon FloatLesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 3: More About Constant of ProportionalityUnit 2Lesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)Unit 4Lesson 3: Sticker Sizes
Topic 2: Representing Proportional Relationships with Equations 
Lesson 4: Proportional Relationships with EquationsUnit 2Lesson 4: Robot FactoryLesson 5: SnapshotsLesson 6: Two and Two (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 7: All Kinds of Equations
Lesson 5: Two Equations for Each Relationship
Lesson 6: Using Equations to Solve Problems
Unit 2Lesson 6: Two and Two (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 7: All Kinds of EquationsPractice Day
Topic 3: Comparing Proportional and Nonproportional Relationships 
Lesson 7: Comparing Relationships with TablesUnit 2Lesson 2: Balloon FloatLesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 8: Comparing Relationships with EquationsUnit 2Lesson 4: Robot FactoryLesson 5: SnapshotsLesson 6: Two and Two (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 7: All Kinds of EquationsLesson 11: Four RepresentationsLesson 12: Water Efficiency
Lesson 9: Solving Problems About Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Topic 4: Representing Proportional Relationships with Graphs
Lesson 10: Introducing Graphs of Proportional Relationships
Lesson 11: Interpreting Graphs of Proportional Relationships
Lesson 12: Using Graphs to Compare Relationships
Lesson 13: Two Graphs for Each Relationship
Unit 2Lesson 8: Dino Pops [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Gallon ChallengeLesson 10: Three TurtlesLesson 11: Four RepresentationsLesson 12: Water Efficiency
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 14: For RepresentationsUnit 2Lesson 11: Four Representations (Print available)
Lesson 15: Using Water EfficiencyUnit 2Lesson 12: Water Efficiency

Unit 3: Measuring Circles

Topic 1: Circumference of a Circle 
Lesson 1: How Well Can You Measure?Unit 3Lesson 1: Toothpicks
Lesson 2: Exploring Circles
Lesson 3: Exploring Circumference
Lesson 4: Applying Circumference
Unit 3Lesson 2: Is It a Circle?Lesson 3: Measuring Around [Free lesson]
Lesson 5: Circumference and Wheels 
Topic 2: Area of a Circle
Lesson 6: Estimating AreasUnit 3Lesson 5: Area Strategies
Lesson 7: Exploring the Area of a Circle
Lesson 8: Relating Area to Circumference
Unit 3Lesson 5: Area StrategiesLesson 6: Radius Squares (Print available)Lesson 7: Why Pi?Lesson 8: Area Challenges [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Circle vs. SquarePractice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 9: Applying Area of CirclesUnit 3Lesson 6: Radius Squares (Print available)
Topic 3: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 10: Distinguishing Circumference and AreaUnit 3Lesson 7: Why Pi?
Lesson 11: Stained-Glass WindowsUnit 3Lesson 5: Area StrategiesLesson 6: Radius Squares (Print available)

Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages

Topic 1: Proportional Relationships with Fractions 
Lesson 1: Lots of Flags
Lesson 2: Ratios and Rates with Fractions
Lesson 3: Revisiting Proportional Relationships
Lesson 4: Half as Much Again
Unit 4Lesson 1: Mosaics [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Peach Cobbler (Print available)Lesson 3: Sticker Sizes
Lesson 5: Say It with Decimals 
Topic 2: Percent Increase and Decrease 
Lesson 6: Increasing and DecreasingUnit 4Lesson 4: More and LessLesson 5: All the EquationsLesson 6: 100% (Print available)Lesson 7: Percent machines [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Tax and TipLesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)Lesson 11: Bookcase BuilderLesson 12: Posing Percent Problems [Free lesson]
Lesson 7: One Hundred percentUnit 4Lesson 6: 100% (Print available)
Lesson 8: Percent Increase and Decrease with EquationsUnit 4Lesson 5: All the Equations
Lesson 9: More and Less than 1% 
Topic 3: Applying Percentages
Lesson 10: Tax and Tip
Lesson 11: Percentage Contexts
Unit 4Lesson 8: Tax and TipLesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)Lesson 11: Bookcase BuilderLesson 12: Posing Percent Problems [Free lesson]
Lesson 12: Finding the PercentagesUnit 4Lesson 4: More and Less
Lesson 13: Measurement Error
Lesson 14: Percent Error
Lesson 15: Error Intervals
Unit 4Lesson 11: Bookcase Builder
Topic 4: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 16: Posing Percent ProblemsUnit 4Lesson 8: Tax and TipLesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)Lesson 11: Bookcase BuilderLesson 12: Posing Percent Problems [Free lesson]Practice Day

Unit 5: Rational Number Arithmetic

Topic 1: Interpreting Negative Numbers 
Lesson 1: Interpreting Negative NumbersUnit 5Lesson 1: Floats and Anchors [Free lesson]
Topic 2: Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers
Lesson 2: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 3: Changing Elevation
Unit 5Lesson 2: More Floats and AnchorsLesson 3: BumpersLesson 4: Draw Your Own (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 4: Money and Debts 
Lesson 5: Representing SubtractionUnit 5Lesson 5: Number Puzzles
Lesson 6: Subtracting Rational Numbers
Lesson 7: Adding and Subtracting to Solve Problems
Unit 5Lesson 3: BumpersLesson 4: Draw Your Own (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 5: Number PuzzlesLesson 10: Integer Puzzles [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Changing TemperaturesLesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Topic 3: Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers
Lesson 8: Position, Speed, and Direction
Lesson 9: Multiplying Rational Numbers
Lesson 10: Multiply!
Unit 5Lesson 7: Back in Time
Lesson 11: Dividing Rational NumbersUnit 5Lesson 8: Speeding Turtles
Lesson 12: Negative Rates 
Topic 4: Four Operations with Rational Numbers 
Lesson 13: Expressions with Rational NumbersUnit 5Lesson 9: Expressions (Print available)
Lesson 14: Solving Problems with Rational NumbersLesson 11: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 12: Arctic Ice Sea (Print available)
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)
Topic 5: Solving Equations When There Are Negative Numbers 
Lesson 15: Making and Measuring Boxes 
Lesson 16: Representing Contexts with Equations 
Topic 6: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 17: The Stock market

Unit 6: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Topic 1: Representing Situations of the Form px + q and p(+ q) = r
Lesson 1: Relationships Between Quantities
Unit 2 Lesson 1: Paint [Free lesson] Lesson 2: Balloon Float
Unit 4 Lesson 1: Mosaics [Free lesson] Lesson 2: Peach Cobbler (Print available)
Unit 6 Lesson 1: Toothpicks and Tiles
Lesson 2: Reasoning about Contexts with Tape Diagrams
Lesson 3: Reasoning about Equations with Tape Diagrams
Lesson 4: Reasoning about Equations and Tape Diagrams (Part 1)
Lesson 5: Reasoning about Equations and Tape Diagrams (Part 2)
Unit 6Lesson 2: Smudged ReceiptsLesson 3: EquationsLesson 4: Seeing Structure (Print available)
Lesson 6: Distinguishing between Two Types of SituationsUnit 6Lesson 6: Balancing EquationsLesson 7: Keeping It True (Print available)
Topic 2: Solving Equations of the Form px + q and p(+ q) = and Problems That lead to Those Equations 
Lesson 7: Reasoning about Solving Equations (Part 1)Unit 6Lesson 5: Balancing MovesLesson 6: Balancing EquationsLesson 7: Keeping It True (Print available) 
Lesson 8: Reasoning about Solving Equations (Part 2)Unit 6Lesson 5: Balancing MovesLesson 6: Balancing EquationsLesson 7: Keeping It True (Print available)Lesson 9: Always-Equal Machines
Topic 9 Dealing with Negative Numbers 
Lesson 10: Different Options for Solving One EquationUnit 6Lesson 7: Keeping It True (Print available)Lesson 9: Always-Equal MachinesLesson 10: Collect the Squares [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Equation Roundtable (Print available)
Lesson 11: Using Equations to Solve ProblemsUnit 6Lesson 12: Community Day (Print available)
Lesson 12: Solving Problems about Percent Increase or DecreaseUnit 4Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)
Topic 3: Inequalities 
Lesson 13: Reintroducing InequalitiesUnit 6Lesson 13: I Saw the SignsLesson 15: BudgetingLesson 16: Shira the Sheep [Free lesson]
Lesson 14: Finding Solutions to Inequalities in Context
Lesson 15: Efficiency Solving Inequalities
Unit 6Lesson 14: Unbalanced HangersLesson 15 Budgeting (Print available)Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep [Free lesson]Lesson 17: Write Them and Solve Them (Print available)
Lesson 16: Interpreting Inequalities
Lesson 17: Modeling with Inequalities
Unit 6Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep [Free lesson]Lesson 17: Write Them and Solve Them (Print available)Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic 4: Writing Equivalent Expressions 
Lesson 18: Subtraction in Equivalent ExpressionsUnit 6Lesson 9: Always-Equal MachinesLesson 10: Collect the Squares [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Equation Roundtable (Print available) 
Lesson 19: Expanding and FactoringUnit 6Lesson 8: Factoring and Expanding (Print available)Lesson 11: Equation Roundtable (Print available)
Lesson 20: Combining Like Terms (Part 1)
Lesson 21: Combining Like Terms (Part 2)
Lesson 22: Combining Like Terms (Part 3)
Unit 6Lesson 2: Smudged ReceiptsLesson 6: Balancing EquationsLesson 8: Factoring and Expanding (Print available)Lesson 9: Always-Equal MachinesLesson 10: Collect the Squares [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Equation Roundtable (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 23: Applications of ExpressionsUnit 6Lesson 12: Community Day (Print available)

Unit 7: Angles, Triangles, and Prisms

Topic 1: Angle Relationships
Lesson 1:Relationships of Angles
Unit 7 Lesson 1: Pinwheels Lesson 2: Friendly Angles [Free lesson] Lesson 3: Angle Diagrams
Lesson 2: Adjacent Angles
Lesson 3: Nonadjacent Angles
Unit 7Lesson 2: Friendly Angles [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Angle Diagrams
Lesson 4: Solving for Unknown AnglesUnit 7Lesson 2: Friendly Angles [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Angle DiagramsLesson 4: Missing Measures (Print available)
Lesson 5: Using Equations to Solve for Unknown AnglesUnit 7Lesson 3: Angle DiagramsLesson 4: Missing Measures (Print available) [Free lesson]
Topic 2: Drawing Polygons with Given Conditions 
Lesson 6: Building Polygons (Part 1)
Lesson 7: Building Polygons (Part 2)
Unit 7Lesson 6: Is It Enough?
Lesson 8: Triangles with 3 Common MeasuresUnit 7Lesson 13: Popcorn Possibilities
Lesson 9: Drawing Triangles (Part 1)
Lesson 10: Drawing Triangles (Part 2)
Unit 7Lesson 5: Can You Build It? [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Is It Enough?Lesson 7: More Than OneLesson 8: Can You Draw It? (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Topic 3: Solid Geometry
Lesson 11: Slicing SolidsUnit 7Lesson 9: Slicing Solids
Lesson 12: Volume of Right PrismsUnit 7Lesson 10: Simple Prisms
Lesson 13: Decomposing Bases for AreasUnit 7Lesson 11: More Complicated Prisms
Lesson 14: Surface Area of Right PrismsUnit 7Lesson 10: Simple PrismsLesson 11: More Complicated PrismsLesson 12: Surface Area Strategies (Print available)
Lesson 15: Distinguishing Volume and Surface Area
Lesson 16: Applying Volume and Surface AreaUnit 7Lesson 13: Popcorn Possibilities
Topic 4: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 17: Building Prisms

Unit 8: Probability and Sampling

Topic 1: Probabilities of Single Step Events
Lesson 1: Mystery Bags
Lesson 2: Chance Experiments
Lesson 3: What Are Probabilities?
Unit 8 Lesson 1: How Likely? (Print available) [Free lesson] Lesson 2: Prob-bear-bilities [Free lesson] Lesson 3: Mystery Bag
Lesson 4: Estimating Probabilities Through Repeated ExperimentsUnit 8Lesson 4: Spin ClassLesson 5: Is It Fair?Lesson 6: Fair Games
Lesson 5: More Estimating ProbabilitiesUnit 8Lesson 6: Fair GamesLesson 7: Weather or NotLesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)
Lesson 6: Estimating Probabilities Using SimulationUnit 8Lesson 6: Fair GamesLesson 7: Weather or NotLesson 8: Simulate ItLesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)
Topic 2: Probabilities of Multi-step Events
Lesson 7: Simulating Multi-step EventsUnit 8Lesson 7: Weather or NotLesson 8: Simulate ItLesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)
Lesson 8: Keeping Track of All Possible OutcomesUnit 8Lesson 4: Spin ClassLesson 5: Is It Fair?Lesson 6: Fair Games
Topic 9: Multi-step experiments
Lesson 10: Designing SimulationsUnit 8Lesson 7: Weather or NotLesson 8: Simulate ItLesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)
Topic 3: Sampling
Lesson 11: Comparing Groups
Lesson 12: Larger Populations
Lesson 13: What Makes a Good Sample?
Lesson 14: Sampling in a Fair Way
Unit 8Lesson 10: Crab Island [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Headlines
Topic 4: Using Samples
Lesson 15: Estimating Population Measures of Center
Lesson 16: Estimating Population Proportions
Unit 8 Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 10: Crab Island [Free lesson]Lesson 11: HeadlinesLesson 12: Flower Power
Lesson 17: More about Sampling Variability
Lesson 18: Comparing Populations Using Samples
Lesson 19: Comparing Populations with Friends
Unit 8Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train? (Print available)Lesson 10: Crab Island [Free lesson]Lesson 13: Plots and SamplesLesson 14: School Newspaper (Print available)Lesson 15: Asthma Rates (Print available)
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 20: Memory TestUnit 8Lesson 14: School Newspaper (Print available)Lesson 15: Asthma Rates (Print available)

Grade 8

Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

Illustrative MathematicsDesmos Math 6–A1
Topic 1: Rigid Transformations 
Lesson 1: Moving in the PlaneUnit 1Lesson 1: Transformers [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Naming the MovesUnit 1Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding [Free lesson]
Lesson 3: Grid MovesUnit 1Lesson 3: Transformation GolfLesson 4: Moving Day (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 5: Getting CoordinatedUnit 3Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 4: Making the MovesUnit 1Lesson 1: Transformers [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated
Lesson 5: Coordinate MovesUnit 1Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated
Lesson 6: Describing TransformationsUnit 1Lesson 5: Getting CoordinatedLesson 6: Connecting the Dots [Free lesson]
Topic 2: Properties of Rigid Transformations 
Lesson 7: No Bending or StretchingUnit 1Lesson 7: No Bending, No Stretching
Lesson 8: Rotation PatternsUnit 1Lesson 1: Transformers [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated
Lesson 9: Moves in Parallel
Lesson 10: Composing Figures
Unit 1 Lesson 10: Transforming Angles
Topic 3: Congruence 
Lesson 11: What is the Same?
Lesson 12: Congruent Polygons
Lesson 13: Congruence
Unit 1 Lesson 7: Are They the Same?Lesson 9: Are They Congruent?Practice Day (Print available)
Topic 4: Angles in a Triangle
Lesson 14: Alternate Interior Angles
Lesson 15: Adding the Angles in a Triangle
Unit 1 Lesson 11: Tearing It Up (Print available)
Lesson 16: Parallel Lines and the Angles in a TriangleUnit 1 Lesson 10: Transforming Angles
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 17: Rotate and TessellateLesson 13: Tessellate [Free lesson]

Unit 2: Dilations, Similarity, and Introducing Slope

Topic 1: Dilations
Lesson 1: Projecting and ScalingUnit 2Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Circular Grid
Lesson 3: Dilations with No Grid
Lesson 4: Dilations on a Square Grid
Lesson 5: More Dilations
Unit 2Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Match My DilationLesson 4: Dilations on a Plane
Topic 2: Similarity 
Lesson 6: SimilarityUnit 2Lesson 5: Transformations Golf with DilationsLesson 6: Social Scavenger Hunt (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 7: Similar Polygons 
Lesson 8: Similar Triangles
Lesson 9: Side Length Quotients in Similar Triangles
Unit 2Lesson 7: Are Angles Enough?Lesson 8: Shadows
Topic 3: Slope
Lesson 10: Meet SlopeUnit 2Lesson 9: Water SlideLesson 10: Points on a PlanePractice Day (Print available)Unit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Translations Unit 4Lesson 8: When Are They the Same?
Lesson 11: Writing Equations of LinesUnit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 6: TranslationsLesson 10: SolutionsLesson 11: Pennies and Quarters Unit 4Lesson 3: Balanced MovesLesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)
Lesson 12: Using Equations of LinesUnit 3Lesson 9: Coin Capture
Topic 4: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 13: The Shadow KnowsUnit 2Lesson 8: Shadows

Unit 3: Linear Relationships

Topic 1: Proportional Relationships 
Lesson 1: Understanding Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Graphs of Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Water Tank Unit 5Lesson 4: Window Frames
Lesson 3: Representing Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson] Unit 5Lesson 4: Window FramesLesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 4: Comparing Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3Lesson 3: Posters
Topic 2: Representing Linear Relationships
Lesson 5: Introduction to Linear RelationshipsUnit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Stacking CupsUnit 5Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 6: More Linear RelationshipsUnit 5Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 7: Representations of Linear RelationshipsUnit 3Lesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 8: Translating mx + bUnit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 6: Translations
Topic 3: Finding Slopes 
Lesson 9: Slopes Don’t Have to be PositiveUnit 3Lesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: TranslationsLesson 7: Water CoolerLesson 8: Landing Planes
Lesson 10: Calculating SlopeUnit 3Lesson 7: Water CoolerLesson 8: Landing Planes
Lesson 11: Equations of All Kinds of LinesUnit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Translations
Topic 4: Linear Equations 
Lesson 12: Solutions to Linear EquationsUnit 3Lesson 3: PostersLesson 6: TranslationsLesson 10: Solutions Unit 4Lesson 3: Balanced MovesLesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)
Lesson 13: More Solutions to Linear EquationsUnit 3 Lesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: TranslationsLesson 7: Water CoolerLesson 10: Solutions
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 14: Using Linear Relations to Solve ProblemsUnit 3 Lesson 11: Pennies and Quarters

Unit 4: Linear Equations and Linear Systems

Topic 1: Puzzle Problems 
Lesson 1: Number PuzzlesUnit 4Lesson 1: Number machines
Topic 2: Linear Equation in One Variable 
Lesson 2: Keeping the Equation BalancedUnit 4Lesson 2: Keep It Balanced
Lesson 3: Balanced MovesUnit 4Lesson 3: Balanced Moves
Lesson 4: More Balanced MovesUnit 4Lesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)
Lesson 5: Solving Any Linear EquationUnit 4Lesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Strategic Solving (Print available)
Lesson 6: Strategic SolvingUnit 4Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Strategic Solving (Print available)
Lesson 7: All, Some, or No Solutions
Lesson 8: How many Solutions?
Unit 4Lesson 7: All, Some, or None?
Lesson 9: When Are They the SameUnit 4Lesson 8: When Are They the Same?
Topic 3: Systems of Linear Equations
Lesson 10: On or Off the Line?Unit 4Lesson 7: All, Some, or None?Lesson 8: When Are They the Same?Lesson 13: All, Some, or None? Part 2
Lesson 11: On Both of the Lines
Lesson 12: Systems of Equations
Lesson 13: Solving Systems of Equations
Unit 4 Lesson 9: On or Off the Line?Lesson 10: On Both LinesLesson 11: Make Them Balance [Free lesson]Lesson 12: Line Zapper [Free lesson]Lesson 13: All, Some, or None? Part 2Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 14: Solving More Systems 
Lesson 15: Writing Systems of EquationsUnit 4 Lesson 14: Strategic Solving, Part 2 (Print available)
Topic 4: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 16: Posing Problems with Systems of EquationsUnit 4 Lesson 14: Strategic Solving, Part 2 (Print available)

Unit 5: Functions and Volume

Topic 1: Inputs and Outputs 
Lesson 1: Inputs and OutputsUnit 5Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Guess My Rule [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Introduction to FunctionsUnit 5Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Guess My Rule [Free lesson]Lesson 3: Function or Not?
Topic 2: Representing and Interpreting Functions 
Lesson 3: Equations of FunctionsUnit 3Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson] Unit 5Lesson 3: Function or Not?Lesson 4: Window Frames
Lesson 4: Tables, Equations, and Graphs of Functions
Lesson 5: More Graphs of Functions
Unit 5Lesson 4: Window FramesLesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 6: Even More Graphs of Functions 
Lesson 7: Connecting Representations of FunctionsUnit 5Lesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 8: (Print available)Charge!
Topic 3: Linear Functions and Rates of Change
Lesson 8: Linear FunctionsUnit 2Lesson 9: Water SlideLesson 10: Points on a PlaneUnit 3Lesson 4: Stacking CupsLesson 5: Flags [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 9: Linear ModelsUnit 5Lesson 3: PostersLesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Graphing StoriesLesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 10: Piecewise Linear FunctionsUnit 5Lesson 9: Piecing It Together
Topic 4: Cylinder and Cones 
Lesson 11: Filling Containers 
Lesson 12: How Much Will Fit? 
Lesson 13: The Volume of a CylinderUnit 5Lesson 10: Volume LabLesson 11: Cylinders [Free lesson]Lesson 12: Scaling Cylinders
Lesson 14: Finding Cylinder DimensionsUnit 5Lesson 10: Volume LabLesson 11: Cylinders [Free lesson]Lesson 12: Scaling CylindersLesson 14: Missing Dimensions (Print available)
Lesson 15: The Volume of a ConeUnit 5Lesson 10: Volume LabLesson 13: Cones [Free lesson]Lesson 14: Missing Dimensions (Print available)
Lesson 16: Finding Cone DimensionsUnit 5Lesson 12: Scaling CylindersLesson 13: Cones [Free lesson]Lesson 14: Missing Dimensions (Print available)
Topic 5: Dimensions and Spheres 
Lesson 17: Scaling One DimensionUnit 5Lesson 12: Scaling Cylinders
Lesson 18: Scaling Two Dimensions 
Lesson 19: Estimating a Hemisphere 
Lesson 20: The Volume of a Sphere
Lesson 21: Cylinders, Cones, and Spheres
Unit 5Lesson 15: SpheresPractice Day 2 (Print available)
Topic 6: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 22: Volume As a Function of …Unit 5Lesson 15: Spheres

Unit 6: Associations in Data

Topic 1: Does This Predict That? 
Lesson 1: Organizing DataUnit 6 Lesson 1: Click Battle
Lesson 2: Plotting DataUnit 6 Lesson 2: Wing Span
Topic 2: Associations in Numerical Data 
Lesson 3: What a Point in a Scatter Plot MeansUnit 6 Lesson 1: Click BattleLesson 2: Wing SpanLesson 3: Robots [Free lesson]Lesson 7: Scatter Plot City
Lesson 4: Fitting a LineUnit 6 Lesson 4: Dapper Cats [Free lesson]Lesson 5: Fit Fights [Free lesson]Lesson 6: Interpreting SlopesLesson 8: Animal BrainsPractice Day 1 (Print available) [Free lesson]Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 5: Describing Trends in Scatter PlotsUnit 6 Lesson 1: Click BattleLesson 2: Wing SpanLesson 3: Robots [Free lesson]Lesson 7: Scatter Plot City(Print available)Practice Day 1 [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: The Slope of a Fitted LineUnit 6 Lesson 6: Interpreting SlopesLesson 7: Scatter Plot CityPractice Day 1 (Print available) [Free lesson]Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 7: Observing More patterns in Scatter PlotsUnit 6 Lesson 1: Click BattleLesson 2: Wing SpanLesson 3: Robots [Free lesson]Lesson 7: Scatter Plot City
Lesson 8: Analyzing Bivariate DataUnit 6Lesson 9: Tasty Fruit
Topic 3: Associations in Categorical data 
Lesson 9: Looking for AssociationsUnit 6Lesson 10: Finding Associations [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Federal BudgetsPractice Day 3 (Print available)
Lesson 10: Using Data Displays to Find associationsUnit 6Lesson 10: Finding Associations [Free lesson]Lesson 9: Tasty Fruit
Topic 4: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 11: Gone in 30 SecondsUnit 6Lesson 11: Federal Budgets

Unit 7: Exponents and Scientific Notation

Topic 1: Exponent Review 
Lesson 1: Exponent ReviewUnit 7 Lesson 1: Circles [Free lesson]Lesson 2: Combining Exponents
Topic 2: Exponent Rules 
Lesson 2: Multiplying Powers of 10
Lesson 3: Powers of Powers of 10
Lesson 4: Dividing Powers of 10
Unit 7 Lesson 3: Power Pairs (Print available) [Free lesson]Lesson 4: Rewriting Powers  
Lesson 5: Negative Exponents with Powers of 10Unit 7 Lesson 5: Zero and Negative ExponentsLesson 6: Write a Rule (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 6: What about Other Bases? 
Lesson 7: Practice with Rational Bases
Lesson 8: Combining Bases 
Topic 3: Scientific Notation 
Lesson 9: Describing Large and Small Numbers using Powers of 10Unit 7 Lesson 7: Scales and Weights
Lesson 10: Representing Large Numbers on the Number Line
Lesson 11: Representing Small Numbers on the Number Line
Unit 7 Lesson 8: Point Zapper
Lesson 12: Applications of Arithmetic with Powers of 10Unit 7  Lesson 8: Point ZapperLesson 9: Use Your Powers
Lesson 13: Defining Scientific Notation
Lesson 14: Multiplying, Dividing, and Estimating with Scientific Notation
Unit 7 Lesson 10: Solar System [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Balance the Scales [Free lesson]Lesson 13: Star Power
Lesson 15: Adding and Subtracting with Scientific NotationUnit 7 Lesson 10: Solar System [Free lesson]Lesson 11: Balance the Scales [Free lesson]Lesson 12: City LightsLesson 13: Star Power
Topic 4: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 16: Is a Smartphone Smart Enough to Go to the Moon?Lesson 13: Star Power Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Unit 8: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

Topic 1: Side Lengths and Areas of Squares
Lesson 1: The Areas of Squares and Their Side LengthsUnit 8Lesson 1: Tilted Squares
Lesson 2: Side Lengths and AreasUnit 8Lesson 2: From Squares to RootsLesson 3: Between Squares
Lesson 3: Rational and Irrational Numbers
Lesson 4: Square Roots on the Number Line
Lesson 5: Reasoning about Square RootsUnit 8Lesson 2: From Squares to RootsLesson 3: Between SquaresLesson 4: Root Down [Free lesson]Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Topic 2: The Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 6: Finding Side Lengths of TrianglesUnit 8Lesson 6: The Pythagorean TheoremLesson 7: Pictures to Prove ItLesson 8: Triangle-Tracing Turtle [Free lesson]
Lesson 7: A Proof of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8Lesson 7: Pictures to Prove It
Lesson 8: Finding Unknown Side LengthsUnit 8Lesson 11: Pond Hopper
Lesson 9: The ConverseUnit 8Lesson 9: Make It Right
Lesson 10: Applications of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8Lesson 10: Taco Truck [Free lesson]
Lesson 11: Finding Distances in the Coordinate PlaneUnit 8Lesson 11: Pond Hopper
Topic 3: Side Lengths and Volumes of Cubes
Lesson 12: Edge Lengths and Volumes
Lesson 13: Cube Roots
Unit 8Lesson 5: Filling Cubes
Topic 4: Decimal Representation of Rational and Irrational Numbers
Lesson 14: Decimal Representation of Rational and Numbers
Lesson 15: Infinite Decimal expansions
Unit 8Lesson 12: Fractions to DecimalsLesson 13: Decimals to Fractions
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 16: When Is the Same Size Not the Same Size?Unit 8Lesson 10: Taco Truck [Free lesson]

Unit 9: Putting It All Together

Topic 1: Tessellations
Lesson 1: Tessellations of the Plane
Lesson 2: Regular Tessellations
Lesson 3: Tessellating Polygons
Topic 2: The Weather
Lesson 4: What Influences Temperature?
Lesson 5: Plotting the Weather
Lesson 6: Using and Interpreting a Mathematical Model

1. Scope

These Customer Terms and Conditions are a legal agreement between Amplify Education, Inc. (“Amplify”) and the local education agency or authority, school district, school network, independent school, or other regional education system (“Customer”) for the license and use of one or more of Amplify products or services (the “Products”), as specified in the receipt, price quote, proposal, renewal letter, or other ordering document containing the details of this purchase (the “Quote”). These Customer Terms and Conditions, all addenda, attachments, and the Quote, as applicable (together, the “Agreement”), constitute the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof. The provisions of this Agreement will supersede any conflicting terms and conditions in any Customer purchase order, other correspondence or verbal communication, and will supersede and cancel all prior agreements, written or oral, between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

2. Agreement Acceptance

This Agreement becomes effective at the earliest of the following: (i) issuing a purchase order, shipment request, or payment against the Quote; (ii) accessing, downloading, or using the Products; or (iii) otherwise accepting this Agreement. This term of the Agreement will be as specified in the Quote and may be renewed or extended by mutual agreement of the parties. Customer represents and warrants that: (1) Customer is of legal age to accept this Agreement; (2) Customer is authorized to accept this Agreement and to access and use the Products; and (3) Customer’s use of the Products will comply at all times with Amplify’s Acceptable Use Policy available at amplify.com/acceptable-use (“AUP”). The Customer may not access, download, or use the Products if the Customer does not agree to this Agreement.

3. License

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, Amplify grants to Customer a non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license to access and use, and permit Authorized School Users, as defined below, to access and use the Products in accordance with the AUP, for the duration specified in the Quote (the “Term”), and for the number of Authorized School Users specified in the Quote for whom Customer has paid the applicable fees to Amplify. “Authorized School User” means the K–12 students registered or authorized for instruction with Customer and the educators, agents and staff members who use the Products as authorized by Customer who Customer permits to access and use the Products subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, solely while such individual is so employed or so registered. Each Authorized School User’s access and use of the Products will be subject to the AUP in addition to the terms and conditions of the Agreement. Violations of this Agreement or the AUP may result in suspension or termination of the applicable account.

4. Restrictions

Customer may access and use the Products solely for non-commercial instructional and administrative purposes. Guidelines for such purposes may be set forth at
https://amplify.com/amplify-program-usage-guidelines/ and additional guidelines may be detailed in materials associated with the Product the Customer is accessing. Further, Customer may not, except as expressly authorized by Amplify: (a) copy, modify, translate, distribute, disclose, or create derivative works based on the contents of, sell, or otherwise exploit, the Products, or any part thereof; (b) decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer the Products, or otherwise use the Products to develop functionally similar products or services; (c) modify, alter, or delete any of the copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices in or on the Products; (d) rent, lease, or lend the Products or use the Products for the benefit of any third party; (e) avoid, circumvent, or disable any security or digital rights management device, procedure, protocol, or mechanism in the Products; (f) use any content from the Products, including but not limited to text, images, videos, assessments, lesson plans, or code, as input or training material for any machine learning or artificial intelligence system, including large language models, neural networks, or other algorithmic models, for any purposes, commercial or non-commercial; or (g) permit any Authorized School User or third party to do any of the foregoing. Customer also agrees that any works created in violation of this section are derivative works, and, as such, Customer agrees to assign, and hereby assigns, all right, title, and interest in such works to Amplify. The Products and derivatives thereof may be subject to export control laws, restrictions, regulations, and orders of the U.S. and other jurisdictions (together, “Export Laws”). Customer agrees to comply with all applicable Export Laws, and will not, and will not permit Authorized School Users to, export, or transfer for the purpose of re-export, any Product to any prohibited or embargoed country in violation of any U.S. export law or regulation. Further, Customer represents that it is not a party subject to sanctions by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control or included on any restricted party list maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security. The software and associated documentation portions of the Products are “commercial items” (as defined at 48 CFR 2.101), comprising “commercial computer software” and “commercial computer software documentation,” as those terms are used in 48 CFR 12.212. Accordingly, if Customer is the U.S. Government or its contractor, Customer will receive only those rights set forth in this Agreement in accordance with 48 CFR 227.7201-227.7204 (for Department of Defense and their contractors) or 48 CFR 12.212 (for other U.S. Government licensees and their contractors).

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SUBSCRIPTION PRODUCTS ARE LICENSED, NOT SOLD. Subject to the limited rights expressly granted hereunder, all rights, title, and interest in and to all Products, including all related IP Rights, are and will remain the sole and exclusive property of Amplify or its third-party licensors. “IP Rights” means, collectively, rights under patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, and any other intellectual property or proprietary rights recognized in any country or jurisdiction worldwide. Customer must promptly notify Amplify of any violation of Amplify’s IP Rights in the Products, and will reasonably assist Amplify as necessary to remedy any such violation. Amplify Products are protected by patents (see amplify.com/virtual-patent-marking). Amplify reserves the right to update or modify the Products at any time and to discontinue the Products upon reasonable notice.

6. Payments

In consideration of the Products, Customer will pay to Amplify (or other party designated on the Quote) the fees specified in the Quote in full within 30 days of the date of invoice, except as otherwise agreed by the parties or for those amounts that are subject to a good faith dispute of which Customer has notified Amplify in writing. Customer will be responsible for all state or local sales, use or gross receipts taxes, and federal excise taxes unless Customer provides a then-current tax exemption certificate in advance of the delivery, license, or performance of any Product, as applicable.

7. Shipments

Unless otherwise specified on the Quote, physical Products will be shipped FOB origin in the US (Incoterms 2010 EXW outside of the US) and are deemed accepted by Customer upon receipt. Upon acceptance of such Products, orders are non-refundable, non-returnable, and non-exchangeable, except in the case of defective or missing materials reported to Amplify by Customer within 60 days of receipt. In such case, Customer may not return Products without Amplify’s written authorization.

8. Account Information

For subscription Products, the authentication of Authorized School Users is based in part upon information supplied by Customer or Authorized School Users, as applicable. Customer will and will cause its Authorized School Users to (a) provide accurate information to Amplify or a third-party service as applicable, and promptly report any changes to such information, (b) not share login credentials or otherwise allow others to use their account, (c) maintain the confidentiality and security of their account information, and (d) use the Products solely via such authorized accounts. Customer agrees to notify Amplify immediately of any unauthorized use of its or its Authorized School Users’ accounts or related authentication information. Amplify will not be responsible for any losses arising out of the unauthorized use of accounts created by or for Customer and its Authorized School Users. 

9. Confidentiality

Customer acknowledges that, in connection with this Agreement, Amplify has provided or will provide to Customer and its Authorized School Users certain sensitive or proprietary information, including software, source code, assessment instruments, research, designs, methods, processes, customer lists, training materials, product documentation, know-how, or trade secrets, in whatever form (“Confidential Information”). Customer agrees (a) not to use Confidential Information for any purpose other than use of the Products in accordance with this Agreement and (b) to take all steps reasonably necessary to maintain and protect the Confidential Information of Amplify in strict confidence. Confidential Information shall not include information that, as evidenced by Customer’s contemporaneous written records: (i) is or becomes publicly available through no fault of Customer; (ii) is rightfully known to Customer prior to the time of its disclosure; (iii) has been independently developed by Customer without any use of the Confidential Information; or (iv) is subsequently learned from a third party not under any confidentiality obligation. 

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The parties acknowledge and agree that in the course of providing the Products to the Customer, Amplify may collect, receive, or generate information that directly relates to an identifiable student of Customer (“Student Data”). Student Data may include personal information from a student’s “educational records,” as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”). Student Data is owned and controlled by the Customer and Amplify receives Student Data as a “school official” under Section 99.31 of FERPA for the purpose of providing the Products hereunder. Individually and collectively, Amplify and Customer agree to uphold our obligations, as applicable, under FERPA, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”), the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (“PPRA”), and applicable state laws relating to student data privacy. Amplify’s Customer Privacy Policy at amplify.com/customer-privacy (“Privacy Policy”) will govern collection, use, and disclosure of Student Data collected or stored on behalf of Customer under this Agreement. In addition, Amplify has entered into the data privacy agreements listed at amplify.com/privacy-security aligned with state and national templates to facilitate compliance with applicable state laws and help expedite Customer’s student data privacy documentation process. Customer is responsible for providing notice and obtaining appropriate consents under applicable laws to authorize Authorized School Users’ use of the Products, including making a copy of the Privacy Policy available to the parents or guardians of users who are under the age of 13.  

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Customer represents, warrants, and covenants that it has all the necessary rights, including consents and IP Rights, in connection with any data, information, content, and other materials provided to or collected by Amplify on behalf of Customer or its Authorized School Users using the Products or otherwise in connection with this Agreement (“Customer Materials”), and that Amplify has the right to use such Customer Materials as contemplated hereunder or for any other purposes required by Customer. Customer is solely responsible for the accuracy, integrity, completeness, quality, legality, and safety of such Customer Materials. Customer is responsible for meeting hardware, software, telecommunications, and other requirements listed at amplify.com/customer-requirements

12. Warranty Disclaimer

PRODUCTS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND BY AMPLIFY. AMPLIFY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY AS TO TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. CUSTOMER ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTING THE PRODUCTS TO ACHIEVE CUSTOMER’S INTENDED RESULTS AND FOR THE ACCESS AND USE OF THE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM THE PRODUCTS. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, AMPLIFY MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT THE PRODUCTS WILL BE ERROR-FREE OR FREE FROM INTERRUPTIONS OR OTHER FAILURES OR WILL MEET CUSTOMER’S REQUIREMENTS. AMPLIFY IS NEITHER RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY THIRD-PARTY CONTENT OR SOFTWARE INCLUDED IN PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THE ACCURACY, INTEGRITY, COMPLETENESS, QUALITY, LEGALITY, USEFULNESS, OR SAFETY OF, OR IP RIGHTS RELATING TO, SUCH THIRD-PARTY CONTENT AND SOFTWARE. ANY ACCESS TO OR USE OF SUCH THIRD-PARTY CONTENT AND SOFTWARE MAY BE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION COLLECTION, USAGE, AND DISCLOSURE PRACTICES OF THIRD PARTIES.

13. Limitation of Liability

 TO THE EXTENT SUCH LIMITATION IS NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL AMPLIFY BE LIABLE TO CUSTOMER OR TO ANY AUTHORIZED SCHOOL USER FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, RELIANCE, OR COVER DAMAGES, DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST DATA OR LOST BUSINESS, OR ANY OTHER INDIRECT DAMAGES, EVEN IF AMPLIFY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. TO THE EXTENT SUCH LIMITATION IS NOT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, AMPLIFY’S ENTIRE LIABILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY AUTHORIZED USER ARISING OUT OF PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE BY AMPLIFY OR IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE CLAIM FOR SUCH DAMAGES IS BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, MAY NOT EXCEED THE AGGREGATE OF CUSTOMER’S OR ANY AUTHORIZED USER’S DIRECT DAMAGES UP TO THE FEES PAID BY CUSTOMER TO AMPLIFY FOR THE AFFECTED PORTION OF THE PRODUCTS IN THE PRIOR 12-MONTH PERIOD. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL AMPLIFY BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES OF ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE PRODUCTS BY AN AUTHORIZED SCHOOL USER THAT VIOLATES THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY APPLICABLE LAW OR REGULATION.

14. Termination

Without prejudice to any rights either party may have under this Agreement, in law, equity, or otherwise, a party will have the right to terminate this Agreement if the other party (or in the case of Amplify, an Authorized School User) materially breaches any term, provision, warranty, or representation under this Agreement and fails to correct the breach within 30 days of its receipt of written notice thereof. Upon termination, Customer will: (a) cease using the Products, (b) return, purge, or destroy (as directed by Amplify) all copies of any Products and, if so requested, certify to Amplify in writing that such surrender or destruction has occurred, (c) pay any fees due and owing hereunder, and (d) not be entitled to a refund of any fees previously paid, unless otherwise specified in the Quote. Customer will be responsible for the cost of any continued use of the Products following termination. Upon termination, Amplify will return or destroy any Student Data provided to Amplify hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing will require Amplify to return or destroy any data that does not include Student Data, including de-identified information or data that is derived from access to Student Data but which does not contain Student Data. Sections 3–14 will survive the termination of this Agreement.

15. Miscellaneous

This Agreement may not be modified except in writing signed by both parties. All defined terms in this Agreement will apply to their singular and plural forms, as applicable. The word “including” means “including without limitation.” For United States-based Customers, this Agreement will be governed by  and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the U.S., state, commonwealth, or territory in which Customer resides based on the address set forth in the Quote, without regard to that state’s, commonwealth’s, or territory’s choice of law rules. For Customers based outside of the United States, this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the U.S., state of New York, without giving effect to the choice of law rules thereof. This Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and assigns. The parties expressly understand and agree that their relationship is that of independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement will constitute one party as an employee, agent, joint venture partner, or servant of another. Each party is solely responsible for all of its employees and agents and its labor costs and expenses arising in connection herewith. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned or delegated by Customer or any Authorized School User without the prior written consent of Amplify. If one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement will for any reason be held to be unenforceable at law, such provisions will be construed by the appropriate judicial body to limit or reduce such provision or provisions so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with applicable law. Amplify will have no liability to Customer or to third parties for any failure or delay in performing any obligation under this Agreement due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God or nature, fire, earthquake, flood, epidemic, pandemic, strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns, civil disturbances or terrorism, national or regional emergencies, supply shortages or delays, action by any governmental authority, or interruptions in power, communications, satellites, the Internet, or any other network. Each party represents and warrants that it has all necessary right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to comply with the obligations hereunder.

Last Modified: February 2, 2026

Website Terms of Use

Description of Site Services; Acceptance of Terms of Use

Welcome to www.amplify.com (together with any successor sites and the Site Services and Company Content (each as defined below), in whole and in part, the “Site”). The Site is operated by Amplify Education, Inc. (“Company” or “we”). The services that Company makes available on or through the Site include education-related articles, information and instructional services, purchasing functionality, support chat functionality and any other features, content, services, functionality and applications offered from time to time by Company on or through the Site (collectively, “Site Services”).

BY ACCESSING OR USING THE SITE, YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU ARE OF LEGAL AGE TO ENTER INTO THIS TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT (“AGREEMENT”) AND YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT. BY PURCHASING GOODS AND SERVICES ON THE SITE, YOU ARE ACCEPTING THE PRACTICES DESCRIBED IN THIS AGREEMENT AS WELL AS ANY ADDITIONAL TERMS OF USE THAT MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PARTICULAR GOODS AND SERIVICES YOU ARE PURCHASING.

Please read this Agreement carefully. If you are an employee or other representative of a school or other organization who is accessing or using the Site on behalf of such organization, then you are agreeing to this Agreement on behalf of yourself and such organization. We may modify this Agreement at any time in our discretion, and we may provide such modifications to you by any reasonable means, including by posting the revised version of this Agreement on the Site. You can determine when this Agreement was last revised by referring to the “LAST UPDATED” legend at the top of this Agreement. Your access to or use of the Site following any changes to this Agreement will constitute your acceptance of those changes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any changes to this Agreement shall not apply to any dispute between you and us arising prior to the date on which we posted the revised version of this Agreement incorporating such changes or otherwise notified you of such changes. If you do not agree to be bound by this Agreement, you must not access or use the Site. Your access to and use of certain parts of the Site may require you to accept additional terms and conditions, and may require you to download certain Software or Content (each as defined below).

Jurisdictional Issues

The Site is controlled and operated by Company from the United States, and is not intended to subject Company to the laws or jurisdiction of any state, country or territory other than that of the United States. Company does not represent or warrant that the Site is appropriate or available for use in any particular jurisdiction other than the United States. In choosing to access and use the Site, you do so on your own initiative and at your own risk, and you are responsible for complying with all local laws, rules and regulations. You are also subject to United States export controls and are responsible for any violations of such controls, including any United States embargoes and other federal rules and regulations restricting exports. We may limit the Site’s availability to any person, geographic area or jurisdiction we choose, at any time and in our discretion. Not all products or services described on the Site are available in all states or territories.

Company content

The Site contains information, text, files, images, video, sounds, musical works, computer code, works of authorship, applications, and other materials and content (collectively, “Content”) of Company or its licensors (“Company Content”). The Site (including the Company Content) is protected by copyright, trademark, trade secret and other laws, and as between you and Company, Company owns and retains all rights in the Site. Company hereby grants to you a limited, revocable, non-sublicensable license, during the term of the Agreement, to access, display and perform the Company Content (excluding any computer code) solely for your personal, non-commercial use and solely as necessary to access and use the Site. Except as expressly permitted by Company in this Agreement or on the Site, you may not copy, download, stream, capture, reproduce, duplicate, archive, upload, modify, translate, create derivative works based upon, publish, broadcast, transmit, retransmit, distribute, perform, display, sell or otherwise use or transfer any Content. You may not, either directly or through the use of any device, software, online resource or other means, remove, alter, bypass, avoid, interfere with or circumvent any copyright, trademark or other proprietary notice on the Content or any digital rights management mechanism, device, or other content protection or access control measure associated with the Content.

User content

You may not access or use the Site for any commercial purpose. You are responsible for all Content that you post, upload, transmit, e-mail or otherwise make available on, through or in connection with the Site (collectively, “User Content”). Please choose carefully the Content that you make available on, through or in connection with the Site. Company does not control any Content other than Company Content, and as such you may be exposed to offensive, indecent, inaccurate or otherwise objectionable Content by accessing or using the Site. Company is not responsible or liable for any Content or the conduct of any Site user. If you become aware of any misuse of the Site, please report such misuse immediately to Company at general@amplify.com. Company reserves the right (but has no obligation) to monitor the Site, including for inappropriate Content or conduct, and to remove any Content in Company’s discretion and without liability to you or any third party.

Your proprietary rights

You retain any ownership rights that you have in your User Content. You hereby grant to Company and its affiliates, licensees and authorized users, a perpetual, non-exclusive, fully paid-up and royalty-free, sublicensable (through multiple tiers), transferable (in whole or in part), worldwide license to use, modify, excerpt, adapt, create derivative works and compilations based upon, publicly perform, publicly display, reproduce and distribute such User Content on, through or in connection with the Site and/or any other commercial or non-commercial endeavor of Company or any of its affiliates, including in connection with any distribution or syndication thereof to Third Party Services (as defined below), on and through all media formats now known or hereafter devised, for any and all purposes including promotional, marketing, trade and commercial purposes. The exercise of such rights shall not require any further permission or notice, payment or attribution to you or any third party. Company reserves the right to limit the storage capacity made available for User Content.

You represent and warrant that: (a) you own the User Content made available by you, or otherwise have the right to grant the license set forth in this Section, and (b) the posting of such User Content through or in connection with the Site does not violate the privacy rights, publicity rights, copyrights, contract rights or any other rights of any person or entity. You agree to pay for all royalties, fees and any other monies owing to any person or entity by reason of the use of such User Content.

Use of the site

You agree not to:

  • Post, upload or otherwise transmit or link to Content that is: unlawful; threatening; harmful; abusive; pornographic or includes nudity; offensive; harassing; excessively violent; tortious; defamatory; false or misleading; obscene; vulgar; libelous; hateful; or discriminatory.
  • Violate the rights of others, including patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, privacy, publicity, contract or other proprietary rights.
  • Harass or harm another person.
  • Exploit or endanger a minor.
  • Impersonate any person or entity.
  • Introduce or engage in activity that involves the use of viruses, bots, worms, Trojan horses, Easter eggs, time bombs, spyware or any other computer code, files or programs that interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment, or otherwise permit the unauthorized access to or use of a computer or a computer network.
  • Interfere with, damage, disable, disrupt, impair, create an undue burden on, or gain unauthorized access to the Site or any Account, or Company’s servers or networks;
  • Restrict or inhibit any other person from using the Site (including by hacking or defacing the Site). Cover, remove, disable, block or obscure the Site (including advertisements on the Site).
  • Use technology or any automated system, such as scripts or bots, to collect user names, passwords, e-mail addresses or any other data from or through the Site, or to circumvent or modify any security technology or software that is part of the Site.
  • Send or cause to send (directly or indirectly) unsolicited bulk messages or other unsolicited bulk communications of any kind through the Site. If you do so, you acknowledge you will have caused substantial harm to Company, and that the amount of such harm would be extremely difficult to measure. As a reasonable estimation of such harm, you agree to pay to Company $50.00 for each actual or intended recipient of such communication.
  • Modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the Site.
  • Solicit, collect or request any information for commercial or unlawful purposes.
  • Post, upload or otherwise transmit an image or video of another person without that person’s consent.
  • Use the Site to advertise, promote or engage in any commercial activity (including engaging in sales, contests or sweepstakes) without Company’s prior written consent.
  • Frame or mirror the Site without Company’s express prior written consent.
  • Use the Site in a manner inconsistent with any applicable law, rule or regulation.
  • Use any robot, spider, site search/retrieval application or other manual or automatic device to retrieve, index, “scrape,” “data mine,” or in any way gather content of the Site or reproduce or circumvent the navigational structure or presentation of the Site without Company’s express prior written consent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company grants to the operators of public search engines the permission to use spiders to copy material from the Site for the sole purpose of, and solely to the extent necessary for, creating publicly-available searchable indices of such material, but not caches or archives of such material. Company reserves the right to revoke these exceptions either generally or in specific cases.
  • Attempt, facilitate or encourage others to do any of the foregoing.

Company reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate legal action against anyone who, in Company’s discretion, violates this Agreement or attempts to do so, including terminating or suspending a user’s Account or access to or use of the Site, or reporting any User Content or conduct to law enforcement authorities.

You (and not Company) are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all telecommunications, broadband and computer hardware, equipment and services needed to access and use the Site, and for paying all charges related thereto.

User disputes

You are solely responsible for your interactions with other users of the Site, providers of Third Party Services (as defined below) or any other third parties with whom you interact on, through or in connection with the Site.

Purchases

Company may make available products and services for purchase through the Site, and may use third-party suppliers and service providers to enable e-commerce functionality on the Site. You may only purchase products and services that appear on the Site and that are delivered to an address located in the United States. You may only purchase products and services for personal, non-commercial use by you, your educational institution or students of your educational institution. We may limit quantities or refuse any order for any reason or no reason, including if we have reasonable cause to believe an order is for onward sale or resale other than through distribution channels approved by us. We make no promise that products or services available on the Site are appropriate or available for use in locations outside the United States, and purchasing products or services for delivery to or use in territories where their contents are unlawful is prohibited. If you choose to purchase products or services from locations outside the United States, you do so at your own risk. It is your responsibility to ascertain and obey all applicable local, state, federal and international laws (including minimum age requirements) in regard to the possession, use and sale of any product or service made available through the Site.

If you wish to purchase any product or service made available through the Site, you may be asked to supply certain information relevant to your transaction, including your credit card number, the expiration date of your credit card, your billing address and your shipping information. YOU REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO USE ANY CREDIT CARD(S) USED IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSACTION. By submitting such information, you grant to Company the right to provide such information to third parties for purposes of facilitating the completion of transactions initiated by you or on your behalf. Verification of information may be required prior to the acknowledgement or completion of any transaction. While it is our practice to confirm orders by e-mail, the receipt of an e-mail order confirmation does not constitute our acceptance of an order or our confirmation of an offer to sell a product or service.

Details of the products and services available for purchase are set forth on the Site. All prices are displayed exclusive of all taxes and shipping/freight charges. Available payment methods, methods of shipping and shipping charges (including charges for expedited shipping, if available) are detailed on the Site. Company may also collect and remit sales tax on your purchase as required by United States law. If you are a tax-exempt entity, please enter the appropriate information where requested on your order form and we will not collect sales tax on your purchase.

Generally, credit and debit cards are not charged until we either ship the product(s) or confirm store availability (at which time you will be charged only for the products we have actually shipped along with any applicable taxes and shipping charges). However, we may pre-authorize your order amount with your credit or debit card issuer at the time you place the order, which may have an effect on your available credit line. When paying for a preorder with a debit card, you will be charged at the time you place your preorder. Please contact your credit or debit card issuer for more information. If you ordered a special delivery product, you will be charged once a delivery time is confirmed. For digitally delivered orders, your credit or debit card will be charged at the time that you initiate the download of the product.

All purchases made through the Site are made pursuant to a shipment contract. As a result, risk of loss and title for products purchased through the Site pass to you upon delivery of the products to the carrier. You are responsible for filing any claims with carriers for damaged and/or lost shipments. Please note that all shipping addresses must be compliant with the shipping restrictions contained on the Site.

Products, services and specifications

All products and services described or depicted on the Site, and all related features, content, specifications and prices, are subject to change at any time without notice. Certain weights, measures and similar descriptions are approximate and are provided for convenience purposes only. Packaging may vary from that shown. We make reasonable efforts to accurately display the attributes of our products, including the applicable colors; however, the actual color you see will depend on your computer system, and we cannot guarantee that your computer will accurately display such colors. The inclusion of any product or service on the Site at a particular time does not imply or warrant that such product or service will be available at any time. Occasionally, the manufacture or distribution of a certain product or service may be delayed for a number of reasons. In such event, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you of the delay and keep you informed of the revised delivery schedule. By placing an order, you represent that the products and services ordered will be used only in a lawful manner. All DVDs and similar products are sold for private, non-commercial home use (where no admission fee is charged), non-public performance, or classroom or instructional use only, and may not be duplicated.

Return and exchange policy

Unless otherwise specified in the terms associated with a particular product, you may return or exchange any product purchased through the Site within fourteen (14) days of receipt, by calling our customer service hotline, 1–800–823–1969, in the event that the purchased product is defective or you received the wrong product. Except for the foregoing, you may not return, cancel or exchange any product or service. Certain jurisdictions may provide additional statutory rights. Nothing herein is meant to limit your return or cancellation rights under local law. In the event that a return or exchange is due to an incorrect order or faulty product, we will be responsible for the shipping costs associated with such return. We will ship a replacement product upon receiving your defective or incorrect product and verifying the reason for the return or exchange.

Accuracy of information

We attempt to ensure that information on the Site is complete, accurate and current. Despite our efforts, the information on the Site may occasionally be inaccurate, incomplete or out of date. We make no representation as to the completeness, accuracy or currency of any information on the Site. For example, products or services included on the Site may be unavailable, may have different attributes than those listed, or may carry a different price than that stated on the Site. If an item’s correct price is higher than our stated price, we will, at our discretion, either contact you for instructions before shipping or cancel your order and notify you of such cancellation. Items in your “Shopping Bag” reflect the current price displayed on the item’s product detail page. Please note that this price may differ from the price displayed when the item was first placed in your Shopping Bag. In addition, we may make changes in information about price and availability without notice.

Chemicals, agricultural materials, and other hazardous materials

Certain products made available through the Site may include chemicals, agricultural materials or other material that may be subject to regulations or restrictions with respect to import or export, or to whom we may sell such material or where or how such material may be used. It is your responsibility to read and abide by all warning notices that accompany any products that you purchase. In addition, we reserve the right to request additional information from you, verify your identity, limit sales to certified educational or research institutions, or cancel or delay your order if required by law or if we believe it is necessary or advisable. Due to special shipping and handling requirements, freight companies routinely impose a surcharge on each package of hazardous material shipped. In such event, we will add such surcharge to your order.

Registration and account security

You may have the ability to create an account on or through the Site (an “Account”). If you submit registration information to create an Account, you represent and warrant that all information submitted to Company in connection with such registration is complete and accurate, and that you will update such information if it changes. If you create an Account, you are responsible for all use of your Account, and for maintaining the confidentiality of the information used to access your Account (including user name and password). You agree not to share your user name or password with anyone, or use anyone else’s Account at any time. You agree to notify Company immediately if you suspect any unauthorized use of, or access to, your Account (including your user name and password). You acknowledge that the reuse of your password in connection with accounts on other websites increases the risk that the security of your Account may be compromised.

The Site may make available, or third parties may provide, links to other websites, applications, resources, advertisements, Content or other products or services created, hosted or made available by third parties (“Third Party Services”), and such third party may use other third parties to provide portions of the Third Party Service to you, such as technology, development or payment services. When you access or use a Third Party Service, you are interacting with the applicable third party, not with Company, and you do so at your own risk. Company is not responsible for and makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the Third Party Services or the providers of such Third Party Services (including the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by such Third Party Service or the privacy practices of any third party). Inclusion of any Third Party Service or a link thereto on the Site does not imply approval or endorsement of such Third Party Service. Company is not responsible or liable for the content or practices of any Third Party Service or third party, even if such Third Party Service links to or is linked by the Site, and even if such Third Party Service is operated by an affiliate of Company or a company otherwise connected with us or the Site

Feedback

Unless we expressly agree otherwise in writing, if you provide us with any ideas, proposals, suggestions or materials (“Feedback”), whether related to the Site or otherwise, you hereby acknowledge and agree that (a) your provision of any Input is gratuitous, unsolicited and without restriction and does not place Company under any fiduciary or other obligation; and (b) any Feedback is not confidential and Company has no confidentiality obligations with respect to such Feedback.. You hereby grant to us a world-wide, royalty-free, fully paid-up, exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable and fully sublicensable (through multiple tiers) license, without additional consideration to you or any third party, to reproduce, distribute, perform and display (publicly or otherwise), adapt, modify and otherwise use and exploit such Feedback, in any format or media now known or hereafter developed, and you hereby represent and warrant that you have all necessary rights to grant the foregoing license. We may use Feedback for any purpose whatsoever without permission or notice, compensation or attribution to you or any third party. You are and remain responsible and liable for the content of any Feedback.

Privacy

Please review the Privacy Policy for the Site, available at http://www.amplify.com/privacy, to learn about our information collection, usage and disclosures practices with respect to information collected by us through the Site. Please note that certain products or services made available by us, other than the Site, may be subject to different privacy policies. In addition, the Site’s Privacy Policy does not address, and we are not responsible or liable for, the information collection, usage and disclosures practices of any third party or Third Party Service.

Disclaimers

THE SITE, USER CONTENT, THIRD PARTY SERVICES, AND ALL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SOLD THROUGH THE SITE (COLLECTIVELY, THE “SITE PRODUCTS”) ARE MADE AVAILABLE “AS-IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” AND COMPANY DOES NOT GUARANTEE OR PROMISE ANY SPECIFIC RESULTS FROM USE OF THE SITE PRODUCTS. COMPANY AND ITS AFFILIATES EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN PARTICULAR, COMPANY AND ITS AFFILIATES MAKE NO WARRANTY THAT THE SITE OR USER CONTENT OR THIRD PARTY SERVICES, OR YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE THEREOF, WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, ERROR-FREE, ACCURATE OR RELIABLE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL WE BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES OF ANY UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE SITE PRODUCTS THAT VIOLATES ANY APPLICABLE LAW OR REGULATION. CERTAIN STATE LAWS DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES. IF THESE LAWS APPLY TO YOU, SOME OR ALL OF THE ABOVE DISCLAIMERS, EXCLUSIONS, OR LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU, AND YOU MIGHT HAVE ADDITIONAL RIGHTS.

Under no circumstances will Company or its affiliates be responsible for any loss or damage, including property damage, personal injury or death, resulting from use of the Site, Products, problems or technical malfunction in connection with use of the Site, Products, attendance at any Company event or the conduct of any Site users, whether online or offline. Your use of the Site, Products is solely your responsibility and at your own risk. The User Content and Third Party Services do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Company or its affiliates.

Limitations on liability

IN NO EVENT WILL COMPANY OR ITS AFFILIATES BE LIABLE TO YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFIT DAMAGES, ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SITE PRODUCTS, EVEN IF COMPANY OR ONE OF ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY CONTAINED HEREIN, THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF COMPANY AND ITS AFFILIATES TO YOU FOR ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER AND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF THE ACTION, WILL AT ALL TIMES BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID, IF ANY, BY YOU TO COMPANY FOR THE SITE PRODUCTS.

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Company, its affiliates, subcontractors and other partners, and each of their respective officers, agents, partners and employees, from any losses, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees), liabilities, claims or demands, due to or arising out of your use of the Site, your breach or alleged breach of this Agreement, your violation or alleged violation of any rights of another, or any Content that you post or otherwise submit on, through or in connection with the Site.

Termination

This Agreement remains in full force and effect while you access or use the Site. If you create an Account, you may terminate your Account at any time, for any reason, by contacting us at general@amplify.com. Company may terminate or suspend your Account and/or your access to or use of the Site at any time, for any or no reason, with or without prior notice or explanation, and without liability. Upon any such suspension or termination, your right to access and use the Site will immediately cease, and Company may immediately deactivate or delete your Account and all files and other information associated with it, and/or bar any further access to such files and other information. Company shall not be liable to you or any third party for any suspension or termination of your Account or of access to or use of the Site or any such files or other information, and shall not be required to make such files and other information available to you after any such suspension or termination. Sections 2, 5, 13, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 26 shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.

U.S. export controls

All software made available in connection with the Site (“Software”) may be subject to United States export controls. No Software may be downloaded from or through the Site or otherwise exported or re-exported in violation of U.S. export laws.

Governing law

The terms of this Agreement are governed by the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A., without regard to its conflicts of law provisions, and regardless of your location.

Arbitration

EXCEPT FOR DISPUTES THAT QUALIFY FOR SMALL CLAIMS COURT, ALL DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, WHETHER BASED IN CONTRACT, TORT, STATUTE, FRAUD, MISREPRESENTATION OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, WILL BE RESOLVED THROUGH FINAL AND BINDING ARBITRATION BEFORE A NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR INSTEAD OF IN A COURT BY A JUDGE OR JURY, AND YOU AGREE THAT COMPANY AND YOU ARE EACH WAIVING THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY A JURY. YOU AGREE THAT ANY ARBITRATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS; CLASS ARBITRATIONS AND CLASS ACTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED AND YOU ARE AGREEING TO GIVE UP THE ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION.

Arbitration procedure

Any arbitration under Section 23 above will be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules and Supplementary Procedures for Consumer-Related Disputes (“Supplementary Procedures”), as amended by this Agreement. The Supplementary Procedures are available online at http://www.adr.org/aaa/ShowPDF?doc=ADRSTG_015820. The arbitrator will conduct hearings, if any, by teleconference or videoconference, rather than by personal appearances, unless the arbitrator determines upon request by you or by us that an in-person hearing is appropriate. Any in-person appearances will be held at a location which is reasonably convenient to both parties with due consideration of their ability to travel and other pertinent circumstances. If the parties are unable to agree on a location, such determination should be made by the AAA or by the arbitrator. The arbitrator’s decision will follow the terms of this Agreement and will be final and binding. The arbitrator will have authority to award temporary, interim or permanent injunctive relief or relief providing for specific performance of this Agreement, but only to the extent necessary to provide relief warranted by the individual claim before the arbitrator. The award rendered by the arbitrator may be confirmed and enforced in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement will preclude you from bringing issues to the attention of federal, state, or local agencies, and, if the law allows, they can seek relief against us for you.

Employment opportunities

Company may, from time to time, post Company employment opportunities on the Site and/or invite users to submit resumes to Company. If you choose to submit your name, contact information, resume and/or other personal information to Company in response to such employment listings, you are authorizing Company to use this information for all lawful and legitimate hiring, employment and other business purposes. Company also reserves the right, at its discretion, to forward such information to Company’s affiliates for their legitimate business purposes. Nothing in this Agreement or contained on the Site will constitute a promise by Company to review any such information, or to contact, interview, hire or employ any individual who submits such information.

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S4 – 02. Bethany and Dan share their math biographies

Promotional graphic for "math teacher lounge," season 4 episode 2, featuring photos and names of math teaching guests Bethany Lockhart and Dan Meyer.

In this episode, co-hosts Bethany Lockhart Johnson and Dan Meyer get personal and share their “math bios”—their early experiences with math and how those experiences turned them into the educators they are today.

Explore more from Math Teacher Lounge by visiting our main page

Download Transcript

Dan Meyer (00:00):

We’re recording. What’s up, everybody. This is Dan Meyer with Math Teacher Lounge.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:08):

And I’m Bethany Lockhart Johnson. We are so excited to be back. Season Four, Episode Two. Hi, Dan.

Dan Meyer (00:16):

Hey, Bethany, how are you doing today?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:18):

I’m so excited to be talking with you! You know, as we record this, our reunion at NCTM is getting closer and closer.

Dan Meyer (00:28):

The NCTM live show is gonna be bonkers. I don’t think people are ready for it. You think you know what we’re about on MTL from listening to us, but the live show is gonna be outta control. You cannot imagine how many clowns and elephants Bethany wants to have at the live show. We’re still—we’re trying to talk her down from like three to one, but we’ll see.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:44):

All I want is the t-shirt cannon. Because I used to go to these baseball games and they would have a t-shirt cannon. And I thought, I wanna operate a t-shirt cannon! So like, if I could be standing on stage aiming t-shirts at people who are jumping up and down requesting a t-shirt? I don’t know. Doesn’t that sound fun?

Dan Meyer (01:01):

Sounds awesome. High point of my college education was catching a t-shirt. No, it was—it was a burrito. It was a burrito cannon. But I think it was just a t-shirt cannon, but it was a burrito cannon. And I caught a burrito at a game and it was probably the most memorable moment of all of college education for me.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (01:16):

Was the burrito still warm?

Dan Meyer (01:18):

Oh yeah. I think it got—like, I think it might’ve been warm at one point and then it got warmed back up through the muzzle velocity of the cannon. So it was a pretty great system they had going on there. <Laugh> Yeah. <Laugh> Anyway, I’m off topic, but, we’re thrilled to—I’m thrilled to chat with you and we’re thrilled to be listened to by you folks out there in MTL land. In the lounge itself. We got a fun show today.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (01:40):

So if you listen to Episode One—which if you haven’t, hope you go back and listen to it—if you listen to Season Four, Episode One, you’re gonna hear—we asked Huon, KT, who is this delight of a joyful teacher. We asked her to talk to us about what’s her math bio. And we want to ask all of our guests—like, I wanna go back and ask every single guest we’ve ever had to tell us their math bio.

Dan Meyer (02:06):

Yep.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (02:06):

Because, while seemingly simple in nature, our students enter our math classroom already having had this relationship with math and these notions about their role in math or what they think about math. And it impacts our school year with them if we’re a teacher. And it impacts our relationship with math as we move through our education and beyond. Right? And I I’m so excited about this question, ’cause I think it also ties into this theme for Season Four, which is joyful math, and diving into “When has math felt joyful? When has it not? Does it feel like—how do we think about how our math bio, our relationship with math, has evolved into a joyful or less joyful place?”

Dan Meyer (02:54):

I get it. And what’s really key here, I think, is that teaching more than other professions is a generational profession. You know what I’m saying? Like, no one is like, “Well, you know, I sold insurance to you and now you’re selling insurance to, you know, my grandkids; that’s amazing!” But people are always posting photos when, like, you teach someone who then becomes a teacher later. Teaching is a generational sort of thing. So the kinds of joyful experiences that we offer or don’t offer students now affect the experiences that students who haven’t even been born yet will have, you know, some 20, 30 years later. That, to me, is a trip. And well-worth exploring, you know, how we got here, mathematically speaking.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (03:39):

I remember a friend had sent me this image of an assignment that her son got that was asking for their Mathography. They wanted to know about their history of mathematics. And this was their first assignment. And this teacher, I would like to imagine, read them all and used it to inform conversations about students’ relationship with math. And, you know, some of the questions they asked were thinking about whether you consider yourself, quote, unquote, “good at math.” Like “what kind of experiences have you had? What do you like or dislike about math? What is, you know—what do you expect to learn in math this year?” Just asking students to actually pause and examine and reflect on their relationship and then also looking forward to, like, what kind of a classroom community do we wanna create? And I loved that assignment. And yeah, so today’s episode Dan, guess what?

Dan Meyer (04:32):

What’s going on? What’s happening?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (04:33):

I figured we should ask each other about our math bio.

Dan Meyer (04:39):

I think the people out there would love to know this about us. ‘Cause you know, we’re both awesome. But also what’s really cool here is that like, I don’t know this about you. Like not, not a lot. You know, the folks at Amplify, they kind of assembled me and Bethany together in the same way that record labels assembled pop boy bands, girl bands, that kind of thing, back in the day. You know, grabbing some stars from screen or film and just like throwing ’em together and saying, “All right, now you’re here to perform together.” And so it’s just a really good moment for us to, like, settle back and just know who we’ve been working with for the last three seasons and change here. I love it.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (05:15):

Well, I don’t know. I don’t actually agree with that, Dan. Because don’t you remember? We knew each other beforehand. And while I would like to think of us as…oh, I’ll say One Direction—well, no, One Direction is now defunct. Who’s another band that got formed by one of those shows and is still together and still—

Dan Meyer (05:33):

BTS! K-Pop, you know! Let’s go!

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (05:35):

K-pop. BTS.

Dan Meyer (05:38):

Let’s go, Bethany <laugh>.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (05:39):

So can we incorporate some K-pop into the NCTM Math Teacher Lounge live episode? Don’t answer now. Don’t answer now. OK. So not only are we gonna share our math bios, but we want to encourage you listeners to share your math bio with somebody in your life. It could be a child in your life, maybe talking to your kiddo about what was it like. What was math like for you? It could be a student that you have. It could be a partner, a friend, a parent. I mean, the sky’s the limit. Share your math bio. And most of all, share with us. We wanna hear about your math bio and you can share it with us at Twitter, at MTLShow, or in our Facebook group, Math Teacher Lounge.

Dan Meyer (06:26):

Stop on by, please. All right. I’m gonna just share like, just a couple of quick, signposts. Not the full bio. Gotta leave them wondering about something here. But here’s a few quick highlights and lowlights of my math bio and how, maybe, it made me the teacher that I was and the educator I am. Is that cool?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (06:44):

Wait, I didn’t even, I didn’t ask you yet.

Dan Meyer (06:46):

Ask me what?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (06:47):

Hey, Dan!

Dan Meyer (06:49):

Is there like a magical word? Like, what’s your math bio? <Laugh> Oh, go for it. No, no, that’s right. They won’t know what I’m talking about. Why is he talking about his math bio? Bethany—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (06:57):

That whole lead-in that we just gave? They might not know.

Dan Meyer (07:00):

Yeah. We just talked about math bios for the last 20 minutes. But yeah, they might not know what we’re—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (07:04):

<laugh> So Dan, why don’t you go first? ‘Cause I know you were gonna ask me to go first, but why don’t you go first? Dan? What’s your math bio?

Dan Meyer (07:12):

Oh, wow. Well, thank you for the formal invitation to share my math bio, Bethany Lockhart Johnson. So, I’ll just share—I just wanna share a couple items here, not the full history. Gotta leave ’em—leave a little mystery in there, you know what I’m saying? But here’s a few highlights and lowlights, and I think what it means for me as an educator. So, I was homeschooled for eight years. That was big—did a lot of math learning on my own. Couple of lowlights from that, a lot of highlights, in terms of just like being able to, like, learn at my own rate and just jump on ahead and pursue different wacky things. But I tried to switch into public school in fourth grade and I lasted, um, four hours. I didn’t even go to class. I enrolled and then it was like, boom, I was out of there. Because we went to the school; we met the teacher, saw the room, very nice person and place. But I got the homework assignment and the homework assignment was gibberish. I had no idea what to do and such was this feeling of just, like, despair and hopelessness, I was like, I cannot be a part of this. I remember the assignment. It was about identifying scalene, isosceles, and equilateral triangles. I’ll tell you this: I am quite good at that now. But at the time, like, I didn’t know what those words meant. And you know, at that moment we had Encyclopedia Britannica, could not Google this or even Ask Jeeves or AltaVista this so well back then. It just—it was an entry moment of failure and realizing that so much of math is like a, kind of a social kind of construct. And if you’re not part of that social circle, what can you do? So that was a bummer. Another bummer was eighth-grade math, learned it all by way of videotape. You know, put in the tape and watch—not gonna say the person’s name and not this person’s fault—but it was just like watching someone work on a whiteboard. Kind of a precursor to Khan Academy, kind of a drag. Went to high school—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (09:02):

Wait, wait, wait, wait. We were—I’m not ready to jump to high school. Wait. Can you pause for just a second?

Dan Meyer (09:06):

Yeah. Rock on.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (09:07):

I just need you to go back to the triangle thing. So in that moment, what did that mean for you that you had had all these experiences with math and then you encounter math in a completely different sphere, a public school, and it did not have a connection or meaning to you because prior to that, it sounds like it was pretty positive. Right? Explore these things you’re curious about; there’s not, like, a level you need to stick with…

Dan Meyer (09:33):

Yep, yep. Yeah. I think that’s right. Maybe it was a little bit of a classic, like, “Oh, I didn’t have a growth mindset; my mindset was like, ‘Oh, I’m good at math because I am, you know, born that way,’” and all of a sudden, that identity was, you know, thrown into question. And, you know, my foundation was all of a sudden quite shaky. And yeah, that’s—you know, I think I taught a lesson recently where I was like, “Hey, this whole thing with a less-than or equal-to sign and a greater-than or equal-to sign, like what those signs are: it’s just, it’s language. And if it’s confusing to you, it’s not because you’re bad at math; it’s ’cause language is oftentimes confusing ’cause people have to agree on it.” So I dunno, that sort of thing is kind of filtered in, filtered back in periodically, some sympathy for like how a lot of math is like just socially agreed upon ways of working with, you know, numbers, shapes, patterns, that kind of thing.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (10:20):

OK.

Dan Meyer (10:21):

Anyway.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (10:21):

  1. And in this home school—I have a lot of questions about that, but I’ll stick to one—were you in a community of people that you talked about these math ideas with? Were you homeschooled solo? You have a sibling, so I think you were together, right?

Dan Meyer (10:39):

Yeah. Yeah. I’ve got a twin sister. So we were, you know, like, right on with each other the whole way through there. And yeah, so we had—but it wasn’t, it wasn’t like a—it was a lot of individual work, with my flavor of homeschooling.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (10:54):

  1. Got it. And the tapes—wait, before you go to high school, the tapes, the VHS tapes, which I’m just loving this image—

Dan Meyer (11:02):

Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (11:02):

Was that a positive experience? Was that because that was an area of math that whoever was homeschooling you wasn’t that comfortable with? Why was it that route for the tapes, and what was that? Was that joyful for you?

Dan Meyer (11:15):

Yeah, definitely not joyful. Yeah, it was like, if you had questions, you couldn’t really ask them of the VHS tape. It didn’t work out so well in that way. And it was a lot of operational-type math. It was, you know—there was no give and take; it was all kind of take. From the video teacher. And yeah, I was doing that because my homeschool teacher, my mom, who is very smart in lots of areas, did not have the math knowledge or confidence, especially to help with math at eighth grade. And that was a big reason why, flash-forward to the next year, went to high school.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (11:48):

Nice segue. OK.

Dan Meyer (11:50):

<laugh> You caught up to high school…I encountered just like four years of just crazy-good, just bonkers-good math teachers who just really changed a lot for me. Especially, Mr. Bishop and Mr. Cavender, very cool folks who did a lot. And especially, I think Mr. Bishop and Cavender both modeled for me what curiosity from a knowledgeable adult looks like. Like someone who, you know, now I can say to myself, “Oh, they were kind of like putting on an act of being very curious about answers they were hearing for the 2000th time from a student,” let’s say, but what a powerful experience that was for me to feel like, “Oh, wow, my thoughts are interesting to someone besides myself.” I got like, maybe it’s two real highlights that I’ll just point to, from my math bio that made me the math teacher and person that I am. Let’s see here. Maybe three, if you you’ll indulge me. One is just like the idea that you could do math wherever you have your brain, a pencil and a paper. And so I remember like in high school, I was in church with my family and kind of a little bit bored of whatever’s going on. And I just had the Bolton and I like drew a pentagon, a regular one, then a hexagon, a regular one, and kept on drawing, like adding sides to the shape. And it was like, it was becoming a circle. And, you know, I was able to take the area of each of those shapes and say, you know, “What happens as you send the number of sides to infinity?” And watch as the formula for area of a circle, Pi R squared, popped out. And it was kind of a literal religious experience, in that moment, just like, “Wow, like my brain’s so cool and math is so cool and paper and pencil’s so cool.” And so there’s that. Just that kind of experience was pretty awesome. And then I would just say like, I’ve had some really fantastic experiences with math in the world itself. Stuff like—let’s see, this is gonna invite more questions from Bethany, probably, maybe I should avoid—I got, I have a Guinness—I have a Guinness world record that’s almost 20 years old. This Guinness world record is—it’s old enough to drive basically at this point. And almost old enough to drink. But like it was—it was a record for chaining the longest paper clip chain together in 24 hours. And the only way I was able to break that record was through mathematics. Where, like, I would be finishing a box of clips. And I would say to my buddy who was there, “I just finished a box of clips.” And that person would type in the number of clips that I had just done. And then a mathematical formula that I had created would tell me how many—how long the chain was at that point. It was being rolled around a spool. And like, it’s just like, wow. So math just made this possible. You know, math revealed that the record I was trying to beat was beatable, because I did the math on it. It was, like, thousands of feet long in 24 hours. And other folks might be like, “Oh, like, that’s that’s huge!” But me, I was like, “All right, let’s divide this out. You know, divide by 24 hours in a day, divide by 60 minutes an hour, 60 seconds in a minute. Oh, that’s like one clip every four seconds. That’s really slow.” You know, think about that <counts aloud>, “Clip, two, three, four. Clip two, three…” It was just slow. So math helped me, you know, wreck that record. Which to my knowledge still still stands. Don’t get any ideas, Math Teacher Lounge Folks! Is this news to you, Bethany? You haven’t blinked in the last, like, five minutes. I’m curious if this is new.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (15:20):

It is news to me. And I have so many questions. Because OK, if four seconds was slow, so then what was your like—so then I’m assuming a hundred clips per box? Like, what was the rate, you know, per box? How long did it take you to complete a box? What did this friend like? Did this friend stick with you for the whole 24 hours? Did you really do it for 24 hours? Or once you beat the record, did you rest? How did you account for biological function? Like, needs? Like a restroom?

Dan Meyer (15:51):

<Interrupting> Like what?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (15:51):

Eating.

Dan Meyer (15:51):

Like what, Bethany? OK.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (15:52):

Um, Sleep.

Dan Meyer (15:55):

So yeah, maybe we dive into some of the specifics in a different time.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (15:59):

Just tell me one of ’em. Tell me one.

Dan Meyer (15:59):

I’ll just say. So as to discourage other Math Teacher Lounge listeners from taking this on—back off of the record, folks!—this was back in college, so I was a little more limber back then. But I did one—I think it was 1.8 seconds per clip. For an entire 24 hours. Just like, so just like think about it, would you? If you’re gonna step to me on this one, just think about that, OK? And then, and then, you know, make an informed decision.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (16:28):

Wait. Wait, wait, I just wanna tell you one thing. I’m picturing somebody with a straw, and like, giving you water as you keep clipping. I’m picturing, like, music, I…

Dan Meyer (16:37):

That’s not far. That’s not far. That’s not far from—yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (16:40):

So many questions! OK. Go on. Sorry, sorry, sorry. Go on. This is your bio.

Dan Meyer (16:44):

We gotta, I gotta wrap this up. I wanna hear your bio. But, like, I would just say like this move to this sense that math is actually a thing that’s useful for more than just a grade; it’s useful for more than just, you know, the societal, you know, adulation that comes from being a math nerd. That kind of thing. And so that, I think that affected a lot of math teaching for me. And, if I gotta, like, summarize math teaching itself in a journey, it went from like, “Hey kids, aren’t I awesome?” to, “Hey kids, isn’t math awesome?” to “Hey kids, aren’t you awesome?” And like that journey was facilitated by lots and lots of people, you know, a lot of personal growth, but at this point, at one point I was like, “Hey, math can help you get records and whatnot. It’s really useful.” And now I’m like, “Wow, your brain’s just doing just really interesting things. I can help you understand how interesting those things are, and maybe make them more interesting, or interesting in a different way, with some help here.” Let’s put a pin in that. That’s the math bio.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (17:50):

  1. So I have no doubt that if you ask someone in your life, listeners, for their math bio, that you will discover things about them that you never knew. Literally the questions that I have…I have so many question. And Dan is very good at, you know, bringing me back. Bring me back, like, come on, come on. But I just wanna say, overall, your journey seems pretty joyful. It seems pretty joyful. It seems pretty full of confidence. I don’t wanna say “ego” in a negative way, but I wanna say you were buoyed by these experiences that allowed you to feel like math was a place for you to thrive.

Dan Meyer (18:36):

Right.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (18:36):

Where you could try out things. You could try it out and just, “I could do that!” Right? Like…your relationship just felt very, like…you felt like you had autonomy, agency, perhaps much like you, you operate in this world. Dan, is that, is that right <laugh>?

Dan Meyer (18:54):

Yeah, I think it’s fair to say. And without telling too much of her story, my twin sister with whom I share most things, including genetics, you know—she had a very different experience in math early on. She’s brilliant. She’s a doctor. And not, you know, the book kind of doctor that I am, but like a real, you know, medical doctor. She’s brilliant. But we were—we encountered different messages about who math was made for, early on in, you know, in our entire math learning. And she—we both digested the messages that we were sent, and took, you know, different, different paths because of them, for sure.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (19:31):

Funny how that works. I thank you, Dan. I do. For in all sincerity, I appreciate you sharing that. And I think that it’s exciting to hear how it influenced your teaching. It feels like you want to cultivate those experiences for your students. And I’ve been in the room when you’ve presented; I was in a room where you taught a class live. It felt like you were making space for the students to have these aha moments. And it feels like in your work at Desmos, and now Amplify, you’re trying to create these products that allow folks to recreate these amazing math moments. Right? And that it’s for everyone and that it’s accessible and it can be very positive. I feel like I have this new perspective on kind of the energy you bring to your teaching. So thank you for sharing that.

Dan Meyer (20:24):

Yeah. Been a pleasure. Thanks for your questions here, Bethany. And it’s been—it’s been fun to reflect on it. And I do—I do feel very lucky in lots of ways. Privileged. Lucky. I know, like—I think the world has been set up for my success in lots of ways, as who I am. But I do just…yeah, I feel—I want more people to experience what it’s like when you walk into a math classroom and it’s like, “Hey, this place is for you. You have interesting thoughts about this. Let’s get ’em out.” So that’s awesome. I would love to hear about you and how you…I mean, we have taught different kinds of kids. You know, I taught kids who I think were somewhat set in, they’re a little bit more solid at secondary in who they are as a math learner. Like “I know who math is and who I am with math.” And I’m really excited to hear what your math bio allowed you to do with students who were perhaps open to the idea that they are very mathematical or at least not yet closed off to those possibilities. So, yeah. What are some of the high, the, you know, the high and low water marks of the making of Bethany Lockhart Johnson, math teacher? <Laugh>

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (21:24):

Thanks for asking, Dan. <Laugh> I’ve shared aspects of my math bio because I think it really informs the way that I talk to people about math and think about math. And I like to share it because I want folks to consider their own journey with math, as we like engage with problem-solving and sense-making and thinking about the students in our classroom. My dad is a math and computer science major. So he had a computer very early on. I wish he had invested in Apple early on when he had like one of the first Apple computers ever. And, sorry, dad, but it’s true. I do wish you had done that.

Dan Meyer (22:10):

I’m sure he does too.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (22:11):

Oh, he does. So math and computers and conversations about counting, you know, it felt like it was kind of just normal. Like it was around me. And I went to Montessori, which is a private school that—oh, they have some public Montessori—but it’s very self-directed. And so we would have these kind of charts, these goals for the day that you explored. And so we would explore math in very, I don’t know, very organic ways, with these natural materials. And I feel like I excelled at math, but it wasn’t something that I was conscious of. It was just like, “Oh, well, yeah. Math, it’s, you know, something we do.” And then when I went to—when I left Montessori in fourth grade, I remember that year being a lot of like repetition. I was like, well, we did this. We covered this. And except for the mission project that we hadn’t done, that was all new. And that’s it. For another time I’ll share about that. But <laugh> then, they actually, I was moved with a group of students to the fifth grade math class, ’cause we had already done the work that we were doing. And so, it wasn’t that it felt like it came easily, but it did make sense. What we were doing made sense. And then it all kind of changed. There was a lot of change in my family. There was, like, missed school time. And we moved and I went to a new middle school and I was in this environment with students who—it was like an accelerated program. And so I was in this environment with students who were pretty competitive with each other. And I remember going—and I was not from of a competitive environment; like Montessori is not competitive. It’s not about that.

Dan Meyer (24:02):

Right. Right.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (24:02):

It’s—it was very strange to me that I would be competing against anyone, even competing against myself. And I, you know, knew how to set goals. But it was a different level of energy. And I felt like, because I wasn’t competitive in that nature, I felt like that kind—I felt on the outside of a lot of the energy. Besides the regular, like, middle-school feeling outside of things. And I remember the first friend that I made. Hi, Susan! She had said to me, this was like maybe our second week of school, she’s like, “Oh, at lunchtime, come with me to math club.” And I was like, “OK.” And I remember walking into that room and I had no idea what was going on. And so that was one of the first times where I was just like, “Whoa, I have absolutely no concept of what they’re talking about or what.” These are my peers. I felt very—it was very—it was strange. It was strange. I was like, “This doesn’t feel like a space for me at all.” When I think ordinarily I was kind of excited about the idea of going to math club at lunch, you know? And over middle school, I kind of just got progressively more and more behind. It started with missing some work and then missing more and then checking out. And, you know, the problem was that I really made it about myself. That, like, it wasn’t something that I was then good at or could do. When really it was that well, pre-algebra, I was having a really hard time in like the rest of my life. And so I wasn’t real present in that class. And so when I got to algebra, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense. And then if I missed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, well, Thursday is gonna be hard, you know? And, it just got progressively harder and harder. So I had this great idea that between eighth grade and ninth grade, I was going to take this accelerated geometry class. ‘Cause that was the ninth grade class, it was geometry. And I would take it. It was like geometry in three weeks or something. So then when I entered high school, I would’ve gotten this like jumpstart. But I wish I had said, “Oh, I’ll take this, and then in ninth grade I’ll take geometry.” So like I’ve already kind of gotten a preview of the material. But instead I went to the 10th grade math, which was like intermediate algebra, trigonometry. I had absolutely no clue what was going on. And I had a very, very difficult time and I wasn’t ready for that class. But it was exacerbated by the fact that this teacher felt very free to let the freshmen in that class know that they shouldn’t be in that class. That this class was for 10th graders.

Dan Meyer (26:49):

Oh wow. Oh, wow.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (26:51):

And we had a rather contentious relationship. And I will never forget that we were in the hallway, and he says to me, “You don’t belong here.” And I’ve talked to—I’ve talked to a girlfriend of mine about her experiences with this teacher and she has the fondest memories.

Dan Meyer (27:13):

Wow.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (27:14):

She—in fact, almost everyone I’ve spoken with, you know, if we are talking about past teachers or, “Oh, what was that class like?” I mean, they just have these wonderful memories! And for me, my sense of like belonging was already so on a tight rope anyway, that to have this adult, this teacher, tell me, “You do not belong here,” just crushed me. And in hindsight, I think he was saying like, “This class is too hard for you.” I mean, maybe. <Laugh> But all I heard was “You don’t belong here.” And I extrapolated it to connect to math and to anything having to do with math in general. And it just got worse and worse through high school in the world of math. My next math class was even—I had to repeat that class, and still didn’t understand what was going on, and felt more out of place, and, you know, it’s one of those things that I just kind of had started to accept that, I guess, math isn’t for me. I guess I’m just not a math person. Or whatever these stories are that I started to create and build and find evidence for around me that was informing that this wasn’t for me. And I had always done well in school. I was in, you know, accelerated classes. I felt like I was capable of problem solving. And yet in math, I just felt like I had all of this evidence saying that I didn’t belong there. And so when I went to college, I took whatever two math classes were—you know, I was in performing arts and then I did ethnic studies as well. And I remember you had to take two math classes that were GEs. There were these classes that if you don’t wanna deal with math, you go take those classes. And I was like, “Oh yeah, I’ll take that. I’ll take that.” The gulf widened, you know? <Laugh> And I didn’t feel like anxiety when I had to do things like balance my checkbook or navigate math in everyday spaces. It was just, it would never occur to me that I would like seek out opportunities to engage with math or think about it or talk about it.

Dan Meyer (29:35):

That is—yeah, that’s just so wild, how, I don’t know, like it’s often, from the student’s perspective, it is them in a vacuum with math, and the two of them interact and decide if, you know, if they’re right for each other. But from the grown-up perspective, it’s just, you know, it’s a little bit clearer that your story with math was not just you in math, but you with, you know, various external things happening. With family, various teachers playing their different roles—sometimes, you know, really tragic and horrible roles—and then like the compounding mathematical debt that it feels like you were kind of building up, as challenges in one year didn’t get resolved and moved into the next year and so on. And all that makes me wonder—it makes me, like really, really scared, first of all, because I would bet that your teacher might not even remember that moment, that for you is part of just a pivotal moment in your math story, and how many kids have I played—have I been a part of their story in that way and wouldn’t even recall? You know what I’m saying? So that’s a scary part. And then also I’m just wondering, like, how can we, how can we help kids who are in those moments recognize that, “Oh, this kid is like absent a bunch,” and give them more resources to be successful rather than say, “Well, you just gotta try harder now.” Those are things I’m wondering, hearing your story. Thank you for sharing that. I’d love to know more about how you then became a teacher and what all that did for you as you helped students.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (31:06):

Well, but to answer what you were saying, it wasn’t that I wasn’t—I was always absent physically, but at least like mentally at that point, because it had become so difficult. It didn’t make sense to me. So I was just really checked out in math class, you know? So in hindsight, you know, as a teacher, for sure I can look back, and especially hearing these stories and these experiences my friend had with this teacher and just like chalks up as one of like her most favorite teachers ever! And you know, he clearly did a great job for so many students. But for me, and I think for some people, they would’ve taken those challenges and, you know, it would have fortified them in a different way or something. But for me, I took it upon myself to mean certain things about myself and about my ability and what I was capable of. And so I think, I think in some ways, you know, yeah, it’s all, it’s all interconnected. You know, when your students walk in the door, they’re not this—the things that are impacting them in their life are coming into the room with them. And I don’t think we can take that for granted and think, “Well, if they just focus hard enough…”

Dan Meyer (32:21):

Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (32:23):

So let’s go back to my love of Oprah. You know, Oprah talks about living your best life. And something I really appreciate about Oprah is that she encourages you to examine, like, sticking points, right? Like she doesn’t just say, “Well, this…just pretend nothing ever happened, and everything’s fine!” You know, she really talks about making time for reflection. And I kind of got mad that anytime I thought about math, or math schooling came up. Or, you know, whatever, any time that came up that I just felt UGH about it. And I felt like a failure. And I’m like, “You know what, what if I took a math class? And I’m an adult at this point. I’ve graduated. I have—I’ve left college. I have my degrees. But I said, “What if I took a math class?” So I went down to, the city college and I found out that you have to take this exam, like a placement exam. And I went and took the placement exam. And I remember it’s one of the responsive tests where if you get it right, the next question’s a little harder. And so I’m taking it, panicking, because it’s getting more like…I just, you know. And I remember it placed me in like, whatever, Algebra Something, this class that was far more advanced than I thought I should be in. And I was like, there’s been a mistake! You know, and I went to the counselor and said, you know, “I got these results, but I couldn’t answer a lot of the questions on the test.” She’s like, “No, no, no, that’s how it works.” So I go take this class and the class was hard. And I decided that I was just gonna keep showing up. And every day before class, I kid you not, they had a little math…it was like a math center where you could go in and they had a bunch of tables and you’d sit at the table and you could sit and do your work or whatever. If you had a question, you walked up and put your name on a clipboard and then somebody would come and help you. So I did that, every single—like before every single class I would go in. I’d sit there. I’d do the work. I’d go. And I’d get help. Like somebody would walk over and you know, some kid for whom they’re like this…you know, they’re math—it might be you, Dan! It could be you! It could have been you! You know, would walk over and be like—

Dan Meyer (34:38):

Yeah, I was in Help like that. Naw, it’s awesome. Love, love those people. Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (34:42):

And you know, I did it. And I did so well in the class. I did exceedingly well in the class. And I said—

Dan Meyer (34:50):

Take that! Take that, everything! Every other math experience!

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (34:53):

I said, what?

Dan Meyer (34:55):

Yeah!

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (34:55):

Wait a second.

Dan Meyer (34:56):

Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (34:57):

And it was that I was present. I was not afraid to look at what didn’t make sense. And if something didn’t make sense, it didn’t mean there was something wrong with me. Whaaaaat?

Dan Meyer (35:10):

Yeah. Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (35:10):

So I was just in such a different space. And then I took another math class and that class was even harder. And I did the same thing where I went to the little lab and, you know, and it just buoyed me. And it made me realize that, like, this story, that my experience with it was very powerful and that was a real lived experience, but that it didn’t have to define my relationship with math. But then! I decided I wanted to go back to school to become a classroom teacher. And I totally—this was a couple years after that math class experience. So now, you know, I’m healing my relationship with math through basic positive experiences, da, da, da, you know, doing other work. But fast-forward, for a whole number of reasons, decided to become a classroom teacher. And I freaked out. All of my—like, I’m studying for the GRE and the CSET and all the things you have to the hoops you have to jump through to apply to the masters program and the credential program. And I freaked out. I was so close to quitting, Dan. Because I was convinced that the reason I couldn’t be a classroom teacher is because I wasn’t capable in math. Like I was—it was all that resurfaced. And even though I now had evidence to say something different, to the contrary, it was still so visceral. And I was so scared. But I passed that Math CSET.

Dan Meyer (36:47):

Get it.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (36:47):

I did well enough on the GRE—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (36:50):

Yes!

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (36:50):

You know, I finished my credential. I worked really, really hard. I had to work so hard in my student placement, when I was student teaching for a fifth-grade class, ’cause I felt like, “Oh my God!” I mean, now I could do the mathematics, but I couldn’t TEACH it to someone, you know? But I had amazing professors at UCI, and my math professors really like just—and my mentor teacher! shout out to Jennifer! shout out to Phil!—these amazing mentor teachers who just loved teaching and who loved—like you said, you have these teachers in your life who you got to see the way that they listened to students. They taught me about that love of listening to students. And then I fell in love with, you know, CGI, cognitively guided instruction, and started learning all about all of these educators who just wanna learn from students’ thinking. And it was just so powerful. And I realize as a kindergarten teacher that I have this really special role in helping to create space for a positive school experience. Like we get to talk about—I talk about my students as mathematicians; they’re writers; they’re thinkers; they’re problem-solvers. And I also want to make space for parents. Some of them, this is their first kid in kindergarten, and they brought all of their experiences, a lot of it negative, that they had had with mathematics. So I felt like it was such an exciting opportunity to help show parents how they could have conversations about math with their students. That also, I hope helped heal their own anxiety with mathematics.

Dan Meyer (38:41):

Right, right.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (38:42):

Like, I’ve not even scratched the surface of math learning. But I just have such a changed perspective and relationship with math. And I just fell in love with the sense-making. And I fell in love with the journey of it. I still experience math anxiety about a wide variety of things, but I do love it. And I feel like there’s a space for me in relationship with math. And that really excites me.

Dan Meyer (39:09):

Yeah. Wow. Listen to that folks. We, we don’t deserve her! Bethany Lockhart Johnson! She got some math game and could have gone off there and, you know, become an accountant or something. And she chose to hang with kids and their parents. That’s so wild that you’re like rehabbing parents and their self-conception about mathematics at the same time. I think that is so cool.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (39:32):

Well, thanks Dan Meyer. I gotta tell you, I don’t know when or if I’ve ever shared that much of my math story. So there is a certain amount of vulnerability there. But thanks for listening. And I’m glad that, you know—I think there’s space for us to talk about these things that we care deeply about, but that can be really complicated.

Dan Meyer (39:56):

Yes. Yes. And I love how you you’ve really sharpened the point on what I feel like I know in my brain, but not my body all the time: That individual teachers are huge. Like, individual teachers, and individual moments of teaching, are just not something to play with. You know, like that kid that’s in fifth grade having a tough time, like there could be a month or a day-long period where all of a sudden, like, you’re just like, “Oh yeah, I’m back in the mix; like, me and math are still buddies.” And there’s also like moments that you had, where like one casual word from a teacher can just really put a huge wedge between you and a discipline that needs and wants you and your intellect in it.That’s a really powerful testimonial. Not just for math, but for teaching, your teaching bio.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (40:43):

I agree with you. And I also, I also…you know, I think we can’t put this—we are human. Teachers are human. And so I’m sure there’s things I’ve said to students. Twenty-second story: a student stapled his finger in my class. <Laugh> And I remember holding his hand and saying, “Why did you do that?” And I wasn’t yelling at him, but it was like, I am sure the panic in my face…like, that’s what he’s gonna remember about kindergarten. Right? <Laugh>.

Dan Meyer (41:19):

Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (41:20):

That. He will remember that. He won’t remember the really cool city project we did. He’s gonna remember his teacher holding his hand, in his face: “Why did you do that?”

Dan Meyer (41:30):

Yeah. Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (41:30):

You know, so we’re human. And yes, it was awful that that teacher said that to me. There were a thousand other ways that he could have said whatever it was he was thinking. And that did deeply wound me. But despite his influence—because teachers do have a lot of power and I think they need to examine that power, ongoing—it still doesn’t have to define us. So I don’t wanna put this pressure, like—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (41:55):

Sure.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (41:56):

“So never ever say anything negative!” You know, we’re human.

Dan Meyer (42:00):

I feel like that kid is currently on some office-supply podcast talking about “your office-supply bio” and saying, “Let me tell you how I first got really freaked out by staples. Here’s the deal: I only use paper clips. And here’s why.”

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (42:15):

“Here’s why.” But then—callback!—he’s going to stumble upon THIS podcast and think, “And because I’m so adept with paper clips, I can beat that record!”

Dan Meyer (42:30):

Though—aaay! whoa! Settle down!

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (42:31):

BOOM.

Dan Meyer (42:31):

Don’t get any ideas, kid. No way. Uh-uh. I don’t like that at all. That’s not what—that’s not what I want to have happen here. No, thank you.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (42:41):

Well, I’m spent, Dan. I need a nap.

Dan Meyer (42:45):

Yeah. I need a box of Kleenex. I need a nap. I need a—yeah, for sure, a baba. Uh-huh. Definitely. Hey, so look, I’m not expecting you folks out there in the lounge to kind of give us the same depth or breadth. You know, we are here, of course, for your entertainment. Feast on our stories and dramas. But I would love to know at some point, like, what are a few, a few moments that really came to define you mathematically? Came to influence you as a teacher? I think we would do really well for each other to understand that about all of our processes. So yeah, I would just toss in a plug in for Twitter, @MTLShow, or Facebook, Math Teacher Lounge; it would be fantastic to hear from you.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (43:24):

Thanks so much for listening.

Dan Meyer (43:25):

Thanks, folks. Bye now.

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What Dan Meyer says about math teaching

“Teaching, more than other professions, is a generational profession. The kinds of joyful experiences we offer, or don’t offer, now affect the experiences students that haven’t even been born yet will have years later.”

– Dan Meyer

Meet the guests

Dan Meyer

Dan Meyer taught high school math to students who didn’t like high school math. He has advocated for better math instruction on CNN, Good Morning America, Everyday With Rachel Ray, and TED.com. He earned his doctorate from Stanford University in math education and is currently the Dean of Research at Desmos, where he explores the future of math, technology, and learning. Dan has worked with teachers internationally and in all 50 United States and was named one of Tech & Learning’s 30 Leaders of the Future.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson

Bethany Lockhart Johnson is an elementary school educator and author. Prior to serving as a multiple-subject teacher, she taught theater and dance and now loves incorporating movement and creative play into her classroom. Bethany is committed to helping students find joy in discovering their identities as mathematicians. In addition to her role as a full-time classroom teacher, Bethany is a Student Achievement Partners California Core Advocate and is active in national and local mathematics organizations. Bethany is a member of the Illustrative Mathematics Elementary Curriculum Steering Committee and serves as a consultant, creating materials to support families during distance learning.

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About Math Teacher Lounge: The podcast

Math Teacher Lounge is a biweekly podcast created specifically for K–12 math educators. In each episode co-hosts Bethany Lockhart Johnson (@lockhartedu) and Dan Meyer (@ddmeyer) chat with guests, taking a deep dive into the math and educational topics you care about.

Join the Math Teacher Lounge Facebook group to continue the conversation, view exclusive content, interact with fellow educators, participate in giveaways, and more!

Winter Wrap-Up 01: Problem-solving and facilitating classroom discussions

Promotional graphic for Math Teacher Lounge podcast, episode 1, featuring Fawn Nguyen, Christy Thompson, and Kassia Omohundro Wedekind discussing classroom problem-solving and discussions.

As we prep for an exciting new season of Math Teacher Lounge: The Podcast, hosts Bethany Lockhart Johnson and Dan Meyer are looking back at the amazing speakers and conversations from past episodes and sharing some of their favorites!

First up: A season 2 double feature of the power of problem-solving with Fawn Nguyen and Facilitating Classroom Discussions with authors Christy Hermann Thompson and Kassia Omohundro Wedekind.

Fawn is a specialist on Amplify’s advanced math team and a former math teacher and math coach—so she knows her stuff! You’ll hear about her five criteria for good problem-solving problems, and the power and importance of exposing all students to problem-solving.

Then, we’ll move into Bethany and Dan’s conversation with Christy and Kassia to learn how hands-down conversations allow students to become better listeners and the steps you can take to implement hands-down conversations in your classroom.

Explore more from Math Teacher Lounge by visiting our main page.

Download Transcript

Dan Meyer: (00:01)

Hey folks. Welcome back to Math Teacher Lounge. My name is Dan Meyer.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (00:03)

And I’m Bethany Lockhart Johnson. Hello! Happy New Year! Hello, Dan Meyer.

Dan Meyer: (00:09)

HNY, Bethany. HNY to you and to all of the listeners out there in Math Teacher Lounge. HNY is the abbreviation that I use sometimes.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (00:18)

Oh, is that what that is? Is that—I wasn’t sure what that was. If on my birthday you send me HBD…no.

Dan Meyer: (00:25)

Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (00:25)

No. Unacceptable.

Dan Meyer: (00:27)

I will. No, you want the full thing. To demonstrate my care for your birthday, I gotta spell the whole thing out. I’m just trying to stay relevant. You know, I’m just trying to stay relevant and youthful. So I’m using The Abreevs.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (00:38)

The Brevvies.

Dan Meyer: (00:40)

To the extent of even abbreviating the word “abbreviation.” . So, any New Year’s resolutions you wanna share with the listeners, Bethany? While you think, I’ll just share mine real quick here. This is the year of the perfect Wordle streak for yours truly, Dan Meyer. I’m going the full 365. Watch. Watch me do it, folks. I’m naming it here. Live on air. recorded on air. Perfect Wordle year. What you got for the listeners, Bethany?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (01:10)

Let’s see. It’s raining very hard here in Southern California, and my newest resolution is to embrace nature. My child wants nothing more than to go and splash in all the puddles.

Dan Meyer: (01:22)

Nice.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (01:23)

And be amongst the mud. And what I’m gonna keep telling myself—and so far, so far, I’ve been doing pretty good with this—thrive, child. Splash. Squish. We can dry you off. You will not melt. So I want to keep finding opportunities. Like, for instance, my response is, “It’s pouring rain. Let’s stay under covers and let’s read this book together!” And his response is like, banging on the windows, like, “Please let me go outside.” So I myself have some rain boots. I’m going to go forth and splash with my child. So hopefully you’ll see me doing that a bit more.

Dan Meyer: (02:08)

Love that.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (02:09)

Ask me what I’m doing. I’m outside, splashing in nature.

Dan Meyer: (02:12)

I don’t wanna put words in your mouth, but I have felt a bit like parenting is a means for rounding out aspects of my own personality that I have felt are—or habits or hobbies that are lacking. Like, I’ve never been real outdoorsy or into camping, but I don’t want that to limit my own kids’ aspirations or interests. So let’s do the thing that’s not super natural for me, for their own sake. Which is kind of what I’m hearing a little bit from you, which—that sounds exciting.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (02:35)

Do you wanna go camping together? Like, our families?

Dan Meyer: (02:38)

Uhhh. Let’s take this one off the air. I also love something that’s more relevant to a teachers audience that you said, that I think is super interesting, is how there’s ways that we can make the jobs harder for ourselves, that are optional. And what I hear from you is like, “I’m just not gonna freak out. We’re getting wet. We’re getting soggy. And I’m just not gonna freak out.” And I just think that that’s interesting to think about, the things that we take on, you know, that’s optional. Freaking out is optional, sometimes. And there’s other areas, I think, for parenting or for teaching, where it’s like, “Oh, do I really need to choose this particular battle?” And to reconsider that.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (03:19)

And in that spirit, our whole Wordle episode that we talked about? Do you remember you talked about how beautiful Wordle mistakes are, and how you keep learning from mistakes? I mean, you obviously want the final correct answer, but just, you know, when you get on a losing streak, Dan, I hope you’ll continue to pat yourself on the back.

Dan Meyer: (03:38)

Well, I will not be taking on a losing streak, or even lose one day. This is what’s gonna happen here. I’m just speaking that and putting it out in the universe.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (03:49)

Speak it!

Dan Meyer: (03:50)

But if it happens, I will be taking a long break from all human interaction. And lamenting, as I do.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (03:59)

Camping. Dan’s off in the woods, weeping.

Dan Meyer: (04:01)

That’s right. That’s right. Yeah. Well, we wanna share with you folks—an exciting programming note is that we are currently working very hard on producing a special fifth season of this podcast. You thought the other seasons were special? Let me tell you, this fifth season gives new meaning to the word “special.” And we can’t wait to tell you more about that. But in the meantime, Bethany, you wanna tell ’em what we’re up to in the meantime?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (04:26)

Well, Dan and I went back and we were having a conversation about some of our most favorite conversations, or the conversations that people bring up to us. Like, when we were at the CMC conference, or NCTM, folks, when we talk about the podcast, they’re like, “Oh, I loved this one.” “Oh, I love this one.” And that, to me, I don’t know, that is exciting. And so, while we’re putting together this new season over these next few weeks, we’re gonna feature a few of our favorite conversations from our first four seasons. Dan, four seasons!

Dan Meyer: (04:59)

We’ve been at this for four seasons! And I do want to just emphasize something you said, Bethany: that all of our conversations are our favorite conversations. They’re all our special children. What we just felt like you, the listeners, did not quite learn enough from some of these, and so we really needed you to hear them again to make sure you got everything that you should get out of them. So, let’s tell ’em who’s up first. And who’s up first is a conversation we had about problem-solving with Fawn Nguyen, who’s an advanced math team specialist here at Amplify. Been a former math coach, math teacher. Just really done the work, is what I’d say about Fawn.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (05:38)

If you have been listening to this podcast, you’re like, “Whoa, whoa. Wait, I have not missed an episode. I didn’t hear Fawn’s interview.” That is because we used to be video only, not podcasts. So this conversation with Fawn was from, what, our second season?

Dan Meyer: (05:55)

Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (05:56)

And we were on video. And another thing about it is it was, this is a conversation that, when folks talk about problem-solving, a lot of the responses we’ve gotten are like, “Wait, I’ve never thought of problem-solving this way.” In fact, you’ll hear us say that exact thing . So we really appreciated the time with Fawn. And yeah.

Dan Meyer: (06:17)

Enjoy it, folks. Especially enjoy Fawn’s—I think a four-part?—definition of problem-solving, a word that’s often kind of mushily defined. And Fawn really goes into, I think, precision and depth on it. So hope you folks enjoy it.

Dan Meyer: (06:35)

Give a wave, Fawn, to the camera. Would you? Cool. Fawn has been a teacher for a very long time. She is someone who could have left the classroom at any point and taken any number of jobs in the math-teaching universe. But I’ve always admired that Fawn has taught kids for a very long time, and that has given her, in my view, just a lot of clarity on what is important to her about students. I’ve seen her not get upset or obsessed with certain kinds of small niche issues that a lot of us, like, they get a lot of us down in the classroom, sometimes. And she’s maintained a laser focus on among many other things, problem-solving as a virtue in mathematics classrooms. So, please welcome Fawn to our show. Fawn, thanks so much for being here.

Fawn Nguyen: (07:18)

Hey, thank you so much. Thank you. I am so excited and honored that you guys invited me for this, Bethany and Dan.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (07:24)

Thank you for being here.

Fawn Nguyen: (07:26)

I love you, Bethany. Dan, I can tolerate, but I love you.

Dan Meyer: (07:30)

I really worked myself up there on that complimentary opening for you, and that’s how you get me back, here? OK. Problem-solving is fully on the consciousness of math teachers. Every math teacher knows that they need to say, like, “Yeah, oh, problem-solving. Yes. Love it. Do it. I dig it.” But even so, I feel like it’s become kind of a buzzword. Like, it’s not always obvious what that means…or am I doing problem-solving, really? So we’re curious: As someone who is a problem-solving expert, who is asked all over the world to talk about problem-solving: How do I know if I’m doing problem-solving in my classroom?

Fawn Nguyen: (08:12)

This is not my definition of it, but—nor am I an expert, by the way, Dan, thank you! but I try really, really hard and work on it!—my definition—or it’s not my definition, but I like it because it’s short and honest—is “problem-solving is what we do when we don’t know what to do.” And so—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (08:32)

Ooh!

Fawn Nguyen: (08:32)

—with that mind-frame, I’m hoping teachers think more about what they task. Because I think it gets mislabeled a lot, as to what is problem-solving. If the kids already know what to do, there’s a solution path. Then it’s not problem-solving.

Dan Meyer: (08:48)

Yeah. So what are examples then? An example of, like, I might call something problem-solving, but it it fails that particular definition that you just proposed there. Very short, very honest definition.

Fawn Nguyen: (08:59)

Just, it needs to have constraint and contradiction to what the kids think naturally. It should come as a surprise. There’s an element of surprise in it. There’s tension.

Dan Meyer: (09:11)

Maybe if there’s harder numbers or, you know, decimals or fractions in the same kind of procedure…I can feel myself thinking, “Yeah, this is hard. This is problem-solving. Problem-solving equals hard. But we already know what to do.”

Fawn Nguyen: (09:27)

Or just word problems. That’s the most common thing. As soon as it just has words attached to the math, it becomes problem-solving. But that’s just coding it to me. That’s just coding it with words, wrapping it around. It doesn’t mean anything until we read through and see if there’s true problem-solving in it.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (09:45)

Like, what’s the moment that it becomes problem-solving? In the way that you envision it?

Fawn Nguyen: (09:53)

Well, I think there’s the bigger problem-solving of really bringing a task…I wanna call it left field. It just—we rarely ever, if ever, see it in the regular coursework, but it can also be problem-solving if we just take what we expect the children to do at the end of the unit, how about we front-load that? To me, that’s also problem-solving. And I’m trying to encourage teachers to do that last problem first. The task writers put more thought—not that they don’t do the rest of it!—but you know, this is a special one, because they label it “challenge,” or “enrichment,” or “are you ready for more?” I’ve seen those. And so it is this really special problem. And I would love for us to think about “do that first.” Because my biggest fear is that because it comes at the end, that not all the children are involved. And so that to me is the saddest part. Because we might not get to it, right? In mathematics, we always think, “OK, well, let’s do these problems and then we don’t have time for the rest.” But I think that’s your richest task right there, is at the very end. So why don’t we front-load it, start it, and it’s OK—of course it’s OK!—that we don’t all get it. But the exposure to all students is so important. Talk about, you know, equity. Talk about that, everybody gets the same thing. If everyone dug into that first one with everybody’s collaboration, and we get to share that, and then we leave it, because “Yeah, OK, now we learn more of the other stuff, right? That hopefully support. And then we can go back. And now everybody had a chance to go get into it, and then we can come back to it as, as many problems, we need to go back to it.”

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (11:37)

And that feels so powerful. Because it feels like—as a teacher, I’m thinking it would also inform my work, how I approach the unit, and how I approach the next steps. Right? Like, what kind of work would we be doing if I let it, if I allow it, to change the way that I approach the unit.

Dan Meyer: (11:58)

Yeah. What you’re describing is so powerful, and really asks a lot of the task designers as well, I think. There are problem-solving tasks that really require, like, abstract knowledge of the way formulas and variables fit together. And what I love about what Amplify is doing with their problem-solving, what you’re helping them do, is that they start with a true low floor that can draw in every student. And they might get stuck at different places; that’s fine. But everyone has a way in. That’s exciting.

Fawn Nguyen: (12:24)

It’s a big deal for me to have this opportunity and this trust, to integrate problem-solving into the curriculum, make it intentional. It’s difficult to implement. It is, to be honest. Because for me, what is a good task? This makes one of my four criteria: One is, it is non-routine. It is simply stated. Simply stated—that’s like your low floor. And then has multiple solutions. And the fourth: This makes it. Because that the teacher enjoys solving it. And so you have to enjoy solving it to bring it. Because so that way I can say to my kids, “This is my gift.” It really is, Because, you know, it has so much fun and joy. And I appreciate the struggle. And I wanna illustrate an example. For example, let’s say Dan and I are classmates. And I know that Dan gets A’s on his tests and the lowest score he ever got was an 89%. I, on the other hand, just sitting right next to him, I average D. I have a D average on everything. While Bethany, our amazing and wonderful teacher, brings in a problem. And when she brings it in, she says, “I worked on this problem. I found this problem; I worked on it; and I struggled with it. And it was amazing. I enjoyed it so much, I’m sharing it with you.” And all of a sudden it’s like, “OK!” And I”m sitting there, right? My teacher loves this problem so much; she’s bringing it in to share with us. And now, all of a sudden, it’s not, you know…and I know she only gives us non-routine. When she talks about problem-solving, it’s non-routine. So it’s not directly tied to the textbook that I’ve been struggling with. So it gives me a chance, it gives me a chance to contribute. To think differently. And now, suddenly I look forward to working with Dan, because in this space, in this problem-solving space, Dan is no longer Mr. Know-It-All. And so that’s what I mean by—I am saying this a hundred times, and I will not stop saying it—problem-solving levels the playing field. Our world is filled with unsolved problems. Are you kidding me? Right? We look around us, we have so many things that are not solvable, or people are working on it, and yet in mathematics, what happens? The bell rings; we start; and we solve everything during that time, and we leave. And that’s…yeah. No! No! We need to wrestle with problems.

Dan Meyer: (15:04)

And that was our conversation with Fawn Nguyen, which we first released way back in November, 2021. You folks can follow Fawn on Twitter at Fawn P Nguyen. Um, that’s @ F A W N P N G U Y E N.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (15:18)

So our episode today is a double feature. We are featuring another conversation that we loved from Season Two. This is a conversation with Christy Hermann Thompson and Kassia Omohundro Wedekind. They’re authors of the book, “Hands Down, Speak Out: Listening and Talking Across Literacy and Math.” And I don’t know if you remember, but not only did we have a conversation with them, but we did a whole book study on Facebook, a Facebook Live book study, over the course of several months. And it was one of my most favorite things. And then they did a webinar at the end. So our conversation with them on the podcast for me felt like such a beautiful dive into their book. And you know, I’ve said it before, you think you have something down in the classroom, you’re like, “Oh, hand-raising, I’ve got that down.” You think you have it down, but then somebody says, “OK, but have you ever considered thiiiis?” You know, and it just—

Dan Meyer: (16:17)

NOT that??

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (16:18)

, Not that? Something totally different? And I loved talking with them. They’re a lot of fun. And I loved the book.

Dan Meyer: (16:23)

Wonderful conversation, great book. Very provocative ideas. Yeah. As someone who’s like, “OK, classroom management, I gotta get the hand-raising going…”. In the classroom before we talked, they offered a really potent challenge to some really standard classroom management ideas. Yeah. Loved it.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (16:40)

And this conversation also offers some really practical tips for facilitating student conversations. So we think you’ll enjoy it. Here’s our conversation with Christy and Kassia.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (16:53)

So today we are talking about “Hands Down, Speak Out: Listening and Talking Across Literacy and Math, K—5.” And we have the authors here, Kassia Omohundro Wedekind and Christy Hermann Thompson. Before we begin, let’s define what a hands-down conversation is. A hands-down conversation is just another way to structure discourse in your classroom. So in a typical classroom, you might see students raising their hand and waiting on a teacher to call on them before they share their ideas or engage in discussion. But in a hands-down conversation, it’s students’ ideas and voices that are taking the lead, and teachers are stepping back and focusing on listening and facilitating. Hello! Welcome to the Lounge.

Kassia Omohundro Wedekind: (17:44)

Thank you. We’re excited to be here. We’re fans of Season One. So we’re ready to go.

Dan Meyer: (17:50)

I was a secondary teacher but I still found so much to love about the book. I think facilitating conversations is just generally challenging, and perhaps even more so in math, where answers feel so tightly dialed-in, in lots of ways. But I loved it. I would love for you to just explain to our audience, what is a hands-down conversation and how does that contrast with what might be standard practice for some people? For some classes?

Christy Hermann Thompson: (18:13)

We just started using the term hands-down conversation because we wanted to differentiate the fact that there are different times to have different types of dialogue in the math classroom, in the literacy classroom. And we use this as one of our tools. Right? It’s not that every day, all day long, we’re very against hand-raising and should never see that again. We find that having this as one of our tools will be where we make really clear to the students that this is a moment where we’re turning it over to you to negotiate the space and make the decisions about when your voice comes in and who speaks next. You know, carry on kind of like that dinner table or that playground or, you know, whatever is your natural habitat for talk. And bringing that into the classroom and then hoping that it also someday transfers back out of the classroom back into the real world.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (19:09)

For the teachers who feel like that’s terrifying to have students just start speaking, and speaking without any sort of control or my little equity sticks, my little popsicle sticks, or my popcorn, or whatever other thing they’re using, what would you say is the first step?

Christy Hermann Thompson: (19:25)

So I think recognizing and naming that fear is part of it. And then saying to yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen here?” You know, I think the worst that could happen is that nobody talks and it’s totally silent. Or on the other hand, everybody talks at the same time. And both of those things will happen! And so what? It’s gonna be messy. And if you just acknowledge that it’s gonna look messy, and that’s part of growing; that every child as they learn—and every adult—is messy as they grow.

Kassia Omohundro Wedekind: (19:59)

And we have to see what kinds of things will happen in a hands-down conversation. Like there’s no prerequisite. You just start and then you see what happens. And those are the signs that tell you, “What can help this community grow as talkers and listeners? If everyone’s talking at the same time, and they’re kind of pushing each other over with their words by saying, “I have something to add!” “I have something to add!” or something like that, that’s a common thing that sometimes happens at the beginning. Then you know that the next step is to do some work about how to hold your thoughts back, how to add, wait for a space in the conversation to talk. And those are all things we need people to know out in the world.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (20:41)

So can you give an example of a micro-lesson that…well, first, what do you define as a micro-lesson? And then, what’s an example of one that maybe somebody who wants to dip their toe into the world of hands-down conversations that they could try?

Christy Hermann Thompson: (20:56)

The reason we call them micro-lessons is because we wanted to differentiate from the term mini lesson, which is out there and tends to describe about 10 or 15 minutes that might take place at the beginning of a work period of time. And this is much smaller than that. We usually follow a pretty predictable structure of naming. Here’s this thing that’s so helpful when we’re having conversations, and we love to especially be able to name something that a student had done: “Kaylee did this yesterday and it really helped us.” So what we might call that is, “And then here’s how Kaylee and other people might do that. They might do something like this.” And, you know, having a little anchor chart, so there’s a visual reminder of that skill. “So when we’re having a conversation today, you could try…”. And that’s basically a micro-lesson, just in a nutshell.

Kassia Omohundro Wedekind: (21:51)

When I was doing these hands-down conversations and I had more space for myself to listen as a teacher, I’m like, “Well, look at those kids, like, slumped onto the ground, like, pulling the carpet apart, but they’re having this amazing conversation!” And so I learned that listening is a lot broader. So in this lesson that I’m thinking about, we just talk with kids about what are lots of different ways that listening can look like. Sometimes with younger kids, I’ll take pictures of them listening in different ways and we’ll notice things about them together. And then we invite them to talk with their Turn and Talk partner about like, “How do you like to be listened to?” Or “Tell me about how you listen.” And just kind of broaden that. And really, I like to think that like the micro-lessons are for the kids, but also I’m saying those things to say them for myself. Like, “Remember, you don’t have to insist that kids are staring each other down in the eyes all the time. Like, “It’s OK when they’re doing other things. There’s other ways of listening.” So I think I’ve learned as much from the micro-lessons each time I do them as the kids that I’m trying to help grow as listeners and talkers, as well.

Dan Meyer: (23:00)

You folks have a lot of really eloquent ideals you express, around democratic classrooms and engagement. But you also have just some very tangible, practical…even down to, like, how a teacher positions their body in space and the way they use their eyes to connect. I think it would be really helpful for teachers to hear that it’s not just they’re signing on to a manifesto of sorts, but there’s ways they can act their way into the beliefs that you both expressed here.

Christy Hermann Thompson: (23:26)

When I’m starting hands-down conversation work, if I put myself a little bit outside of the circle and look down, and give myself a clipboard, it, it helps me bite my tongue and it helps me give better wait time and see what the kids are doing before I have that tendency to jump in and teach and do lots of teacher-y things.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (23:48)

Kassia and Christy, thank you so much for joining us. We are so excited to have this conversation and to share your work. This is exciting. And I feel like this conversation is just the beginning of a deeper dive into this book.

Kassia Omohundro Wedekind: (24:01)

Thanks for having us.

Christy Hermann Thompson: (24:02)

Thank you.

Dan Meyer: (24:03)

Thank you both.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (24:06)

Thanks so much for listening to our conversations with Fawn Nguyen and Christy Hermann Thompson and Kassia Omohundro Wedekind, both of which were released in 2021, part of our second season. And, you know, we hoped you enjoyed listening to it for a first, second, maybe third, fourth time.

Dan Meyer: (24:24)

Let’s be real. There’s some real fans out there.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (24:26)

We loved it then. We love it now!

Dan Meyer: (24:28)

Yep, yep, yep. Please keep in touch with the show by following us on Twitter at MTL Show, and join our Facebook group, the Math Teacher Lounge community. We’d love to hear from you there. And please stay tuned for more info on what we’re cooking up here in the Math Teacher Lounge. Thank you folks for listening. Take care, Bethany.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson: (24:47)

Bye now.

Stay connected!

Join our community and get new episodes every other Tuesday!

We’ll also share new and exciting free resources for your classroom every month.

What Fawn Nguyen says about math teaching

“It’s a big deal for me to have the opportunity and this trust to integrate problem-solving into the curriculum.”

– Fawn Nguyen

Specialist, Math Advance Team, Amplify Desmos Math

Meet the guests

Fawn Nguyen

Fawn began her work with Amplify in 2022 as a Math Advance Team Specialist. She was a math coach for a K-8 school district for three years, and a middle school teacher for 30 years before that. Fawn has also received a number of accolades as an educator.

Christy Thompson

Christy Thompson is a Literacy Coach in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia. She has spent her teaching and coaching career particularly focused on listening to and learning from the talk of our youngest students.

Kassia Omohundro Wedekind

Kassia Omohundro Wedekind spent many wonderful years as a classroom teacher and math coach in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia and now splits her time between being an independent math coach and an editor at Stenhouse Publishers. Her favorite days are spent in classrooms learning from the many ways children talk, listen and negotiate meaning together.

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About Math Teacher Lounge: The podcast

Math Teacher Lounge is a biweekly podcast created specifically for K–12 math educators. In each episode co-hosts Bethany Lockhart Johnson (@lockhartedu) and Dan Meyer (@ddmeyer) chat with guests, taking a deep dive into the math and educational topics you care about.

Join the Math Teacher Lounge Facebook group to continue the conversation, view exclusive content, interact with fellow educators, participate in giveaways, and more!

How problem-based learning can transform the math classroom

With test scores and student engagement on the decline, it’s clear that traditional teaching methods aren’t meeting the needs of all of today’s math learners.

One solution that’s gaining momentum is problem-based learning. By focusing on real-world problems and structured approaches, this approach develops critical thinking, reasoning, and application—skills that are essential for math success.

But making this shift isn’t easy. For math teachers and educators, it requires careful planning, a clear strategy, and community commitment.

That’s why we’re here to help.

The decline in test scores and engagement

The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results show a sharp decline in math proficiency across grade levels. Only 26% of eighth graders performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level in 2022. These results represent the largest score declines in NAEP mathematics at grades 4 and 8 since initial assessments in 1990. The pandemic didn’t help, but it’s not the only factor.

This downward trend is compounded by a sense of disengagement. According to YouthTruth’s report Making Sense of Learning Math: Insights from the Student Experience, only half of students feel that what they’re learning in math connects to the real world. Recent survey data also shows that less than half of U.S. students feel that they “often” or “always” work on interesting problems in math class.

When math feels irrelevant or intimidating, students disengage—and the learning gaps that follow can be difficult to close.

An opportunity to grow

But the data also includes opportunities. According to NAEP research, more than 70% of students report that they enjoy activities that challenge their thinking and thinking about problems in new ways.

Problem-based learning helps give those students what they want.

And in a world that relies increasingly on data, analysis, and innovation, students need to learn not just how to follow steps and apply formulas, but how to think mathematically. In other words, problem-solving skills need to be part of student learning. This is particularly important in elementary and middle school math, where foundational concepts are built—and where students have the chance to forget their identities as “math people.”

That’s why working to infuse problem-based math learning into your district’s instruction can help reverse negative math and engagement trends.

What does problem-based learning in math look like?

Let’s go back and define this approach more fully. Research shows that math instruction is most effective when it encourages students—individually or grouped with peers—to grapple actively with math problems. When instruction gives students the opportunity and freedom to solve problems, rather than dictating solutions and then having them practice, students are more motivated.

For example, instead of memorizing the formula for calculating area and then practicing it in a series of disconnected problems, students might tackle a problem-solving challenge like:

How much paint is needed to cover our classroom walls?” Or they might work on a broader question such as: “How can we design a park, taking into account constraints like space, cost, and accessibility?

At its core, problem-based learning values mathematical thinking and reasoning. Rather than focusing on procedures and memorization, problem-based learning encourages students to:

  • Explore open-ended problems.
  • Ask questions and make connections.
  • Develop strategies to solve problems collaboratively.
  • Build curiosity and perseverance.
  • Reflect on their reasoning and process.

In the problem-based learning classroom, students are positioned as active participants in their math experiences, building a deeper understanding of concepts as they work through challenges. This is particularly critical for ensuring students don’t just learn math, but understand why it works and how to apply it. These approaches can transform math classrooms into spaces where students build both foundational and real-world math skills—and a healthy dose of math confidence, too.

Critical factors in making the shift

Integrating problem-based learning into traditional math teaching can feel like (and is!) a big change—in lesson-planning, mindset, and more.

To make it work for administrators, teachers, and students alike, schools do best when they focus on a few critical factors. These include:

  • Clear vision: Understand (and communicate) why the shift matters and what it looks like in action.
  • Leadership buy-in: Gain commitment from school leaders and administrators.
  • Teacher support: Offer professional development, resources, and ongoing guidance specific to math instruction.
  • Structured approaches: Establish a well-defined plan for implementing problem-based learning in math classrooms effectively.

What problem-based learning can look like in the classroom

While problem-based learning offers proven benefits, it can be difficult to integrate into the classroom without a clear structure. Teachers need tools and strategies to guide students through the process and ensure that learning goals are met.

A structured approach to problem-based learning in math should include:

  1. Defining the problem: Present a clear, engaging math challenge connected to real-world scenarios.
  2. Student inquiry: Encourage exploration, discussion, and different solution paths.
  3. Collaboration: Support teamwork to share ideas and reasoning.
  4. Reflection: Allow students to evaluate their process, solutions, and learning.

This structured approach not only improves students’ conceptual understanding, but also aligns with Amplify’s research findings, which show that students who engage in active learning outperform their peers in more traditional settings.

By embracing problem-based learning in math classrooms, educators can:

  • Boost student engagement and confidence.
  • Improve student problem-solving and mathematical reasoning skills.
  • Help reverse declines in math achievement over time.
  • Empower students to see the value and relevance of math in academics and in their lives.

Ready to learn more?

If you’re ready to explore how your school can make the shift to problem-based learning in math, our new change management ebook is the perfect place to start. It offers practical guidance, real-world examples, and a deeper look at the strategies highlighted above.

Download the ebook now to discover actionable insights and strategies to help make problem-based learning come alive in your math classrooms.

Managing the change that matters most: Implementing the Science of Reading with integrity

Reading requires deliberate, systematic attention—and so does shifting to the Science of Reading in your school or district. It requires not only the correct curriculum, but also all-new mindsets, metrics, and more. Reflecting years of experience supporting real educators, our resources will walk you through the process of change management in your community—and show you why the shift is worth it.

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How data drives Science of Reading change management

Making the shift requires meticulous planning, open communication, and most importantly, data. Learn how to harness data to drive your implementation forward.

Step 1: Prepare your team

Big change doesn’t happen without buy-in. We’ll help you take the crucial first step of getting your team on board.

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Build a Science of Reading digital bookbag

Getting up to speed with the Science of Reading takes some homework. We’ve pulled some key resources into one place for you and your team.

Download now

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Subscribe to Science of Reading: The Podcast

Tune in to our chart-topping Science of Reading podcast—which recently celebrated four million downloads—to keep up with the latest insights from experts and practitioners. Subscribe to listen to the latest episodes exploring relatable, real-life challenges faced by literacy educators—from managing small groups to delivering trauma-informed instruction—and visit the archives to binge Seasons 1 through 7!

Listen now

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Read The Knowledge Gap and Science of Reading: The Defining Guide

You’ll want to curl up with The Knowledge Gap, Natalie Wexler’s essential work making the case for the power of knowledge to fuel literacy. You can also get all the basics in Science of Reading: The Defining Guide by our friends at the Reading League.

Get Science of Reading: The Defining Guide

Professional development to support your shift to the Science of Reading

Ignite literacy transformation with Amplify’s Science of Reading: The Learning Lab—an inspiring three-course series.

  • Dive into a comprehensive overview with course one, Foundations to the Science of Reading.
  • Examine assessments and their roles in course two, Advanced Topics in the Science of Reading: Assessment and Reading Difficulties.
  • Apply effective literacy instruction to your classroom in course three, Applied Structured Literacy.

Crafted to the standards of the International Dyslexia Association, this self-paced online series provides unparalleled, research-backed instruction. Explore enriching activities, curated resources, and learn from Susan Lambert, chief academic officer and host of Science of Reading: The Podcast.

The best investment you can make is in knowledge, and the returns are priceless.

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Learn more about the online courses or request a quote!

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Tap into individual online course seats.

Step 2: Adopt the right program

Making the Science of Reading a reality in your school means choosing the right evidence-based curriculum.

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Change management

Our Change Management Playbook is your trusted companion in transforming schools with proven strategies. Crafted alongside educators who have successfully pioneered change, this comprehensive guide lays out actionable steps and critical questions for each phase of your implementation journey.

Evaluate curricula and look out for red flags

A core literacy curriculum needs to be aligned with evidence-based practices every step of the way. This curriculum evaluation guide from the Reading League will walk you through the evaluation you need to conduct to ensure that you’re investing in only the best instruction for your students and teachers, and to know that the curriculum you’re selecting is true to the research.

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Make the five most critical instructional shifts

Big change is best done gradually. That’s why we’ve identified five key shifts in reading instruction that will set you on the path to transforming your classroom with the Science of Reading.

Watch our Science of Reading webinars

In our Literacy Is Opportunity webinar series, you’ll learn why it’s crucial to get reading instruction right for all students—and how to make the shifts needed in your school.

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“I really think that educators should make the shift to the Science of Reading because it’s data-driven and purposeful, and it really encourages personalized learning.”

—Mallory Pendergast, Kindergarten Teacher

Circle City Prep, IN

Step 3: Build an evidence-based literacy ecosystem that supports all students

Science-based reading instruction can actually reduce the need for intervention and support. These principles and practices show how evidence and data build a culture of literacy for everyone.

Establish a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) grounded in the Science of Reading

A complete Science of Reading system is one that aligns with a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Because an MTSS includes all students—and stakeholders—it prevents struggles before they happen, setting everyone up for literacy success.

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Explore Amplify’s Science of Reading early literacy suite

Built on more than 20 years of Science of Reading experience, our early literacy suite ensures that research-based and data-driven literacy practices are at the heart of everything you do. The suite includes every component of instruction, from assessment and personalized learning to intervention and professional development.

Bring the Science of Reading to middle school and biliteracy instruction

The Science of Reading can have an impact on learning outside of traditional K–5 literacy instruction, too—it can also address the specific needs of middle schoolers and multilingual students.

View our resources:

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“This goes out to the interventionists, coaches, and administrators … support your staff. Be a part of and/or lead staff trainings, provide push-in support, model and co-teach so that the staff will see that this is not ‘just another initiative.’ Remember, this is the start of a long, powerful journey. Take small steps, do them well, then use data to move on to the next small step.”

— Corey Beil, Instructional Interventionist

Quakertown Community School District, PA

Step 4: Sustain change for long-term results

Educational change doesn’t happen overnight, or by itself. We’ve helped thousands of Science of Reading champions make the shift, and they’re eager to share the secrets of their long-term success with fellow educators like you.

S5.E6. Why skepticism is essential to the Science of Reading, with Dr. Claude Goldenberg

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Welcome, Florida middle school educators!

Amplify ELA Florida is the program built for Florida middle school teachers and students. We designed the program to help ensure the B.E.S.T standards are covered; the skills are taught; the test is prepped for; and your students are scaffolded and encouraged. We want you to spend your time bringing the text to life, making the classroom hum, and letting every student know you are paying attention to their growth.

Amplify ELA Florida Program Guide

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Instruction matters

Florida’s new standards have been crafted to give your students the B.E.S.T. Amplify ELA Florida’s lessons explore the most compelling aspect of a text and target the standards that best support that analysis through reading, writing, and communication. These key standards are identified as the lesson’s Spotlight benchmark.  Strategic connections are attained in the program through:

  • Florida model texts including rich literature and compelling non-fiction, taught in engaging new ways for today’s learners.
  • Benchmark stacks that build connections within lessons and across units.
  • Foundational instruction that targets key standards and multiple learning modes.
  • Writing that builds directly from reading complex text and is evaluated by Amplify’s Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE).
  • Reading with the B.E.S.T. Modules have been built to guide teachers and students as they begin to work with Florida’s new reading standards, providing an introduction to each grade-level B.E.S.T. Reading Benchmark. (Example module: Grade 6, Understanding Rhetoric)

Knowledge matters

Texts in the Amplify ELA Florida Edition curriculum cover a wide range of topics, themes, and genres with differentiated supports that ensure that all students can work through each reading and lesson. Taken as a whole, the texts show students a diverse picture of the world and help foster a lifelong love of reading. Comprehension develops as students engage with literary and informational text selections that are complex, rich, and meaningful. 

Texts were selected for Amplify ELA Florida Edition using the following criteria: 

  • Text complexity as defined by qualitative, quantitative, and reader and task measurements as required by the B.E.S.T. Standards and the Amplify Text Complexity Index
  • Balance of literary and informational texts
  • Varied representation of genres: novels, plays, poetry, biographies, and other full-length texts
  • Diverse cultures, perspectives, and authors
  • Engaging texts that extend learning and support students as they build knowledge
  • Grade-appropriate texts, with scaffolding and compelling activities to support student engagement with 100% authentic texts
  • A library with more than 700 complete books, both classic and contemporary, encompassing a wide range of genres, topics, and cultural perspectives
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Curriculum matters

Amplify ELA Florida is a blended curriculum designed specifically for grades 6–8. The heart of every lesson is the text. Each grade includes six units centered on literary or informational texts, delivered in several forms of media. Your classroom will also benefit from two or three immersive, project-based experiences and a dedicated Story Writing unit.

  • Full B.E.S.T. coverage: Standards are clearly labeled in each lesson, so teachers can save time planning and get back to what they love: teaching. Also included are Benchmark Modules that support teachers’ and students’ introduction to the new standards for Florida.
  • Five levels of differentiation: Based on each student’s needs and the performance measures within Amplify ELA reports, a teacher can choose the differentiation level that’s the right fit for everyone.
  • Embedded Assessments: Teachers benefit from uninterrupted instructional time and a continuously updated picture of each student’s progress with key skills and standards.
  • Powerful feedback tools: Comprehensive tools help teachers maximize both the quantity and quality of feedback.
  • Robust reporting: Our reporting app offers information on student progress to help inform instructional decisions.

All in one place: Embedded teacher support, differentiation tools, student data, text, and other curriculum features—they’re all right there.

Materials

Amplify ELA Florida Edition is a blended curriculum that seamlessly integrates print and digital resources to be used in any learning environment. The resources are designed to facilitate instruction for planning, teaching, learning, and assessment.

Student materials

Available digitally and in print, the student materials guide middle schoolers through complex texts and writing with the following:

  • Student Edition will engage students with high-quality narrative and informational texts.
  • Digital experience will provide videos, a library of more than 700 texts, audio supports, and other online experiences that capture their attention.
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Teacher materials

Available digitally and in print, the Teacher Edition contains all of the information teachers need to facilitate classroom instruction, including:

  • From detailed lesson plans.
  • Video teacher tips embedded in the lesson.
  • B.E.S.T. standards alignment and assessments including exit tickets.
  • Real-time differentiation strategies.
  • Clarify and Compare lessons.
  • Robust reporting.

Professional learning

Amplify employs a national cohort of more than 50 ELA facilitators, all of whom have experience as former classroom teachers and many of whom are former school and/or district leaders. Our professional learning team has decades of experience working with large districts across the nation. Amplify has experience supporting district launches over multiple years and has partnered with districts of all sizes nationwide. We partner deeply with districts and tailor professional learning to their unique needs.

Florida ELA Implementation

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The Science of Reading: A Defining Movement Book Launch

S5-01. Investigating math anxiety in the classroom

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Season 5 is here! This season, we’ll be talking all about math anxiety: what it is, what causes it, and what we can do to prevent or ease this anxiety in the math classroom. To launch this very important theme, we sat down with Dr. Gerardo Ramirez, associate professor of educational psychology at Ball State University.
 
As someone who’s been studying math anxiety for more than a decade, he had some interesting research and advice to share on why math anxiety affects so many students (and adults), and tips for how to start reducing it.
 
Listen now and don’t forget to grab your MTL study guide to track your learning and make the most of this episode!
 
Enjoy this episode and explore more from Math Teacher Lounge by visiting our main page.

Download Transcript

Dan Meyer (00:01):
Hey, folks. Welcome back to Math Teacher Lounge. I’m one of your hosts, Dan Meyer.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:05):
And I am your other host. I’m Bethany Lockhart Johnson. Season five! Hello!

Dan Meyer (00:11):
Bethany, how are you doing? How have you been spending the long break between our recording sessions?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:16):
As much as I loved sharing content from previous seasons, I am so thrilled that we’re back for season five. I have been, you know, chasing a toddler. I think he’s already tired of me saying, “Ooh, can we count that?” He’s like [sighs] “One two, one two.” Like, he’s done already.

Dan Meyer (00:36):
Too much counting. Yeah, I worry about that so much, that my love of mathematics might be perceived by my kids as smothering. Yeah, I worry about the same. We shared with you folks some bangers of reruns, in my humble opinion. Some great guests. But, we’ve been excited—me and Bethany—to hop back on the mics, on the ones and twos, and explore some new ideas together.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (01:01):
Well, I loved our season talking about joy in mathematics. And personally I could…like, we could turn this whole podcast into joy in mathematics. However, we’re kind of going a different route. Because if you ask folks why they don’t feel joy in mathematics, a lot of times at the root of that is some really intense math anxiety. So this whole season, we’re going to be delving into math anxiety. Exploring what it is, who has it, why do we think it happens, what do we think we can do about it, and how can we navigate through it, so that we can experience that joy in math? These are questions that we’re gonna explore over the course of the season. Dan Meyer, how do you feel about that?

Dan Meyer (01:49):
It feels big and it feels personal. I mean, as we shared in our math stories back from season…whatever it was, math anxiety was a huge part.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (01:59):
It was last season, Dan.

Dan Meyer (02:00):
Last…? I mean, who can remember? Big part of your journey. I’ve had some very punctuated but intense moments of anxiety in math class. And socially, we have built math up to be this incredibly powerful thing. You know, restricting movement on economic ladders, preventing people from getting into careers they want. Whether or not they have much to do with math class, math anxiety is a really large part of educational but also social life. And yeah, I’m really excited to explore it with you. We’re bringing on some really excellent guests. Some researchers, yes. But not just researchers! Also people who practice in the field and know firsthand what it looks like to resolve issues of anxiety with students.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (02:45):
Yeah, you’re right, Dan. My math story contained quite a bit of math anxiety, so I am particularly invested in this season. I mean, I still navigate math anxiety. And, you know, many of us do, and let’s talk about it. And let’s—I love that you reminded me. We’re gonna have a lot of great researchers all throughout the season, and a lot of times folks feel like the research happening, there’s sometimes a gap between researchers and what’s actually happening in the classroom. Not in all cases, but a lot of times. Right? And I remember a lot of conversation about the latest research when I was in grad school, but unless you’re actively studying something, sometimes we don’t know what’s happening. Right? We’re really focused on what’s happening right in front of us in our classroom. So let’s take some of that research; let’s break it down; let’s talk to some of the folks who are thinking about this for the bulk of their day, right?

Dan Meyer (03:41):
Yep. So we got our first guest coming up in a moment here.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (03:45):
So to kick off this season, we’re starting episode one by talking to Dr. Gerardo Ramirez, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at Ball State University. And he’s been researching math anxiety for more than a decade. He’s worked with so many amazing folks in the field. He’s worked with students, he’s worked with teachers, with educators…I’m just so excited to talk to him. If you look up math anxiety, you see his name as one of the folks who is really thinking about this at so many different angles, and we get to talk to him. So enjoy our conversation with Dr. Gerardo Ramirez.

Dan Meyer (04:29):
We are so excited to have Dr. Gerardo Ramirez on the show with us. Dr. Ramirez is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at Ball State University. Thanks so much for joining us.

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (04:40):
Yeah, thank you for inviting me to talk about math anxiety.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (04:43):
So with your interview, Dr. Ramirez, we are actually launching the season. We’re gonna be talking about all different aspects of math anxiety, and it feels pretty perfect that you are first guest of the season, because of the sheer breadth of research and conversations you’ve had about math anxiety. Could you start us off kind of telling us a story of how did you get interested in studying math anxiety? Or why, you know, why did you dive into this topic that, you know, I think a lot of folks might…like, if you’re on a plane, and you say, “Oh, I study math anxiety,” what kind of reaction are you gonna get?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (05:24):
Oh, sure. Yeah. I think most people are actually very interested because they all have their own story about feeling anxious about math, or just being anxious about evaluation situations that involve math. And, yeah, they wanna share those stories. People feel quite comfortable talking about their anxiety about math, for some reason. But for me, I started off, when I was in undergrad, I was studying to take the GRE quiz. I was hoping to go into a psych program. But I wasn’t exactly sure what direction yet. As I took some of the practice tests, there’s some situations in which I was very nervous about taking the practice test. And I just noticed that I did really poorly on some of these exams. And so I became very interested in issues like choking under pressure, which means when you underperform relative to what you expected to perform. And so, as I was researching these issues, I started to come across this whole field of math anxiety. And I saw that while there are some people who choke under pressure during tests, there are other people who just have a strong general fear of mathematics.

Dan Meyer (06:29):
That’s really helpful. I can imagine you’re doing a lot of free psychology sessions, free therapy for people on airplanes when they bring to you their own stories of math. So let’s thank you for your service in that sense. I’m super-curious. So Bethany and I have both taught math. We both have seen firsthand what it looks like when a student is anxious in math class, though maybe we don’t have kind of the clinical language to describe it. And I’m curious, from a clinical sense, how do we define math anxiety?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (06:57):
Sure. So first off, math anxiety is not something that you would find in the DSM, for instance. But we generally define that as a fear or apprehension to situations that involve math. So it doesn’t have to necessarily be educational situations. It could be someone asks you a math-related question during a party, or you have to calculate the tip at a restaurant, for instance. It doesn’t have to be about schooling situations, although that’s obviously where it seems to matter a lot for many people. So it is basically a fear or apprehension to situations that involve math. And I think distinguishing the term “fear” from “anxiety” is really important here. A lot of times people use those terms interchangeably, and the term “fear” is obviously within our definition of math anxiety. But oftentimes what differentiates anxiety from fear is that, anxiety is—think of it like a recipe. Anxiety is fear plus a little bit of unknown. OK? So if, for instance, if you hated snakes, and they threw a snake at you, you’d be in intense fear. Whereas if you hated snakes and they said, “There is a snake in the room, but I’m not gonna tell you where,” that’s gonna cause anxiety. And so the reason why we call it math anxiety is because a lot of times people experience this fear for a possible unknown future that involves math or possible unknown evaluations that people might have about your competence, because of math. And so for a lot of kids, they feel anxious about how they’re gonna do on a test or whether they’re gonna be able to pass a class or whether they’ll be able to understand what you’re saying in your lessons, for instance. And so the anxiety component really gets at fear of something that’s unknown, but related to mathematics situations.

Dan Meyer (08:47):
Math is somewhere in the ceiling right now. Perhaps I might be surprised with a math situation!

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (08:52):
Yeah. yep.

Dan Meyer (08:52):
So I have this tendency to assume that every other subject that we teach has it better and easier than math does. It’s not true. I know this is not true. But I’m kind of curious here. Is math anxiety, like, part of a general just set of anxiety around schooling itself? Like, is there a reading anxiety, a writing anxiety, and does that all just flow from the same kind of fount of anxiety around schooling or situations about learning? And what makes math special in this regard? If it is its own special anxiety, for instance?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (09:27):
There are different…so some people obviously suffer from generalized anxiety. Right? And so they would, you know, feel anxious both for evaluative and non-evaluative situations. But in the research that we’ve done and that other people have done, there are differences between things like reading anxiety, math anxiety; I’ve also studied spatial and creativity anxiety. A lot of times what we’re trying to do in these studies is we measure all of the above, and we try to show that, look, math anxiety predicts math situations above and beyond these other things. So yeah, we definitely distinguish those things. And so what’s special about math is that, well, I think the symbolic nature is a big part of it. The abstract symbolic nature is just not as tangible to students. They can’t touch it. And so it doesn’t allow ’em to use their full cognitive faculties to play with it, as you might see, for instance, in science. Or it doesn’t allow people to relate math to their own interests the way you might see, for instance, in English. So maybe I hate reading novels, but I’m interested in zombies and you give me a book on zombies, well, ok, great, you’ve connected my personal assets to the topic. Whereas with math, either that’s harder to do or instructors don’t do such a good job of setting that connection up.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (10:46):
Also, I think, you know, I’ve heard of students being really anxious, let’s say, during a reading session, when teachers used to do—hopefully they’re still not doing it—the popcorn reading, where you just randomly call on a student to read out a sentence. Right? But you don’t really hear students or adults talking about, “Oh, no, no, no, I don’t read; I don’t mess with reading.” You know? Whereas with math, you do hear, “Oh, I’m not a math person. Oh no, no, no, don’t ask me any math questions.” And that is such a distinction.

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (11:18):
Yeah. And I think a lot of that’s because it’s just so common. As an adult, to be nervous about reading is kind of an uncommon thing. So people feel a stigma around admitting that. But math is something that everyone feels like they’re inadequate in. And so there’s a lot of comfort in telling you how they’re just one of the many people who don’t like math. And that, you know, can have a lot of different consequences and outcomes. I think on the one hand, I think for a lot of kids it becomes a normalized message that if you fear math, that’s OK, join the club. Right? But we have to be careful about that, ’cause a lot of math anxiety researchers will oftentimes say, part of what leads to math anxiety is adults normalizing that it’s OK to be scared of math. So I think a lot of times adults, teachers, for instance, math teachers, they’ll tell kids, “You know, if you’re scared, that’s OK.” And so a lot of the math anxiety community says, “No, no, no, you’re not supposed to do that.” But my recent view is different. I view that as a form of validation. Because math is hard. And so telling kids, “Hey, look, it’s actually easy if you just try,” I don’t think that’s true. It’s actually just hard. And I think even if it was easy, to the kid, it feels hard! And I think something that’s not really well-studied right now in our field is the value of validating people’s math negative math experiences. We don’t want to validate that, ’cause we think that we’re gonna reinforce that. But actually, I think the opposite. I think when you validate people’s negative math experiences, it helps ’em to feel that they can handle it. They can start to take control over their own emotions.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (12:52):
I love that. And I, I actually, I think that’s so powerful, what you’re talking about, that validation. I taught kindergarten, and I vividly remember being in a parent-teacher conference and that parent saying, “Oh, I wasn’t a math person either,” right? Or, you know, their language and their experience with their own math schooling, their anxiety about math was actually impacting their students’ experience of math. Or the conversation that, when I would go to talk about a math assessment, let’s say, you could see the parent actually tensing up. And there was this moment of validation, that I felt like we needed to make space for that in the conversation with the parents, right?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (13:38):
Yeah.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (13:38):
Like, this is a real thing. And we are working on teaching students that math is something that gets to—your experience with math gets to look all sorts of different ways. And it’s OK if we, you know, make a mistake, or if we kind of only get this part, but we’ve really got that part. Or let’s talk about it; let’s write about it. So I really feel like that that validation is something that’s so missing. And instead of the validation, like you said, you see folks being like, “Oh yeah, me neither. I’m not a math person either.” Right?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (14:10):
Yeah. I think…part of the reason why people are comfortable sharing this because they’re looking for validation also. When they say, “Oh, I’m not a math person,” you know, I think they’re hoping that, you’ll say like, “Yeah, me neither,” or “Of course not, ’cause math is terrible.” Right? They’re looking for validation, not to reinforce their perspective, but to feel that it’s OK not to be a math person. And I think that’s one of the techniques that I’m trying to work on in my research right now, is to provide evidence that actually people will work harder when you validate their math experience. You don’t have to tell them a positive story per se. If your current story is “Math is hard and I’m very, very anxious; I’m scared,” then we can just validate that and help you work through that. And it actually will strengthen our relationships. Because if you’re a student and you’re struggling with math and I tell you, “Yeah, it’s hard; it’s OK to struggle with math,” that makes you feel seen. And that’s gonna lead you to want to ask me more for help, because I’m someone who understands you. And that’s a great, you know, remediation opportunity.

Dan Meyer (15:14):
A common thread that I think I’m seeing here in several answers is that math sometimes asks students to disassociate part of themselves. Where success in math oftentimes means working from an a level of abstraction with symbols, like you said, that can feel alien. Like, who am I here? And in the same way, I love that you’re proposing we validate and reassociate people with a very deeply felt part of themselves that is anxious about mathematics.

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (15:44):
Yeah. I mean, I think that’s what validation’s supposed to do, right? So a lot of us, when we feel these strong emotions, we wonder, “Is this even a real thing? Are other people feeling this? Is there something wrong with me?” So we feel the emotions, but we can’t actually deal with them, because we wonder if they’re legitimate. And so when someone says, like, “Yeah, this is hard,” it crystallizes that emotion. And once something is made real, you can actually choose how you want to deal with it. Some kids are gonna deal with it by staying anxious. But some people are gonna choose to deal with it by saying, “Well, there’s nothing I can do about it now; I have to take this math test, so I’m just gonna think positive.” And that’s great. If the kid can end up saying that to themselves, that’s much more effective than me telling the kid, “Hey, you just gotta think positive. You’re gonna start the test anyway.” And so we want the kid to make meaning of their experience, and the way we do that is by crystallizing their emotions through validation.

Dan Meyer (16:36):
Yeah. I love that. And so what you’re proposing there, I think, sounds like, a solution, like a post-talk solution after students are feeling anxiety.

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (16:43):
Yes.

Dan Meyer (16:43):
To validate and empathize.

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (16:45):
Yes.

Dan Meyer (16:45):
And over the course of our season, we hope to explore a lot about solutions to math anxiety that are preventative, that reduce the odds of anxiety arising, through instruction and curriculum, before it arises. And I’m just wondering if you’ve seen anything that would hint at either specific or general words of wisdom you wanna share with the educators, about not just addressing it after the fact, but preventing math anxiety before it arises?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (17:14):
To be honest, at this point, I haven’t seen enough evidence for me to recommend anything concretely as an intervention for math anxiety, or an intervention to prevent its development. All I can really do here is rely a lot on the more broad cognitive-behavioral research on anxiety, which says that one of the ways we prevent people from developing anxiety is by helping them to make more positive appraisals of challenge situations. So a lot of times, when kids are challenged, they don’t know how to interpret that. “What does it mean that I’m struggling with this thing?” And so that’s where I think a lot of teachers can help students’ interpretations of that. ‘Cause if you leave kids to their own devices, they’re gonna think, “I’m struggling because I’m stupid. I’m struggling because I’m not good enough. I’m struggling because my dad is right; I’m gonna be a failure.” You know? They’re going to impose an interpretation to a challenge situation regardless. And so, as teachers, one thing we can do is we can help shape that interpretation and say, “What does it mean to struggle with math? People will say it means you’re stupid. That’s one interpretation. What’s another one? It means that your brain is working really hard to think through something. That’s another interpretation. What’s better? What do you think is more helpful?” And then, helping students to see how interpretations matter to how you ultimately feel about something. And that’s a very metacognitive way of thinking about things. So yeah, I would say that one way to prevent it is to help students to take more positive interpretations of their experience. But another way, and I think a more successful way, I think, is to give students early experiences where they feel efficacious dealing with math. One of the ways you do that, for instance, is by obviously making sure that the students understand the material—but that’s obvious; people are trying to do that. One of my favorite recommendations is to keep reassigning assignments, the same exact assignment, for, say, three weeks, back-to-back. So if in week one you do the homework assignment, you do OK, you don’t do so great, when week two you do it, you give the exact same assignment, and now the student can see like, “Wow, OK, this was much easier.” And then, week three, you give the exact same assignment; now the kid’s feeling really confident. And the reason why that’s great is because it helps kids to see that they’re growing in confidence. A lot of times kids don’t get to see that because we’re constantly throwing new assessments at them. And so they’re never seeing that growth. All they’re seeing is a new challenge, a new challenge, a new challenge. So I think we need to set up situations where they can feel that they’re growing, when we keep the assessment static. That can be a formative assessment, for instance—doesn’t have to be a summative assessment.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (19:55):
That feels so powerful and it feels like it really connects to that validation piece, right? We are actually helping to create a culture in our math classroom where we might struggle with something, but we keep revisiting it. And it’s not so much to reach mastery, but as Dr. Megan Franke — we talked to her about this partial understanding and about pulling on those threads of things that you do understand, so that you can build your confidence…build, not just confidence, but build your…I guess, kind of get your footing, right? You’re saying, “Well, I do understand this. I see how this works.” And if I’m revisiting an assignment, I feel like that would give me permission to like, “Hey, I don’t have to have this figured out on the first pass. You know?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (20:44):
Yes, yes. Yeah. I mean, I’m gonna give you a silly analogy, but I think it works. You know, a lot of times people will have nightmares, right? And they’ll keep having the same nightmare over and over again, right? And so one reason that we suspect this happens is because they haven’t worked through whatever that nightmare’s supposed to be about. So if, say, I’m scared of driving, I may be having the same dream about driving and crashing over and over. And we keep having these nightmares. And I think math anxiety is kind of like a waking nightmare, where you keep rehashing something because you haven’t had the chance to finally address that dragon. You know? And so if someone was having a lot of fear over driving, then one behavioral approach would be, you know, to work with a therapist to actually get behind the wheel and maybe drive around the same track over and over until you feel comfortable at that, and then the nightmares stop. Well, the same thing is true, I think, about math, math and math anxiety, is that you wanna give people these opportunities to feel confident by going back to that original experience that caused them to feel anxious, and saying, “This one assignment that we did in week three that really freaked you out, let’s try it again now in week five. How was that?” “Yeah, it wasn’t so bad. It was still kind of annoying.” “OK, we’ll we’ll come back to it.” “Now it’s week seven. Now let’s go back to that assignment. How is it now?” “That’s actually…it wasn’t that terrible.” And that gives people the opportunity to reflect on how they’ve grown past that nightmare.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (22:05):
I have to say, Dan talked about you being like a therapist. I’m like, wait, “How did you know, Dr. Ramirez? I did have this recurring dream! I did! And I had to face it. No, but I had such intense math anxiety in high school and it was debilitating. And the biggest thing for me, I thought I was the only one. I thought there was something wrong with me. I thought, “Why can’t I figure this out?” There wasn’t a conversation about “Here are some tools,” or “Here are some, some, some…”. Like, “This is OK, for you to feel scared about this or overwhelmed!”

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (22:41):
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (22:42):
You know, I think often when we talk about how widespread math anxiety is, I think a lot of folks automatically jump to high schoolers or college students avoiding math courses. But we see this in really young kids.

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (22:56):
Yeah. So people are…people are just constantly making meaning of themselves, regardless of the age range. And that’s true even with young kids; they are trying to figure out who they are. Right? And so one of the things you see oftentimes with young kids is you ask ’em, “What are you good at?” And they say, “Everything!” And that’s their attempt to, you know, make meaning of themselves. But sometimes they’re not good at everything. Sometimes they actually struggle in math. And I think even early on, they have to make meaning of that. They say, “Well, I’m good at everything except math.” And how do you make sense of that? Well, why not math? “Oh, because math is terrible. It’s not for everybody. You know, it’s not something that I like.” And so, yeah, in a lot of the studies that we did early on, we basically went into these first-grade classrooms with the purpose of trying to assess whether we can actually show variability in kids’ math anxiety, even early on. In other other words, do kids even report feeling anxious about math situations? Or do they tell us that they’re great at everything? And what we found was that in fact, a good chunk of kids are, again, perfectly willing to tell you that “No, certain situations involving math make me very anxious.” Counting or addition, or doing a problem on the board. And the way we do that is by—I think there are probably more sophisticated ways that can be done, but this is the best we have at this point—is we go in there and we ask them, we show them a bunch of smiley faces and anxious faces. And we say, “I want you to tell me how you feel about these different situations that involve math.” And so we say, “If you feel kind of nervous, I want you to point to this face. If you feel very nervous, point to this face.” And we basically will read to them situations. We’ll say, “How would you feel if your teacher asked you to open up your new math textbook and you saw all the numbers inside of it?” And they’ll point to the really nervous face. So right now, those are some of the more reliable assessments for math anxiety among young kids. And that work showed us that even young kids are self-reporting math anxiety.

Dan Meyer (24:51):

Obviously this is worth our study, because we would hope people would not feel anxious in general, and especially if we have a mandated…kids are mandated to be in math classes for their entire childhood. So I see the need for this study, these studies. I’m curious: What are the consequences, though? Like what, what correlates with math anxiety? What are other reasons why we should care about math anxiety and work to remediate it?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (25:16):
Oh, sure. So it correlates with their actual math performance. It can correlate when they choose to do homework. Right? So a lot of times, the parents report having to fight with their kids over math homework a lot. And you also oftentimes see a lot of frustration over mathematics specifically. And so it can, you know, not only affect their academic ongoing outcomes, like math tests and math assignments, but it can also affect their relationship with their parents. So if every time you come home, your dad’s screaming at you because you haven’t done your math homework, and when he asks you to solve the problem in front of them, you don’t remember, ’cause you were checked out, ’cause you’re so stressed out, that’s gonna cause a really negative experience. You know, a lot of times people grow up and they still remember their dad screaming at them over the math homework. You know, it’ll affect your relationship with your teacher. So if you’re making me feel incompetent, if you’re stressing me out, you’re not the kind of person I wanna come to for help. So it can predict relational outcomes as well as academic outcomes. And down the line, of course, when it affects students’ opportunities to get into things like AP classes, it affects students standardized test performance and their choice of colleges, as well as scholarship opportunities.

Dan Meyer (26:29):
Once you show that it correlates to performance, then that opens up a whole range of other correlations that are pretty important, it sounds like. Whether that’s career options or, you know, post-secondary education and the like.

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (26:40):
Yeah. And a lot of times, when people are choosing a career at college, a lot of times students will make a decision specifically based on what career has less math requirements or less math courses. So I think this finding needs to be verified further. But, there’s some studies showing that, for instance, elementary ed teachers, one factor that feeds into the decision to go into elementary ed is the math requirements are very low in elementary ed. So that can…obviously it’s not what we wanna hear, because these are our first formal math teachers, right? For our kids.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (27:16):
It feels so powerful, the impact that math anxiety can have, not only while you’re in, let’s say, elementary school, high middle school, high school, but then the impacts beyond that in terms of your career. And I shared this last season, when we talked about our personal math story, but I know when I was navigating the deepest part of my math anxiety, I really felt like, maybe this is a reason I can’t be an elementary school teacher. Because I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able…not that I wouldn’t understand the math for fourth grade, fifth grade, but that there was something about my ability to teach it or understand it or develop a love and passion for it that I wouldn’t be able to do. And I really had to reclaim it in my own way. But, you know, something that I think is so powerful about your research is just the applicability — not only to the field of mathematics, but folks’ everyday lives. And the way that you have talked in the past about math being a gatekeeper…I have a family member who, brilliant American Sign Language interpreter. I mean, amazing. Like a dance with her fingers. I could just watch it all day. And she actually didn’t complete the program because she couldn’t complete the math requirements. And I remember talking to her about like, “Well, have you gone to the free tutoring? Have you gone to, you know, this or that?” But it was a paralyzing fear, you know? So Dr. Ramirez, what do you wish educators understood about math anxiety? Or the research about math anxiety? Or maybe even the general public at large, what do you wish folks understood about math anxiety?

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (28:58):
Oh, I think that a lot of students, they struggle with math. And I think we wanna normalize that struggle as much as possible. We want to create a culture where it’s OK to do math slow; it’s ok to take your time. And I know that’s not possible with a lot of these requirements that a lot of math teachers have to do. But I think if we want to prevent math anxiety, we have to create opportunities to tell better stories. So that’s ultimately what I tell people is, why do people develop math anxiety? Because they had experiences that challenged their competency and they told a negative story. And so making space to reflect in math classrooms about what does it mean to go slow in math, or what does it mean to make mistakes, and then helping kids to tell better stories, I think it’s really the best thing we can do as math educators. ‘Cause you know, your job is not to be a therapist ultimately. You know, there’s only so much math teachers can do. But I think one of the most powerful things we can create is setting up students’ experiences where they feel confident, and they can tell better stories, so they can have better dreams about math.

Dan Meyer (30:06):
Really appreciate this introduction to math anxiety. It’s been a fantastic kickoff to our season. Dr. Ramirez, thank you so much for joining us.

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez (30:14):
Sure. Thank you.

Dan Meyer (30:16):
Thank you folks so much for listening to that conversation with Dr. Gerardo Ramirez, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at Ball State University.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (30:25):
Dan, OK, if not for your frantic signaling, I would’ve probably asked another 20 questions. I need to know what you thought .

Dan Meyer (30:34):
I found it interesting at all points. And especially I think I started to understand a little bit better where the anxiety comes from for some students. I got a little bit here, which is that I think math, more than other disciplines, involves alienation. Check that word. You like that? Alienation? I’m into it. I’m feeling it. It’s like…to get good at math, to be successful in math, you gotta, as a kid, lose your attachment to the world you understand. And I mean, “got to” as in like, “you are asked to” — many times, unfortunately, by curriculum and instruction. Which is to say, you’re turning things you can hold onto into numerals. Right? You’re turning the world and its patterns that you can see and touch into Xs and Ys. And I just don’t know that other disciplines deal with that as much. Maybe I’m wrong and just guilty of, you know, “grass is always greener” syndrome here. But I think that’s an experience that kids have in math. And I thought that Dr. Ramirez got at that when he’s talking about the need to validate a student’s experience of anxiety. Like, in treating anxiety, sometimes we alienate people further by just like saying, “Oh, no, no, no, it’s just like, you need to, you know, drill yourself more, practice more,” and kind of invalidate that. So this feeling of alienation, I think permeates a lot of math instruction. I’m looking forward to learning more about that with our future episodes

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (32:00):
Alienation. That’s interesting. I definitely felt, I definitely felt isolated and alone many times in my math journey, when I was having my…you know, in high school, when I was feeling like, “Clearly everyone can look at tan, sign, cosign, and that means something to them.” Right? I think it’s really interesting, because I’m thinking about the other disciplines; I’m running through them, and I’m like, even in science, which can seem abstract, so oftentimes there’s these experiments that accompany these concepts, where you’re like, “Look at this concept made real in front of you.” Right? . And so yeah, that’s really interesting.

Dan Meyer (32:39):
You’re always one step away from blowing something up! Or, you know, dissecting something that’s tangible to you.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (32:46):
Yeah. That’s really interesting. I did really love how he brought up the abstract. And how, I think, even validating it…he talked so much about validation. Which to me was like, YES. If somebody just said, “Hey, it’s not only possible to have math anxiety, but it also doesn’t mean that you don’t belong here.” If somebody had said that, it would’ve literally changed the trajectory, you know? And I wonder what those conversations could look like in our classrooms, where teachers celebrate that. Like, WHOA, this is a new way to think of this. This is a new way. Asking how many, or what do you notice for this image, through a mathematical lens, or looking…we talked to Alison Hintz and Antony Smith, like mathematizing books, like looking through these lenses — it’s an invitation to step into this other world, right? But there’s not only one way to do it. And I think oftentimes it’s like that anxiety of “Am I gonna say the right thing?” or “Am I gonna notice the right thing?” Right? How do we create that space more, where there’s so many possibilities and we want kiddos to notice what they notice, right?

Dan Meyer (33:54):
You gotta become a certain kind of person to be successful in math class. I feel like is part of the implied deal. Where you’ve gotta—like how you said—say a certain thing or think about a certain thing a certain kind of way. You’re trying to become someone who is not necessarily you. Which I think is fundamentally an experience of alienation, separating you from important parts of yourself.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (34:19):
I will never, ever dive into mathematics on the scale and level that you have with your PhD. You understand math in a way that my brain just…I won’t get there, right? And yet I’m allowed to call myself a mathematician, with all of my deep dives in elementary math and my love of early numeracy and thinking about how we start thinking about counting and numbers. Right? It’s like, if we make more space for what mathematicians can look like, and what is your personal relationship with math…I mean, that to me feels really exciting. ‘Cause I think we both have something to offer each other.

Dan Meyer (35:03):
I think I have never found early math more interesting than when I talk to early math educators. And learn just like all the different ways that students come to understand a concept that I had thought was simple. Like addition of whole numbers. Whoa! There’s a lot of ways kids do that work, and their brains think those thoughts. And, yeah. That’s a good word there you’re offering us and our listeners.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (35:27):
Yeah. Yeah. I’m really excited about this season. I think there’s — again, there’s no way we’re gonna cover all facets of math anxiety. But I think having the chance to explore it over the course of a season is going to be really fascinating. And really, I hope, destigmatize it and open up the conversation for our listeners. And, you know, if you listeners…we wanna know what you thought of this episode. Do you have any particular questions? Do you have questions related to math anxiety? Questions related to this episode? We are in development for this season, so we’re gonna do our best to get those questions answered. You can keep in touch with us in our Facebook discussion group, Math Teacher Lounge Community, and on Twitter at MTLshow.

Dan Meyer (36:14):
Next time, we’re gonna go deeper into the causes and consequences of math anxiety.

Dr. Erin Maloney (36:20):
It’s not just the case that people who are bad at math are anxious about it. It’s actually that the anxiety itself can cause you to do worse in math. And that for me is really exciting, ’cause it means that if we can change your mindset, then we can really set you on a path with several more options available to you.

Dan Meyer (36:41):
Til next time folks,

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (36:41):
Bye.

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What Dr. Gerardo Ramirez says about math

“A lot of students struggle with math, and we want to normalize that struggle as much as possible. We have to find opportunities to tell better stories and reflect on our experiences.”

– Dr. Gerardo Ramirez

Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Ball State University

Meet the guest

Dr. Gerardo Ramirez obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, where he studied the  role of teachers and parents in shaping the math attitudes of their students, as well as reappraisal techniques to help students cope with anxiety during testing situations.

Dr. Ramirez is currently an associate professor at Ball State, where he examines the role of frustration, empathy, and cultural capital in shaping students’ success and persistence.

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About Math Teacher Lounge

Math Teacher Lounge is a biweekly podcast created specifically for K–12 math educators. In each episode co-hosts Bethany Lockhart Johnson (@lockhartedu) and Dan Meyer (@ddmeyer) chat with guests, taking a deep dive into the math and educational topics you care about.

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S5-02. Uncovering the causes of math anxiety

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We’re continuing our season theme of math anxiety, going beyond the basics, diving deeper into what causes it, and how we can help students move forward. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Erin Maloney from the University of Ottawa to better understand what’s actually happening in the brain when a person experiences math anxiety, and how we can take steps to shift student mindsets in a positive direction.
 
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Download Transcript

Dr. Erin Maloney (00:00):

It’s the anxiety itself in many ways that can cause people to underperform.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:06):

Welcome back to Math Teacher Lounge. I’m Bethany Lockhart Johnson.

Dan Meyer (00:10):

And I’m Dan Meyer.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:11):

This is episode two of our new season, all about math anxiety. Who has it? What is it? What do we do about it?

Dan Meyer (00:20):

I’m learning so much, learning a ton.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:22):

I loved our first conversation with Dr. Gerardo Ramirez, episode one, our first episode of the season. Really, our goal with that conversation was just to—we need to talk about the basics of it, for reals. Like, what is math anxiety?

Dan Meyer (00:36):

What is it? How do you measure it? How’s it defined? Super-helpful stuff.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:40):

There’s not only one way that it’s measured. But it’s like, in active research right now, how are folks making sense of it? And I think Dr. Ramirez did such a fantastic job of sharing that with our listeners. And I learned a lot. You learned a lot, Dan?

Dan Meyer (00:56):

I did. And I’m also super-excited to take that knowledge that we have developed together and go and build on top of it and keep on climbing up up the mountain here, and learn more about math anxiety. Which is why we’re super-excited to have a guest on, Dr. Maloney, who is going to help us learn more—especially about what happens to the brain when it’s experiencing math anxiety. There’s some really complex stuff that happens there, including the role of parents and educators in creating and resolving math anxiety. And I think we’ll also learn that the whole situation is a bit of a hot mess. And we’ll try to make it a little bit less messy together.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (01:34):

Little bit less messy. Dan, if we do nothing else, can we make it a little less messy?

Dan Meyer (01:41):

I sometimes prefer more mess, but in this case I prefer less. So.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (01:45):

I have a two-year-old, so everything is a mess.

Dan Meyer (01:47):

Your life is mess. Yes. <laugh> Right. Well, I’m excited for you folks to hear this. It was a delightful conversation, so yeah, tune in. We are joined by Dr. Erin Maloney.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (01:56):

Let’s go. We are joined by Dr. Erin Maloney, associate professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Ottawa, where she directs the Cognition and Emotion Laboratory, as well as serving as the Canada Research Chair in Academic Achievement and Well-being. Welcome to the show, Dr. Maloney. We’re so excited to have you in the Lounge.

Dr. Erin Maloney (02:20):

Yeah, thank you so much for having me. This is fantastic.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (02:24):

So our last season was all about math and joy. And even when I read your title, I felt more joyful. Like, somebody is thinking about academic achievement, but with well-being in mind. I love it.

Dr. Erin Maloney (02:39):

Aw, thank you.

Dan Meyer (02:40):

Cognition and emotion!

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (02:42):

E-mo-tion!

Dr. Erin Maloney (02:43):

I don’t think they can be separate. I think that you have to think about them together, ’cause they’re so intricately connected.

Dan Meyer (02:49):

Love that. People try, but we love that. Yeah. That’s our vibe here, too.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (02:52):

People try. That was a big problem with my math anxiety. They just wanted…there was no room for my emotion. They’re like, stop weeping at your desk—

Dan Meyer (03:00):

It’s rearranging neurons….

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (03:01):

—you’re distracting the other children. So would you mind telling us the story of how you even got interested in this topic? You know, when you tell people that you study math anxiety—or, actually, I don’t know how you describe it to them; I’m hopeful you bring in that well-being part—but how did you get here? What do you, what do you, what do you…yeah, tell us! We love it!

Dr. Erin Maloney (03:23):

<laugh> I feel like what you’re actually asking is, “How did you make life choices that got you to here?” <Laugh>

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (03:29):

Justify your life choices! Ready? Go!

Dr. Erin Maloney (03:32):

<laugh> Whoo. OK. So, all right. So we often, in psychology, we joke that instead of doing research, we do “me-search.” And that’s, that’s admittedly true in my case. I was a student who absolutely loved math up until about eighth grade, and then something changed, and all of a sudden I was terrified of math and I had absolutely no sense of self-efficacy in it. Despite trying really hard, I was extremely anxious about it. And so I initially, I set out…my parents were completely convinced that I was absolutely capable of doing mathematics and that I was getting in my own way. And when I went to university, I decided to prove them wrong. So I set out to prove that some people just can’t do math, and that’s the end of it. And, you know, 20 plus years later, my parents were right. And it turns out that many people—well, I would argue virtually everyone—can do math. And that if you are really anxious about it, it can get in the way. And interestingly, you know, in, in the years that we’ve been doing this research, there’s really good strategies that can be used—that hopefully we get a chance to chat about—that can really help reduce the amount of anxiety that students are experiencing. But I really did set out, like the bold teenager that I was, to prove my parents wrong. And that backfired <laugh>. So I know it’s kind of a strange answer, but it’s the truth. So I was really interested in understanding why it was some people just could not do math.

Dan Meyer (05:10):

That makes two for two so far, on guests for this season who did a version of me-search. And I feel like this is pretty common for a lot of researchers. Like, I wanna figure out…my experience as a teacher, the part where you, I think, diverge from a lot of people I knew in grad school, myself included, is that you actually let counter evidence change your perspective on things. Whereas I feel like a lot of us go in: “I know this is true and I’m gonna gather data!” and lo and behold, I’m true! But only now, with the research TM, you know, trademarked research, attached to it. So that’s, really exciting. Thanks for sharing that.

Dr. Erin Maloney (05:43):

No, you’re welcome.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (05:44):

But don’t people say that the more personal you get, the more universal it is? Right? So if you go and get your doctorate about something that you think is just your experience or in your brain, then people are gonna be gonna be like, “Wait a second; you think that too?” “Wait, that math anxiety isn’t just you?” I don’t know, it sounds like a pretty great path to me. When you tell folks that you study math anxiety or when you’re speaking to folks about your research, do you find that there is a lot of folks who relate to what you’re studying? Or how does that conversation typically go?

Dr. Erin Maloney (06:20):

Yeah, so it is I think an extremely relatable topic. Not in the sense that everyone experiences anxiety about math, but everyone seems to know somebody who’s really anxious about math. Or everyone’s at least aware of the stereotype that like some people are math people and some people aren’t, and that’s just the way it is. So it feels like everyone has feelings about math and everyone seems very happy to share those feelings. So one thing I’ve always found really interesting, and actually, so I, I know you mentioned that you had Gerardo on recently. Gerardo and I have had really interesting conversations about how people are really quick to tell you that they hate math and they can’t do math, and they’re anxious about math. And I’ve yet to have anyone ever tell me they hate reading, they can’t read, they’re really anxious about reading as an adult. So for some reason math seems really different. And in that sense people always seem to be pretty excited to talk about their feelings towards math.

Dan Meyer (07:23):

Yeah, definitely. Been on an airplane or two myself and had those conversations. You know, people asking to be reseated because they found out that I do math for a living or whatever. Or just unburdening themselves, for sure. I’m super-curious: I think that the fact that you are doing the me-search is reason enough to want to dedicate your life to this study. But I am curious: If you were gonna justify to someone else, why is math anxiety important to study? What are its consequences, even outside of math education? What would you say to that?

Dr. Erin Maloney (07:57):

So I think it’s probably not hard to convince people that success in math is important, right? So we know that children who start elementary school behind in mathematics tend to stay behind in mathematics, unless they have any kind of very targeted intervention. We know that children who do worse in mathematics throughout K to 12 education in general get lower-paying jobs when they’re older. We also know that when they do worse than mathematics relative to their peers, there’s fewer jobs that are open to them, relative to if they excelled in math. Right? And so I think in many ways there are really clear consequences for students who are not comfortable with math and who avoid it. But I think one of the really, really interesting things about math anxiety, and maybe part of why I’ve fallen in love with it as a research topic is that it’s the anxiety itself in many ways that can cause people to underperform. So it’s not just the case that people who are bad at math are anxious about it. It’s actually that the anxiety itself can cause you to do worse in math. And that for me is really exciting, ’cause it means that if we can change your mindset, then we can really set you on a path with several more options available to you career-wise. And I think that is really empowering.

Dan Meyer (09:18):

Hmm. Yeah, definitely. And I’d love for you to explore — your laboratory is the cognition and emotion laboratory, which I love, how you’re creating those linkages between how you feel about a thing and what your opportunities or your aptitude for learning it. I’m really curious, can you say more about the, the relationship there? How does feeling anxiety impair your ability to do mathematics?

Dr. Erin Maloney (09:41):

Yeah, so feeling anxiety, typically what you tend to experience is these negative thoughts and ruminations. So you can imagine, you’re somebody who doesn’t really love math, you’re pretty anxious about it; you know, Bethany, maybe you’ve had this kind of experience before. I’m gonna call you out on it. I’ve had it many times, where you sit down to do a math test and all of a sudden you’re not focusing on the actual math test in front of you. You’re focusing on things like the consequences of not doing well on this. Right? Or “my parents are gonna be really disappointed if I don’t pass this test,” or “my teacher is gonna think negatively negative of me,” or sometimes we see things like, “I’m a girl, girls don’t do math.” These types of stereotypes. And what happens is that those thoughts actually tie up really important cognitive resources, like, really important memory resources, that you need to do the math test. And so if you are trying to essentially do two things at once, right? You’re trying to deal with all these negative thoughts that are distracting you and you’re trying to do the math test, then you’re not going to do as well as someone who’s sitting down and doesn’t have all of these distracting thoughts to deal with. And we actually know that from research that we have in our lab right now, where we just ask people like, “Hey, when you did this math test, what kind of stuff are you thinking about?” what we find is that the people who are really anxious about math report a whole bunch of thoughts that are unrelated really to the math test, per se. It’s more about the consequences of doing poorly. And as a result of those thoughts, they actually end up doing worse.

Dan Meyer (11:14):

This has been really helpful to figure out, how the emotional state of doing math affects the ability to do math. And it’s really interesting how you’re saying that the direction of the causality can go from the emotions to the cognition. And I’m just curious then, what is the source of the bad emotions about math? Where does that come from? Is it nature? Is it nurture? Some combination? How do you see it?

Dr. Erin Maloney (11:39):

Yeah, so one, that’s a fantastic question. And there’s been a whole bunch of people all around the world that have been spending a lot of time really trying to pinpoint that down. And I think the answer is that it’s, you know, it’s complex. So most of what it’s looking like right now is that it is a combination of both. So essentially what we find is that kids who start elementary school who are a little bit behind in math—and for the question of why they’re behind, that’s also complex; it could be genetics, it could be just environmental input, before the child ever entered formal schooling kind of thing—but in essence, what we find is that kids that start school behind in mathematics, those are the children who are most likely to develop anxiety about math by the time they’re finished first grade. OK? But we also know that once they’ve developed the anxiety about math, then that’s when they get these thoughts and ruminations that kind of tie up those memory resources, that then is gonna make it harder for them to succeed in math tests. So you get into this sort of vicious cycle, right? Where maybe you start behind a little bit and then you develop the anxiety, the anxiety causes you to underperform relative to what you should be able to, so now you’re even further behind, you get more anxious because you’re not doing as well as you’d like to…but again, kind of coming back to the “Why are the children starting behind in the first place?” Some of that seems to be the role that parents are playing in the household. So some kids come from a household where parents are playing a lot more math games with them, talking about mathematical concepts on a regular basis. Maybe they have older siblings who are, you know, practicing arithmetic and, and mathematical processing in front of them. And so those kids are exposed to more math before they ever even start formal schooling. Those kids seem to do better. And then we also know that the parents’ attitudes matter a lot too. So what we find is that when parents are high in math anxiety themselves, especially when they help their children a lot with their math homework in really early ages, we find that those kids end up being more anxious about math by the end of the school year, and they also end up doing worse in mathematics. So it really does seem to be, you know, kind of a complex set of factors that have something to do with both maybe genetic predisposition to success in math and genetic predisposition to anxiety, but then also the social attitudes and stereotypes about math to which you’re exposed at home that really seem to be coming together to create this anxiety in young children.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (14:24):

I feel like everything you’re saying is <laugh>…it makes so much sense and yet it’s so often not talked about, right? Because it’s just more like, it gets boiled down to, “Oh, they’re just not a math person,” instead of all these other factors that are at play. And I completely remember the anxiety I felt, whether it was a test or not, walking into my math classroom when I was in ninth grade. And there’s no way I was set up and ready to learn. Right? <Laugh>. And something with—we mentioned Dr. Ramirez, he was talking about validating that anxiety. If teachers validate that like, “Oh, you know what, sometimes you might feel stumped, or this might feel overwhelming.” Even the power in creating space for that in the classroom, right? And acknowledging that it doesn’t—math doesn’t have to “come easy” to you in order for you to have access or make sense, is such a powerful concept. And I love the way that you are looking at all these different factors and saying, “Hey, it’s both simple and also a lot more complicated than we’re we’re making it.” Right?

Dr. Erin Maloney (15:36):

No, and I agree with that sentiment so much. Like, I think, though—one thing I will sort of caution is that I think when teachers are validating the anxiety, or when parents are validating the anxiety, I think there’s a very fine line that needs to be walked where we need to be able to say, you know, “It’s OK to struggle with something. That’s, that is completely OK.” And as we’re, you know, as we’re working towards something that’s really valuable, right? We can, we can work hard at something and by working hard at it, we’re going to get better. And I think that type of validating is really, really important and valuable. I think what we wanna be careful of is not to say things like, “Oh, it’s OK. I also never loved math.” And, you know, “Oh, I was never a math person either.” And so even though we might be bringing comfort to the the child, I think that that’s sending the wrong message. And so sometimes it’s really well intentioned and really not great—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (16:37):

A hundred percent.

Dr. Erin Maloney (16:38):

—in terms of the messaging. So that’s the only…so just for people listening, the only sort of caution that I would give there is that I think there’s nuances to the validating of the feelings that are important.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (16:50):

I am so glad you said that because as a kindergarten teacher, I vividly remember—and this is as early as, you know, the kids are five years old, right?—and I remember in a parent-teacher conference, a parent saying, “Oh, I wasn’t a math person either,” or, “Oh, no, ugh.” And they were so quick, like you said, they wouldn’t say that about reading, but they were so quick to talk about their lack of natural math aptitude, right? And, and it was really interesting because you know that even if they’re not saying that specific thing at home, those attitudes are absolutely carrying over at home. And they’re absolutely carrying over to, to how they interact with their kiddo around math and around what’s happening in the conversations about math. And I felt like a lot of times my work as a teacher was also to help support parents through their own math anxiety, and help give them some new language for how they can talk about math. And that math is more than just getting to an answer quickly. Like, let’s talk about, let’s go on math walks, let’s go on number walks, what numbers are around the home? Or oh, is that bigger than this? Do you have more of this? And even those little things, I, my hope was that it was starting to shift the conversation around what math was possible in the home, particularly when you saw that it was the parents who had palpable math anxiety. Right? And how much you know that that’s gonna impact what’s happening when you sit down to do homework together.

Dr. Erin Maloney (18:22):

Yeah. And I love that you have worked to encourage parents to do that. So we do similarly. Like even from a research perspective, where I will often give talks to parents and teachers and we talk about the idea of trying to mathematize everything, right? So just the idea that math is absolutely everywhere, and you know, whether it’s a matter of playing games in the car with your kids where you’re thinking of a number and it’s “My number is higher than 42, but lower than 80, and what number do you think I might be thinking of?” And, and gradually trying to get the child to that number. Or, you know, asking questions like, “What’s your favorite even number and why?” And just little things like that that, that I think can make math fun for kids, that help—I don’t even know how to explain it, but just that idea of bringing joy into it, so it’s not always this heavy subject that kids have to come to. So we definitely try to talk to parents about the idea of, like I said, mathematizing everything. And usually it’s well-received, ’cause often parents find it empowering, right? They’re like, “Oh, well, I could do that! But like, that’s not math!” And you’re like, “No, but it is.”

Dan Meyer (19:33):

Yep.

Dr. Erin Maloney (19:34):

Like, it is! And sometimes parents will say like, “Well, I don’t know how to do fractions.” And you’re like, “OK, but how do you bake?” “Well, I don’t know! I just, like, I know how to do those fractions!” And you’re like, “OK, but that’s the starting point. Let’s work with that.” Like, let’s, you know. And I think a lot of times, it’s reminding the parents that they’re actually far more capable than what they think they are, despite the fact that maybe they struggled with math when they were younger.

Dan Meyer (19:58):

Yeah. This is so interesting. And I feel like part of the challenge around conversations about anxiety and math and how to, how to resolve it and where it comes from, is that it, like, it presupposes a single definition of math. And so, you know, we’re talking about like how to be more mindful about math. But you know, like if kids were walking every day through a treacherous street, you know, the solution might not be become more mindful about that street. It’s just like, we gotta fix the treacherous nature of the street, really. You know, I love that we’re talking also about redefining what math is, making it more playful. That feels like a super-important component here. I’d love to know more about what you know about the role of gender in all of this. Are there differences in the way boys and girls experience math anxiety and how it relates to achievement in math?

Dr. Erin Maloney (20:48):

Yeah, so, there’s really, really interesting research on gender in math anxiety. So in general, we find that girls tend to experience more anxiety about math than boys do. So one hypothesis is that it has to do with just social stereotypes that, you know, girls are, are good at reading; boys are good at math, kind of thing. So there’s some evidence to suggest that that might be playing a role. There’s other evidence to suggest as well that maybe boys actually do experience as much anxiety, they just don’t really own up to it.

Dan Meyer (21:20):

Ooh, yikes.

Dr. Erin Maloney (21:21):

So thoughts are, you know, there’s a bit of an apprehension for males to admit experiencing the anxiety. But I think one of the things that is extremely interesting about it—at least to me—is that we don’t tend to see gender differences in young children. So in early elementary school, even though we’ll see that kids as young as six years old will experience anxiety about math, and that that anxiety is related to how well they do in math and how much they enjoy math, it doesn’t seem to vary as a function of gender at that young age. It doesn’t seem to be related to gender until kids are at about sixth, seventh grade that we really start to see this gender difference coming online. And so that, to me, suggests that it’s probably something more social than biological at play. It probably has something more to do with these stereotypes and stuff. But another really interesting—or at least, I’m biased, but to me—another really interesting line of research that comes into play—and some of this is stuff out of my own lab—so we know that boys in general tend to do better at spatial processing than girls. And we know that spatial processing is really important for math, right? So math and space are pretty connected. And by spatial processing, I mean things like being able to picture something rotating in your mind or, you know, envisioning how these puzzle pieces might fit together. And so we know that boys tend to do better at that type of processing. And the gender difference there seems to be related to gender differences in math anxiety. So there’s some speculation, too, that it might be that as the math starts to become more reliant on spatial processing, that that’s when we see this separation between boys and girls with respect to how much anxiety they feel about math. So a lot of this is to say, I think the answer to the gender question right now is what I think what we would officially call a bit of a hot mess, <laugh> where I think there’s probably more questions than answers. But I think that there’s definitely something going on. And it really seems to be coming on later in elementary school.

Dan Meyer (23:32):

That’s a refreshingly honest admission from a social scientist, that it’s a hot mess and not perfectly clear, <laugh> so I appreciate that. It’s interesting what you said about the spatial reasoning. In our work creating curriculum at Amplify, I find we lean a lot on trying to tie abstract math towards spatial topics. Like, can you estimate a quantity before you calculate it? Can you identify a pattern and where it breaks before you prove it abstractly? And, I dunno, it’s just interesting to me. I’m just thinking out loud about how I feel like math becomes more abstract rather than more spatial. The farther you venture into secondary math…I’m wondering if I misunderstand what you’re meaning by spatial, and the progression of math from K–12.

Dr. Erin Maloney (24:20):

Yeah, so I think you can still have—you can have math be abstract, but still really relying on spatial processing. Right? And I think part of that is maybe a bit of us having different definitions of when we say “spatial.” So in cognitive science, when we talk about spatial representations or spatial reasoning, it’s really like anything you’re picturing in your mind, any time you’re really picturing these things in your mind and manipulating those images at all. So if you imagine, even like at a simple level, but it’s gonna hold when you’re going more complex as well. So doing like equivalence problems, for example, where you have to balance the equations.

Dan Meyer (24:58):

Yeah.

Dr. Erin Maloney (24:59):

Even just being able to envision things kind of moving around that equal sign and bringing one piece of the equation from this side to the other is actually an extremely spatial kind of reasoning. Right? Or when you’re expanding, that’s actually extremely extremely spatial, despite the fact that it might not feel like it initially. Obviously anything in geometry is going to be very spatial. So I think, in that sense, we would argue that the spatial processing is still playing a pretty important role. But it’s maybe a different type of spatial processing than what we’re seeing at a very early level in elementary school. That said, you can completely disagree with me too. ‘Cause I could also just be wrong, and that’s fair. My kids tell me I’m wrong all the time. So I’m used to <laugh> being told that I’m wrong.

Dan Meyer (25:47):

Well, we’re a bit more deferential on this here show, with our guests. So I would not do that. But it makes sense, what you’re saying about how these are things that you manipulate in your mind, whether they are Xs and Ys or numbers and fractions. These are all things that we manipulate. That ties into differences in this spacial reasoning category, it sounds like, which then contributes to math anxiety. And it does start to feel like there’s a lot going on here, is what it feels like.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (26:14):

You mean hot mess?

Dan Meyer (26:16):

I meant hot mess.

Dr. Erin Maloney (26:17):

Yeah. <laugh>, I think that’s the technical term, right? I’m pretty sure that’s the technical term for it.

Dan Meyer (26:21):

I didn’t know the citation for it. So I didn’t say it. But I knew who in literature named that. But yeah.

Dr. Erin Maloney (26:28):

I’ll write something at some point.

Dan Meyer (26:30):

We’ll cite Maloney, 2022. Yeah. Yes.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (26:34):

So I will say that one of my dreams in thinking about this season and last season, but particularly this season, since we’re really getting to talk to some researchers who get to think about this, and have really interesting conversations about it all the time…one of my dreams is that we’re bringing—’cause we do have some folks who are researchers that are listening, right? But then we also have teachers and folks who are in the classroom every day, and parents and caregivers listening. And so I think one of the beautiful things about the way that I hear you talking about it is you’re thinking about the research, but it’s so applicable. Right? And I wonder if there’s anything else you can say around it. I wanna reduce that divide, that gap, between the research that’s happening and then what’s happening with the kiddos and in the classroom and at home. And I don’t know if it’s like a magic wand thing where like <laugh> if there were changes you’d wanna see at a societal level, to try to combat math anxiety, but you see where I’m going. You know, it’s like <laugh>….

Dr. Erin Maloney (27:39):

  1. So I’m gonna answer maybe in two ways. So I think the first thing that I’m hearing from you is that idea of diminishing this divide, right? And so one thing I try to keep in mind, as someone who’s a researcher and working in the lab, I will often be called in to talk to teachers and give professional development sessions. And they often want the sage-on-the-stage academic, that stands up there and tells you the answers to things. And one of the first things that I’m gonna admit when I get up there is, “I am not on the front lines.” So what I do in the lab, for me to tell you that that’s gonna work in a classroom of 30 kids who may or may not have eaten dinner that day, and may or may not have snow pants, and may or not…like it’s–

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (28:23):

Mmm, yes.

Dr. Erin Maloney (28:24):

You know, I think we also need to be a little bit reasonable. So I try really hard in my own program of research to make sure that I’m always talking to teachers and to principals and to curriculum designers to make sure that the ideas that I have make sense. In fact, one of the most recent book chapters that I wrote, I wrote in collaboration with a really good friend of mine who’s a principal, an elementary school principal, and a former math consultant. And we wrote it together, to really say like, “Hey, here’s how we can help each other inform how research can inform practice and how practice can also inform research.” ‘Cause he can come to me and say, “I’m doing this. I can’t find anything in the literature to support this, but I’m sure it works!” And we can design something in the lab to test whether or not it seems like it’s gonna work.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (29:11):

That’s huge. Yeah.

Dr. Erin Maloney (29:12):

Empirically. And so I think that open communication is massive. One thing that we’re doing in my own lab to try to keep that open communication available. So to anyone listening who’s ever tried to get access to a journal article, they’re held behind paywalls, right? So one, the way it works, my understanding of this anyway, is that the journal owns the formatted version of the paper. So what we do is we put up audio recordings of all of the research papers that we ever publish. So I’m pretty sure I own the words as the author, and the journal owns the prettified version that you can buy. So we audio-record all of our papers, so that if teachers or parents ever want to hear the actual science that’s going into some of these decisions, they have access to at least the stuff that we do in our lab. And we also put up an infographic for every paper, just highlighting kind of the main questions and main findings. And we do that because I think that the only way for the information to actually be useful is if it gets into the hands of the stakeholders that actually need that information.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (30:21):

And is accessible. That’s huge. That’s huge!

Dr. Erin Maloney (30:24):

Yeah. Yeah. So that’s one way that we try to do it. And like I said, the other thing, we try to always be working with principals and with teachers. I joke that the way that I remedied this in my own life…so my husband’s a teacher; it’s like, I just married one! It’s fine! <laugh> I can grill him on a regular basis, and be like, “I wanna try this experiment. Do you think it’s gonna work?” And he can say, like, “It’s not going to. Here’s why.”

Dan Meyer (30:47):

That’s awesome. Marrying a participant—you know, a research participant—is unethical, of course. Would not clear IRB. But turning your partner into a participant? Like, what are you gonna do? That’s great.

Dr. Erin Maloney (30:57):

Yeah, no, that’s fair game.

Dan Meyer (30:58):

Yep.

Dr. Erin Maloney (30:59):

Yeah. So that’s—I think we we compensate each other <laugh>. So, no…so I do joke a little bit about that. He was a teacher simply ’cause he wanted to be one. Not ’cause I needed him to be one. But, I think that communication part is, is really key. That’s one thing. Then the other part of the question or the other sort of piece of the question that I was hearing is that idea of, how do we fix math anxiety. Right? Like, what’s the great, “I’m glad that there’s a whole bunch of time and effort and energy going into trying to understand this, but what, where are we at?” And I think with that, it’s really, really promising. So there’s been a lot of research coming out looking at how best to help children or even adults manage their own anxiety about math. And there’s a few really interesting strategies that seem to be quite effective. So one, and I don’t know if—um, it feels weird calling him Dr. Ramirez, just ’cause I know him well!—but I don’t know if Dr. Ramirez would’ve talked about this when he chatted with you, but he has some really interesting work on expressive writing. Did he chat about that at all?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (32:07):

He didn’t, but I’ve read some of his work about it and I think it’s so fascinating.

Dr. Erin Maloney (32:11):

Yeah! So, OK, well, I’ll tell you about his work on it.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (32:13):

Yes, please. Please.

Dr. Erin Maloney (32:14):

Because it’s super-useful. So when we talked about that idea of how anxiety causes these thoughts and ruminations, and they tie up the memory resources that you need, what Gerardo has found is that when you get students to write about their anxiety for about 10 minutes before they do a test, what ends up happening is they end up doing better on the test, relative to if they would not have written about their anxiety at all. And this is particularly true for students who are really high in anxiety. OK? And the idea is that all of those thoughts that they were going to have about the test or the consequences of the test, et cetera, you just kind of get ’em…it’s like a mind dump where you get ’em all onto the page at first before you even go to do the test. And now when you go to do the test, you’re not having to do two things at once. You’re no longer dealing with these thoughts ’cause you got ’em all out on the paper beforehand. And so Gerardo has some really interesting work showing that that works for math anxiety. And then it also works for just testing anxiety in general. And so that’s a strategy that I love. I also—part of what I really love about it is it’s so low-cost, right? You need a paper and a pencil and it’s great. So those are always my favorite strategies, the ones that don’t really cost us anything. So that’s one way of dealing with like the cognitive part of the anxiety. The other thing you can do is try to deal with the anxiety part of the anxiety. So for that, what we find is that the typical strategies that you’re gonna see for anxiety tend to work for math anxiety. So things like focused breathing. Right? Making sure you’re doing deep inhales and exhales. That really diaphragmatic breathing seems to be quite helpful. We know that what we call progressive desensitization is really key. That’s the idea of doing things, you know, starting with the questions that you know how to handle. And then gradually working up to the more difficult questions. So you’re sort of gradually exposing yourself to the more complex stuff. And how that can play out on an actual test at school is, you sit down, and instead of just starting with question number one, you actually read the whole test, see which questions you feel like you know the best, start with those questions, and that helps build your confidence so that you’re better able to tackle the questions that are maybe a little bit outside of where you’re currently at. So that seems to be really helpful. The other part that I will say, too, that’s extremely helpful: So we know that anxiety really ties up those memory resources. And so the more you can make the math automatic, the more immune it’s going to be to anxiety in the moment. And so I know that this part can be a little bit controversial, because we don’t wanna necessarily demotivate children, and kill the enthusiasm for math that we’re trying to cultivate…but really, you know, really committing your arithmetic facts to memory can be extremely helpful. So really learning those times tables, really learning your addition and subtraction facts. ‘Cause what happens is, then when you’re in a situation where you need that information, even if you’re anxious and you’re working with fewer cognitive resources than what you would normally have, you actually don’t need that many cognitive resources to be able to pull something from memory that you’ve memorized. So it really helps to kind of protect you against some of the negative impacts of the anxiety while you’re doing that test.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (35:37):

And you’re not using all your cognitive resources to figure out seven times eight, because you can really focus on what you’re trying to do with that. Oh, that’s fascinating. Yeah. Yeah.

Dr. Erin Maloney (35:47):

Yes. No, a hundred percent right. And so I know that’s one that, like I said, I know it can be somewhat controversial because it’s…you know, we’ve talked about—or we haven’t talked about in this conversation, but we often talk about—the idea of drilling and killing. Right? So you drill the facts, you kill the, the enthusiasm. But I think that there are ways that we can drill arithmetic facts, or help make them automatic, but still fun, right? It doesn’t have to always be in a high-pressure kind of way.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (36:16):

Totally. And we’ve talked about fluency, and I’m sure we’ll talk about it more in the Lounge. And that is interesting, that link between anxiety when the fluency isn’t there, that—or, of course we hear about anxiety with timed tests, but the idea of that IS something you can do to reduce it, because you have those facts just at your ready. Right?

Dr. Erin Maloney (36:37):

Yeah. So I actually, again, I’m gonna be a little bit controversial. So I don’t hate timed tests in the way that a lot of people do. But I love time to practice. So I think once we’ve got to a point where children have a fairly decent understanding of skills, of a skill, once they’ve got a fairly decent grasp on it, then I love the idea of the timed practice. So it can be still in a low-pressure situation, where in many ways it doesn’t matter if you get the answer to the question correct. But we’re practicing doing it in a situation in which you might be feeling a little bit of pressure, but it’s not real pressure, if that makes sense. And I think that can be really, really useful for students. And again, it can be done in a fun way, right? It doesn’t have to be these super-intense ways. It can be fun. But I think that in life there are situations in which the time that it takes you to complete a problem matter. And I think that we have to make sure that we don’t get too far away from that.

Dan Meyer (37:40):

Yeah. It feels like we should do an entire other episode thinking about ways to develop that fluency and automaticity that don’t contribute to anxiety, or create further disparities between people who are high math anxiety and low math anxiety. Not a small question, I’m sure. And I appreciate you alluding to all of that. You know, this whole thing, as you said, is quite the hot mess. And I feel like you, Dr. Maloney, have helped us make this a little less messy, in our heads, and hopefully the listeners’ heads. I really appreciate that. I just love…you’ve mentioned lots of resources that you have. You’ve alluded to them: audiobook-style readings of your research, which I need ’cause I just finished, you know, Harry Potter, the seventh book, so I need a new thing to listen to like that. Also infographics. Can you tell our listeners where they can find this work of yours, and if there are any other kinds of resources that you wanna plug for our listeners here?

Dr. Erin Maloney (38:32):

Yeah, for sure. So all of our resources can be found on my lab website. So the address for that is www.ErinMaloney.ca. So there we have, like you said, the infographics and the audio articles and all that stuff. And then we also have a link to a new kids’ book out, actually, that a colleague of mine and I have published recently, that really walks through some of these strategies on combating math anxiety. The book is written as a children’s book, so it’s Peyton & Charlie Challenge Math. But it secretly is a book that would also work for adults. So if you are a parent that’s a little bit anxious about math, or a teacher that maybe is a little bit anxious, and you wanna see how some of these strategies can play out, in that book—we linked to it on the website, but it is available for purchase on Amazon. And the one thing I will say about the book, ’cause this is something that we were pretty proud of, so Sheri-Lynn Skwarchuk, who is a school psychologist, and I wrote the book. And it’s available for purchase at our cost price, so we don’t actually make any money on the book. It was literally just a way of getting some of the science out to people who might be able to benefit from it.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (39:45):

Reducing that divide!

Dr. Erin Maloney (39:46):

Yeah, well that’s what we’re trying to do! Right? So I think in the U.S., I think it’s like $6 on Amazon. And then in terms of other resources, we’re in the process right now of creating some informational videos and and stuff like that that hopefully will be useful for parents and for teachers, just in terms of understanding a little bit more about the anxiety and understanding how to deal with the anxiety in the classroom more, at home or wherever it might be coming up.

Dan Meyer (40:15):

Well, thanks so much. I really appreciate—we appreciate!—you coming on, and hearing about how you’re trying to bridge so many different barriers from research to practice, and school to home. It’s just really inspiring. And we’d love to have you back on sometime. So thank you so much for joining us.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (40:29):

I feel like we’ve just hung out! Don’t you, Dan?

Dan Meyer (40:31):

Are we rolling here? Oh my gosh, we’re rolling. I just thought we’re just hanging. Yeah,

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (40:34):

I thought we were just hanging!

Dr. Erin Maloney (40:36):

I know, I do, I really appreciate that it has a very kind of chill vibe to it.

Dan Meyer (40:41):

Chill vibe. Like a lounge.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (40:42):

It’s the lounge!

Dan Meyer (40:43):

Thank you. You get us; you get us. <laugh>

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (40:45):

Dan Meyer. I was shopping for children’s books, and there was this book, and it was talking about being at home with Mom. And it’s going through all the things that the child did that day with Mom. It’s like, “We played outside, we ran through the sprinklers, we even did some homework.” And it shows them sitting at the table with the homework, that’s clearly math homework, in front of them. And the mom is like, “Harrumph!” Like a very perplexed, anxious face. And there’s all these question marks above her. And it’s just like,

Dan Meyer (41:24):

“There should not be numbers on that paper!”

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (41:25):

Exactly. And the child is like, “Ohhhh,” you know. And I mean, I have to give credit to the illustrator, because they really did capture the clear message of this interaction, which was sitting down to do math homework or think about math together is a source of angst. Right? According to this author and according to too many people. And so I think what’s really important is that we recognize those images when we see them out there and speak back to them, and say, “Hey, wait a second.” Yeah, it can feel like that, and it doesn’t have to. And what’s going on that that’s just the assumed way that it’s gonna feel, to sit down and math together. You know?

Dan Meyer (42:11):

Yeah. It feels like we all have a lot of work to do on the whole math-anxiety front. Dr. Maloney helped us see how parents play a part, educators play a part, society and how they create people plays its own part in how we all define math as a thing where we evaluate student thought or where students play it with their thoughts, has its own huge part as well. So yeah, it was a really fantastic conversation with Dr. Maloney. I hope you folks will check out the show notes, where you will find links to Dr. Maloney’s website. A lot of her work, which as you heard, is very geared towards practitioners and parents and even directly at kids, especially the new children’s book she co-authored, Peyton & Charlie Challenge Math.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (42:55):

Next time we’re gonna dive even more into the nitty gritty of combating math anxiety. To do that, we’re actually gonna be joined—I am so excited about this—by Dr. Rosemarie Truglio from Sesame Workshop.

Rosemarie Truglio (43:09):

Our core audience are two- to four-year-olds, and they love math. And what’s not to love? Children don’t come with this math anxiety. Math anxiety is learned.

Dan Meyer (43:23):

So excited.

Dr. Erin Maloney (43:24):

Sesame Street was a huge part of my childhood and my toddler doesn’t know it yet, but Sesame Street is coming. It’s coming. Like, we’re we’re gonna introduce Sesame Street to him. We just haven’t yet.

Dan Meyer (43:37):

Sesame Street straight raised me.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (43:38):

Right?

Dan Meyer (43:39):

Yeah. Don’t tell my parents. But that’s, yeah, that’s true. I’m excited, too. It’s gonna be a blast.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (43:45):

I’m really excited. I think that the more we dive into this topic—which, again, we’re gonna look at math anxiety from a lot of different angles—and I’m excited to talk to Dr. Truglio about how we can take this research and these conversations that are happening about math and how it can actually impact what’s happening in homes. ‘Cause we wanna help create positive relationships with mathematics, with kids in math. I’m so excited. And I hope you folks keep listening. We love having you here in the Lounge. And if you haven’t already, please subscribe to Math Teacher Lounge, wherever you get podcasts. And if you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a rating and a review. It helps more listeners to find the show, and let other folks know about this show. Recommendations are great. Thanks so much for listening.

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What Dr. Erin Maloney says about math

“If we can change their mindset, then we can set students on a path to more opportunities and success.”

–Dr. Erin Maloney

Associate Professor in the School of Psychology, Director of the Cognition and Emotion Laboratory, and the Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Academic Achievement and Well-Being, all at the University of Ottawa

Meet the guest

Erin Maloney is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Ottawa. Her research sits at the intersection of Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Education and focuses on cognitive and emotional factors that relate to academic achievement. She is a world-renowned expert on the study of math anxiety, conducting research in the lab, in homes, and in classrooms with children, parents, and their teachers. She is passionate about both knowledge mobilization and equity, diversity, and inclusion within education and science.

A woman with straight, shoulder-length light brown hair smiles at the camera, framed by a circular graphic with geometric accents on a white background—perfect for a math teacher lounge or sharing math teacher resources.
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About Math Teacher Lounge

Math Teacher Lounge is a biweekly podcast created specifically for K–12 math educators. In each episode co-hosts Bethany Lockhart Johnson (@lockhartedu) and Dan Meyer (@ddmeyer) chat with guests, taking a deep dive into the math and educational topics you care about.

Join the Math Teacher Lounge Facebook group to continue the conversation, view exclusive content, interact with fellow educators, participate in giveaways, and more!

Using the Science of Writing to support literacy instruction

There are plenty of creative and effective ways to inspire and teach students to write. Many teachers tap into their own experiences, insights, and talents to help students learn how to communicate with the written word.

And there’s also science behind how kids become effective written communicators. Just as the Science of Reading has transformed literacy development and instruction, the Science of Writing offers research-backed strategies to help students learn to write with clarity and confidence.

Here’s how the Science of Writing can help you support student learning.

The Science of Reading and Writing, defined

The Science of Reading represents the large and ever-growing body of research into how students best learn to read—and, therefore, how best to teach them. (You might call it the Science of teaching reading.) It emphasizes the principle that kids don’t learn to read just by being immersed in words on pages around them. Rather, instruction must be structured, explicit, and systematic.

Likewise, the Science of Writing is a research-based approach to effective instruction that emphasizes structured, explicit, and systematic methods to help students develop strong and confident writing skills. While the Science of Reading focuses on how students decode and comprehend text, the Science of Writing addresses how students construct and communicate meaning through written language.

Reading and writing are deeply connected. Strong reading skills support strong writing skills, and vice versa. A simple example: When students are expressly taught to identify the characteristics and purpose of a given text structure (say, the presentation of a problem and its solution) while reading, they are better able to replicate that structure in their writing; they can continue to improve their writing by analyzing additional and more advanced texts with that structure.

A Science of Reading curriculum and Science of Writing curriculum—that is, a comprehensive literacy curriculum—must integrate both, ensuring that students are not only able to understand texts but also to articulate their own thoughts clearly and effectively. By aligning high-quality instructional materials with these proven frameworks, educators can significantly enhance student learning outcomes.

How to bring the Science of Writing into your core curriculum

Effective writing instruction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses transcription skills and composition skills, both of which require explicit teaching and practice. If you’re looking to improve writing instruction in your classroom or district, there are five critical shifts you need to consider. Below, we’ll give you a peek at two of them. Note that we’re not asking you to add more to your plate every day; each of these approaches will actually allow you to sunset some others.

1.  Develop both transcription and composition skills, not one or the other.

Skilled writing is a product of transcription skills (such as handwriting and spelling) and composition skills (such as developing and expressing ideas). Both are best taught through an integrated reading and writing approach that recognizes reading and writing as reciprocal processes.

By working on the development of both skills, you’ll be able to shift away from:

  • Focusing exclusively on handwriting and spelling at the expense of composition practice.
  • Free writing time without explicit guidance or goals.

2.  Teach transcription skills in tandem with phonics, not in isolation.

As you know, reading and writing are reciprocal and strengthened when taught together. Some specifics:

  • Transcription skills—such as handwriting and spelling—are best taught and practiced in alignment with a phonics scope and sequence.
  • Research shows that building automaticity in handwriting supports the neural pathways associated with reading.

By working on transcription and phonics in tandem, you’ll be able to shift away from:

  • “ABC” handwriting instruction, focusing instead on instruction aligned to sound-spellings students are learning.
  • Asking students to spell words without explicit instruction in the sound-spellings.

Making this shift means moving away from phonics instruction that occurs on an “as-needed” basis and ensuring that all students receive the foundational skills necessary for fluent reading and writing.

These are just two of the essential shifts you can make to transform your literacy, and specifically writing, instruction. By focusing on evidence-based strategies, educators can make sure that students receive the support they need to become strong, independent writers.

More to explore

Want to learn all five key shifts and how to implement them in your classroom? Download our full guide to discover how the Science of Writing can help improve student learning and long-term literacy success.

Also:

Episode 7: A Defining Movement: The Reading League on the Science of Reading with Dr. Maria Murray

In this special episode, Dr. Maria Murray, president and CEO of the Reading League, analyzes the intricacies of literacy instruction and shares common misconceptions educators have about the Science of Reading. She also explains why the Science of Reading: A Defining Movement coalition was founded—on a belief in establishing clear understandings of what the Science of Reading is, and what it is not, to promote the proper use of instructional practices aligned with its findings.

Season 6, Episode 1

Defining math fluency

Season 6 of Math Teacher Lounge is here!

This season, we’ll be digging deep into math fluency—exploring what it is, looking into the research around it, and sharing practical tips for building it in math classrooms. Join us as we kick things off this week with Jason Zimba, Amplify’s chief academic officer of STEM!

In our first episode, we sat down with Jason to get a clear understanding of what math fluency is and what we really mean when we talk about it. As a prominent math advocate with many years of experience, he can also help us learn just how important fluency is and how it fits into the standards.

Listen today and don’t forget to grab your MTL study guide to track your learning and make the most of this episode!

Portrait of a man in a suit with a white shirt and tie, framed by a decorative border featuring geometric patterns inspired by Jason Zimba's math fluency concepts.

Meet Our Guest(s):

A man in a suit and tie poses for a professional headshot, framed by a circular border with a shirt and checkmark graphic—reflecting Jason Zimba’s commitment to math fluency and academic excellence.

Jason Zimba

Jason serves as Amplify’s chief academic officer of STEM. Previously, he co-founded Student Achievement Partners, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teachers and school leaders implement high-quality, college and career-ready standards. Jason is a Rhodes scholarship recipient and a former professor of physics and mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Williams College, with a double major in mathematics and astrophysics; a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Oxford; and a doctorate in mathematical physics from the University of California at Berkeley.

Meet our hosts: Bethany Lockhart Johnson and Dan Meyer

Bethany Lockhart Johnson is an elementary school educator and author. Prior to serving as a multiple-subject teacher, she taught theater and dance, and now loves incorporating movement and creative play into her classroom. Bethany is committed to helping students find joy in discovering their identities as mathematicians. In addition to her role as a full-time classroom teacher, Bethany is a Student Achievement Partners California Core Advocate and is active in national and local mathematics organizations. Bethany is a member of the Illustrative Mathematics Elementary Curriculum Steering Committee and serves as a consultant, creating materials to support families during distance learning.

Dan Meyer taught high school math to students who didn’t like high school math. He has advocated for better math instruction on CNN, Good Morning America, Everyday With Rachel Ray, and TED.com. He earned his doctorate from Stanford University in math education and is currently the Dean of Research at Desmos, where he explores the future of math, technology, and learning. Dan has worked with teachers internationally and in all 50 United States and was named one of Tech & Learning’s 30 Leaders of the Future.

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Quotes

“The dials are all mixed up on fluency. On the one hand, I worry that word problems and applications…get proceduralized, and so we are aiming for fluency on something that is not a procedure in the first place.”

—Jason Zimba

Stay connected!

The Science of Reading: A Defining Movement Book Launch

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Illustrative Mathematics-NEW

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Grade 6

Unit 1: Area and Surface Area

Illustrative MathematicsAmplify Classroom
Topic A: Reasoning to Find Area 
Lesson 1: Tiling the PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 1: Shapes on a Plane
Lesson 4: Parallelograms
Lesson 5: Bases and Heights of Parallelograms
Lesson 6: Area of Parallelograms
Unit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms
Topic 3: Triangles
Lesson 7: From Parallelograms to TrianglesUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms
Topic 5: Surface Area
Lesson 12: What is Surface Area?Unit 1
Lesson 10: Renata’s Stickers

Unit 2: Introducing Ratios

Topic 1: Introducing Ratios
Lesson 1: Introducing Ratios and Ratio LanguageUnit 2
Lesson 1: Pizza Maker
Lesson 2: Representing Ratios with DiagramsUnit 2
Lesson 1: Pizza Maker
Topic 2: Equivalent Ratios
Lesson 3: RecipesUnit 2
Lesson 4: Fruit Lab
Lesson 5: Defining Equivalent RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 1: Pizza Maker
Topic 4: Solving Ratio and Rate Problems
Lesson 11: Representing Ratios with TablesUnit 2
Lesson 10: Disaster Preparation

Unit 3: Rates and Percentages

Topic 2: Unit Conversion
Lesson 2: Anchoring Units of MeasurementUnit 3
Lesson 1: Many Measurements
Topic 3: Rates
Lesson 5: Comparing Speeds and PricesUnit 3
Lesson 6: Soft Serve
Lesson 6: Interpreting Rates
Lesson 7: Equivalent Ratios Have the Same Unit Rates
Unit 3
Lesson 6: Soft Serve
Topic 4: Percentages
Lesson 10: What Are percentagesUnit 3
Lesson 9: Lucky Duckies
Lesson 13: Benchmark percentagesUnit 3
Lesson 9: Lucky Duckies
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 7: Equivalent Ratios Have the Same Unit RatesUnit 3
Lesson 6: Soft Serve

Unit 4: Dividing Fractions

Topic 2: Meanings of Fraction Division
Lesson 4: How Many Groups (Part 1)Unit 4
Lesson 3: Flour Planner 
Lesson 6: Using Diagrams to Find the Number of GroupsUnit 4
Lesson 6: Fill the Gap

Unit 5: Arithmetic in Base Ten

Topic 1: Warming Up to Decimals 
Lesson 1: Using Decimals in a Shopping ContextUnit 5
Lesson 1: Dishing Out Decimals
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 14: Using Operations on Decimals to Solve ProblemsUnit 5
Lesson 13: Movie Time

Unit 6: Expressions and Equations

Lesson 1: Tape Diagrams and Equations
Lesson 2: Truth and Equations
Unit 6
Lesson 1: Weight for It
Lesson 3: Staying in BalanceUnit 6
Lesson 1: Weight for It
Topic 2: Equal and Equivalent
Lesson 8: Equal and EquivalentUnit 6
Lesson 1: Weight for It
Topic 9: The Distributive Property, Part 1Unit 6
Lesson 8: Products and Sums
Take Away (coming soon!)
Lesson 10: The Distributive Property, Part 2
Lesson 11: The Distributive Property, Part 3
Unit 6
Lesson 8: Products and Sums
Take Away (coming soon!)
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 19: Tables, Equations, and Graphs, Oh My!Unit 6
Lesson 16: Subway Fares
Take Away (coming soon!)

Unit 7: Rational Numbers

Lesson 1: Positive and Negative NumbersUnit 7
Lesson 1: Can You Dig It?
Lesson 3: Comparing Positive and Negative Numbers
Lesson 4: Ordering Rational Numbers
Unit 7
Lesson 4: Order in the Class
Topic 2: Inequalities
Lesson 9: Solutions of Inequalities
Lesson 10: Interpreting Inequalities
Unit 7
Lesson 7: Tunnel Travels
Topic 3: The Coordinate Plane
Lesson 15: Shapes on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 1: Shapes on a Plane

Unit 8: Data Sets and Distributions

Topic 2: Dot Plots and Distributions
Lesson 3: Representing Data Graphically
Lesson 4: Dot Plots
Lesson 5: Using Dot Plots to Answer Statistical Questions
Unit 8
Lesson 3: Minimum Wage
Lesson 6: Interpreting Histograms
Lesson 7: Using Histograms to Answer Statistical Questions
Lesson 8: Describing Distributions on Histograms
Unit 8
Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens
Topic 4: Median and IQR
Lesson 13: MedianUnit 8
Lesson 11: Toy Cars

Grade 7

Unit 1: Scale Drawings

Illustrative MathematicsAmplify Classroom
Topic 1: Scaled Copies 
Lesson 1: What are Scaled Copies?Unit 1
Lesson 1: Scaling Machines
Topic 2: Scale Drawings 
Lesson 7: Scale DrawingsUnit 1
Lesson 7: Will It Fit?

Unit 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships

Topic 1: Representing Proportional Relationships with Tables
Lesson 1: One of These Things Is Not Like the OthersUnit 2
Lesson 1: Paint 
Topic 2: Representing Proportional Relationships with Equations 
Lesson 4: Proportional Relationships with EquationsUnit 2
Lesson 6: Two and Two
Lesson 5: Two Equations for Each Relationship
Lesson 6: Using Equations to Solve Problems
Unit 2
Lesson 6: Two and Two
Topic 3: Comparing Proportional and Nonproportional Relationships 
Lesson 8: Comparing Relationships with EquationsUnit 2
Lesson 6: Two and Two
Topic 4: Representing Proportional Relationships with Graphs
Lesson 10: Introducing Graphs of Proportional Relationships
Lesson 11: Interpreting Graphs of Proportional Relationships
Lesson 12: Using Graphs to Compare Relationships
Lesson 13: Two Graphs for Each Relationship
Unit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops

Unit 3: Measuring Circles

Topic 1: Circumference of a Circle 
Lesson 1: How Well Can You Measure?Unit 3
Lesson 8: Toothpicks (coming soon!)
Lesson 2: Exploring Circles
Lesson 3: Exploring Circumference
Lesson 4: Applying Circumference
Unit 3
Lesson 3: Measuring Around
Take Away (coming soon!)
Topic 2: Area of a Circle
Lesson 7: Exploring the Area of a Circle
Lesson 8: Relating Area to Circumference
Unit 3
Lesson 9: Area Challenges
Take Away (coming soon!)

Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages

Topic 1: Proportional Relationships with Fractions 
Lesson 1: Lots of Flags
Lesson 2: Ratios and Rates with Fractions
Lesson 3: Revisiting Proportional Relationships
Lesson 4: Half as Much Again
Unit 4
Lesson 1: Mosaics
Topic 2: Percent Increase and Decrease 
Lesson 6: Increasing and DecreasingUnit 4
Lesson 5: Percent Machines
Lesson 12: Posing Percent Problems (coming soon!)
Topic 3: Applying Percentages
Lesson 10: Tax and Tip
Lesson 11: Percentage Contexts
Unit 4
Lesson 12: Posing Percent Problems (coming soon!)
Topic 4: Let’s Put It to Work 
Lesson 16: Posing Percent ProblemsUnit 4
Lesson 12: Posing Percent Problems (coming soon!)

Unit 5: Rational Number Arithmetic

Topic 1: Interpreting Negative Numbers 
Lesson 1: Interpreting Negative NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 1: Floats and Anchors
Topic 2: Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers
Lesson 2: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 3: Changing Elevation
Unit 5
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own
Lesson 6: Subtracting Rational Numbers
Lesson 7: Adding and Subtracting to Solve Problems
Unit 5
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles

Unit 6: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Topic 1: Representing Situations of the Form px + q and p(+ q) = r 
Lesson 1: Relationships Between QuantitiesUnit 2
Lesson 1: Paint
Unit 4
Lesson 1: Mosaics
Topic 9 Dealing with Negative Numbers 
Lesson 10: Different Options for Solving One EquationUnit 6
Lesson 10: Collect the Squares
Topic 3: Inequalities 
Lesson 13: Reintroducing InequalitiesUnit 6
Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep
Lesson 14: Finding Solutions to Inequalities in Context
Lesson 15: Efficiency Solving Inequalities
Unit 6
Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep
Lesson 16: Interpreting Inequalities
Lesson 17: Modeling with Inequalities
Unit 6
Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep
Topic 4: Writing Equivalent Expressions 
Lesson 18: Subtraction in Equivalent ExpressionsUnit 6
Lesson 10: Collect the Squares
Lesson 20: Combining Like Terms (Part 1)
Lesson 21: Combining Like Terms (Part 2)
Lesson 22: Combining Like Terms (Part 3)
Unit 6
Lesson 10: Collect the Squares

Unit 7: Angles, Triangles, and Prisms

Lesson 2: Adjacent Angles
Lesson 3: Nonadjacent Angles
Unit 7
Lesson 2: Friendly Angles
Lesson 4: Solving for Unknown AnglesUnit 7
Lesson 2: Friendly Angles
Lesson 5: Using Equations to Solve for Unknown AnglesUnit 7
Lesson 4: Missing Measures
Topic 2: Drawing Polygons with Given Conditions 
Lesson 9: Drawing Triangles (Part 1)
Lesson 10: Drawing Triangles (Part 2)
Unit 7
Lesson 5: Can You Build It?

Unit 8: Probability and Sampling

Topic 1: Probabilities of Single Step Events
Lesson 1: Mystery Bags
Lesson 2: Chance Experiments
Lesson 3: What Are Probabilities?
Unit 8
Lesson 1: How Likely?
Lesson 2: Prob-bear-bilities
Topic 3: Sampling
Lesson 11: Comparing Groups
Lesson 12: Larger Populations
Lesson 13: What Makes a Good Sample?
Lesson 14: Sampling in a Fair Way
Unit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Topic 4: Using Samples
Lesson 15: Estimating Population Measures of Center
Lesson 16: Estimating Population Proportions
Unit 8 
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 17: More about Sampling Variability
Lesson 18: Comparing Populations Using Samples
Lesson 19: Comparing Populations with Friends
Unit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island

Grade 8

Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

Illustrative MathematicsAmplify Classroom
Topic 1: Rigid Transformations 
Lesson 1: Moving in the PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers
Lesson 2: Naming the MovesUnit 1
Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding
Lesson 3: Grid MovesUnit 1
Lesson 4: Moving Day
Lesson 4: Making the MovesUnit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers
Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding
Lesson 4: Moving Day
Lesson 5: Coordinate MovesUnit 1
Lesson 4: Moving Day
Lesson 6: Describing TransformationsUnit 1
Lesson 6: Connecting the Dots (coming soon!)
Topic 2: Properties of Rigid Transformations 
Lesson 8: Rotation PatternsUnit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers
Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding
Lesson 4: Moving Day
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 17: Rotate and TessellateLesson 13: Tessellate

Unit 2: Dilations, Similarity, and Introducing Slope

Topic 1: Dilations
Lesson 1: Projecting and ScalingUnit 2
Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations
Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf
Lesson 2: Circular Grid
Lesson 3: Dilations with No Grid
Lesson 4: Dilations on a Square Grid
Lesson 5: More Dilations
Unit 2
Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations
Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf
Topic 2: Similarity 
Lesson 6: SimilarityUnit 2
Lesson 6: Social Scavenger Hunt
Topic 3: Slope
Lesson 10: Meet SlopeUnit 3
Lesson 4: Flags

Unit 3: Linear Relationships

Topic 1: Proportional Relationships 
Lesson 1: Understanding Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 2: Graphs of Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 3: Representing Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials 
Topic 2: Representing Linear Relationships
Lesson 5: Introduction to Linear RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 7: Representations of Linear RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 4: Flags
Topic 3: Finding Slopes 
Lesson 9: Slopes Don’t Have to be PositiveUnit 3
Lesson 4: Flags
Lesson 11: Equations of All Kinds of LinesUnit 3
Lesson 4: Flags
Topic 4: Linear Equations 
Lesson 13: More Solutions to Linear EquationsUnit 3 
Lesson 4: Flags

Unit 4: Linear Equations and Linear Systems

Topic 2: Linear Equation in One Variable 
Lesson 5: Solving Any Linear EquationUnit 4
Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable
Lesson 6: Strategic SolvingUnit 4
Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable
Topic 3: Systems of Linear Equations
Lesson 11: On Both of the Lines
Lesson 12: Systems of Equations
Lesson 13: Solving Systems of Equations
Unit 4
Lesson 11: Make Them Balance
Lesson 12: Line Zapper

Unit 5: Functions and Volume

Topic 1: Inputs and Outputs 
Lesson 1: Inputs and OutputsUnit 5
Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing
Lesson 2: Guess My Rule
Lesson 2: Introduction to FunctionsUnit 5
Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing
Lesson 2: Guess My Rule
Topic 2: Representing and Interpreting Functions 
Lesson 3: Equations of FunctionsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 4: Tables, Equations, and Graphs of Functions
Lesson 5: More Graphs of Functions
Unit 5
Lesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare
Topic 3: Linear Functions and Rates of Change
Lesson 8: Linear FunctionsUnit 3
Lesson 4: Flags
Lesson 9: Linear ModelsUnit 5
Lesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare
Topic 4: Cylinder and Cones 
Lesson 13: The Volume of a CylinderUnit 5
Lesson 11: Cylinders
Lesson 14: Finding Cylinder DimensionsUnit 5
Lesson 11: Cylinders
Lesson 15: The Volume of a ConeUnit 5
Lesson 13: Cones
Lesson 16: Finding Cone DimensionsUnit 5
Lesson 13: Cones

Unit 6: Associations in Data

Topic 2: Associations in Numerical Data 
Lesson 3: What a Point in a Scatter Plot MeansUnit 6 
Lesson 3: Robots
Lesson 4: Fitting a LineUnit 6 
Lesson 4: Dapper Cats
Lesson 6: Find the Fit
Lesson 5: Describing Trends in Scatter PlotsUnit 6 
Lesson 3: Robots
Lesson 7: Observing More patterns in Scatter PlotsUnit 6 
Lesson 3: Robots
Topic 3: Associations in Categorical data 
Lesson 9: Looking for AssociationsUnit 6
Lesson 11: Finding Associations
Lesson 10: Using Data Displays to Find associationsUnit 6
Lesson 11: Finding Associations

Unit 7: Exponents and Scientific Notation

Topic 1: Exponent Review 
Lesson 1: Exponent ReviewUnit 7 
Lesson 1: Circles
Lesson 2: Multiplying Powers of 10
Lesson 3: Powers of Powers of 10
Lesson 4: Dividing Powers of 10
Unit 7 
Lesson 3: Power Pairs
Topic 3: Scientific Notation 
Lesson 13: Defining Scientific Notation
Lesson 14: Multiplying, Dividing, and Estimating with Scientific Notation
Unit 7 
Lesson 9: Specific and Scientific
Lesson 11: Balance the Scale
Lesson 15: Adding and Subtracting with Scientific NotationUnit 7 
Lesson 9: Specific and Scientific
Lesson 11: Balance the Scale

Unit 8: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

Topic 1: Side Lengths and Areas of Squares
Lesson 5: Reasoning about Square RootsUnit 8
Lesson 4: Root Down
Topic 2: The Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 6: Finding Side Lengths of TrianglesUnit 8
Lesson 8: Triangle-Tracing Turtle
Lesson 10: Applications of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 10: Taco Truck
Topic 5: Let’s Put It to Work
Lesson 16: When Is the Same Size Not the Same Size?Unit 8
Lesson 10: Taco Truck

Disclaimer

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Grade K

Topic Opener Numbers 0 to 5

Topic Opener Numbers 0 to 5Connecting Cubes

Topic 1: Numbers 0 to 5

Lesson 1-2 Recognize 1, 2, and 3 in Different ArrangementsSkye’s Style
Lesson 1-5 Recognize 4 and 5 in Different ArrangementsMatching Groups
Designing Shoes with Skye
3-ACT MATH: Set the TableInvestigate: Cafeteria Math

Topic 3: Numbers 6 to 10

Lesson 3-2: Read, Make, and Write 6 and 7Moving and Grooving
Lesson 3-4: Read, Make, and Write 8 and 9Moving and Grooving
Lesson 3-6: Read, Make, and Write 10Moving and Grooving
Lesson 3-7: Count Numbers to 10Fingers as Math Tools

Topic 4: Compare Numbers 0 to 10

Lesson 4-1: Compare Groups to 10 by MatchingMore, Fewer, or the Same
Forest Friends
Lesson 4-2: Compare Numbers Using Numerals to 10Fingers and Counters
Lesson 4-3: Compare Groups to 10 by CountingComparing Words

Topic 6: Understand Addition

Interactive Math StoryInvestigate: Casey’s Town
Lesson 6-1: Explore AdditionHow Many Objects in Pictures?
The Bus Depot
Lesson 6-2: Represent Addition as Adding ToHow Will You Count?
Lesson 6-3: Represent Addition as Putting TogetherHow Many Objects?
Lesson 6-4: Represent and Explain Addition with EquationsWhat Does It Mean to Add?

Topic 7: Understand Subtraction

Lesson 7-1: Explore SubtractionWhat Does It Mean to Subtract?
The Bus Depot

Topic 8: More Addition and Subtraction

Lesson 8-5: Decompose 6 and 7 to Solve ProblemsHarry Explores the Ocean
Lesson 8-6: Decompose 8 and 9 to Solve ProblemsHarry Explores the Ocean
Lesson 8-8: Decompose 10 to Solve ProblemsHarry Explores the Ocean

Topic 12: Identify and Describe Shapes

Lesson 12-2: Circles and TrianglesWhat’s That Shape Called?
Lesson 12-3: Squares and Other RectanglesAnother Shape

Topic 13: Analyze, Compare, and Create Shapes

Lesson 13-1: Analyze and Compare Two-Dimensional (2-D) ShapesAnother Shape
So Much Sorting

Grade 1

Topic 1: Understand Addition and Subtraction

Lesson 1-4: Take FromPacking for a Picnic
What’s the Difference?
Lesson 1-7: Change UnknownReplanting Huli
Lesson 1-8: Practice Adding and SubtractingLeaping Lily Pads!

Topic 2: Fluently Add and Subtract Within 10

enVision STEM ProjectA Community Working Together
Topic 2 Interactive Math StoryInvestigate: Let’s Grow!
Lesson 2-8: Solve Word Problems with Facts to 10Tutu’s Garden in Maui
The Kalo Plants
Helping Others

Topic 3: Addition Facts to 20: Use Strategies

Lesson 3-5: Make 10 to AddMaking 10
Lesson 3-6: Continue to Make 10 to AddKitten Coaster

Topic 6: Represent and Interpret Data

Lesson 6-1: Organize Data into Three CategoriesShapes Ying Saw

Topic 7: Extend the Counting Sequence

Lesson 7-1: Count by 10s to 120Meeting Yara
Grade 1 Lesson 7-5: Count on an Open Number LineTime to Line Up!
Grade 1 Lesson 7-5: Count on an Open Number LineWhat’s That Number?

Topic 8: Understand Place value

Lesson 8-1: Make Numbers 11 to 19Same Number, Different Ways
Lesson 8-2: Numbers Made with TensInvestigate: Game Points
It’s a Match

Topic 9: Compare Two-Digit Numbers

Lesson 9-3: Compare NumbersInvestigate: Where Am I?
Grade 1 Lesson 9-5: Compare Numbers on a Number LineGreater Than, Less Than, or Equal to
Grade 1 Lesson 9-5: Compare Numbers on a Number LineIn Full Bloom

Topic 10: Use Models and Strategies to Add Tens and Ones

Lesson 10-1: Add Tens Using ModelsHow Many Cubes?
Boris’s Thimbles
How Many Tens?

Topic 11: Use Models and Strategies to Subtract Tens

Lesson 11-1: Subtract Tens Using ModelsBoris’s Thimbles
Lesson 11-2: Subtract Tens Using a Hundred ChartHow Many Tens?

Topic 14: Reason with Shapes and Their Attributes

Lesson 14-1: Use Attributes to Define Two-Dimensional (2-D) ShapesShapes Ying Saw

Grade 2

Topic 1: Fluently Add and Subtract Within 20

Lesson 1-1: Addition Fact StrategiesExploring Within 10
Lesson 1-3: Make a 10 to AddWays to Make 10

Topic 8: Work with Time and Money

Lesson 8-1: Solve Problems with CoinsInvestigate: Activities at the Block Party
Discovering Coins (Part 1)
Discovering Coins (Part 2)
Lesson 8-2: Continue to Solve Problems with CoinsHow Much Money?
Discovering Coins (Part 2)
Lesson 8-5: Problem Solving: ReasoningThe Toy Stand
The Craft Stand at the Block Party

Topic 12: Measuring Length

Lesson 12-8: Compare LengthsLengths of Jungle Animals

Topic 15: Graphs and Data

Lesson 15-1: Line PlotsMessy Measurements
Lesson 15-2: More Line PlotsBracelets and Wristbands
Lesson 15-3: Bar GraphsAwesome Aquariums

Grade 3

Topic 1: Understand Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers

Lesson 1-1: Relate Multiplication and AdditionEqual Groups
Lesson 1-3: Arrays and PropertiesArrays of Flavor

Topic 4: Use Multiplication to Divide: Division Facts

Lesson 4-1: Relate Multiplication and DivisionIt’s Chili in Here
Relating Quotients to Familiar Products
Lesson 4-8: Solve Multiplication and Division EquationsDivision and Multiplication Equations

Topic 6: Connect Area to Multiplication and Addition

Lesson 6-1: Cover RegionsInvestigate: Comparing Rugs
Which Covers More Space?
Lesson 6-2: Area: Nonstandard UnitsTiling Figures
Lesson 6-3: Area: Standard UnitsArea Hunt
Lesson 6-4: Area of Squares and RectanglesRectangles and Arrays

Topic 7: Represent and Interpret Data

Lesson 7-3: Make Bar GraphsPuppy Pile
2, 5, or 10?

Topic 8: Use Strategies and Properties to Add and Subtract

Topic 8 VocabularyInvestigate: Create a Photo Gallery
Lesson 8-2: Algebra: Addition PatternsPanda Patterns
Lesson 8-3: Mental Math: AdditionHow Would You Solve It?

Topic 9: Fluently Add and Subtract within 1,000

Lesson 9-1: Use Partial Sums to AddAdding Your Way
What is an Algorithm?
Lesson 9-2: Use Regrouping to AddUsing Fewer Digits
Lesson 9-3: Add 3 or More NumbersDetermining Sums of 2 or More Addends
Lesson 9-6: Use Strategies to Add and SubtractAdding Strategically

Grade 4

Topic 7: Factors and Multiples

3-ACT MATH: Can-Do AttitudeHamster Homes
Lesson 7-2: FactorsFactor or Multiple?
Lesson 7-4: Prime and Composite NumbersA Number Game
Lesson 7-5: MultiplesFactor or Multiple?
How Does It Grow?

Topic 8: Extend Understanding of Fraction Equivalence and Ordering

Lesson 8-2: Equivalent Fractions: Number LinesInvestigate: Building Your Own Number Line
All Kinds of Fractions
Lesson 8-5: Use Benchmarks to Compare FractionsFraction Strips
Lesson 8-5: Use Benchmarks to Compare FractionsChop It

Topic 9: Understand Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

Lesson 9-1: Model Addition of FractionsPizza Problems
Lesson 9-4: Model Subtraction of FractionsPizza Problems
Lesson 9-2: Decompose FractionsMath Pizzeria

Topic 10: Extend Multiplication Concepts to Fractions

Lesson 10-1: Fractions as Multiples of Unit FractionsEqual Groups of Fractions

Topic 12: Understand and Compare Decimals

Topic 12 Review What You KnowInvestigate: Different Units
Lesson 12-1: Fractions and DecimalsA New Way to Write Tenths
A New Way to Write Hundredths
Lesson 12-2: Fractions and Decimals on the Number LineAre They Equivalent?
What’s the Order?
Lesson 12-3: Compare DecimalsHow Can You Compare?
Robot Factory

Grade 5

Topic 3: Fluently Multiply Multi-Digit Whole Numbers

Lesson 3-5: Multiply 3-Digit by 2-Digit NumbersPartial Products Everywhere
Lesson 3-7: Practice Multiplying Multi-Digit NumbersHow Do They Compare?

Topic 5: Use Models and Strategies to Divide Whole Numbers

Lesson 5-4: Use Partial Quotients to DivideEmptying the Water Tank

Topic 8: Apply Understanding of Multiplication to Multiply Fractions

Lesson 8-3: Multiply Fractions and Whole NumbersMaking Food
Lesson 8-4: Use Models to Multiply Two FractionsInvestigate: Folding Paper
Parts of Parts
One Part of One Part
Lesson 8-5: Multiply Two FractionsMaking Food
Messy Multiplication
Lesson 8-6: Area of a RectangleInstalling Turf
Rows and Columns
Lesson 8-7: Multiply Mixed NumbersApplying Fraction Multiplication
Messy Multiplication
Lesson 8-8: Multiplication as ScalingChores at Animal Haven
The Re-size-inator

Topic 9: Apply Understanding of Division to Divide Fractions

Topic 11: Understand Volume Concepts

Lesson 11-1: Model VolumeWhich is Largest
3-ACT Math: Fill ‘er UpPacking the Barge
Lesson 11-3: Combine Volumes of PrismsPutting It Together
Figures Made of Prisms

Algebra 1

No lessons focused on only shape patterns.

Topic 1: Solving Equations and Inequalities

Lesson 1-2: Solving Linear EquationsWorking Backwards
Solving Strategies
Lesson 1-3: Solving Linear Equations With a Variable on Both SidesSame Position
Lesson 1-4: Literal Equations & FormulasSubway Seats
Various Variables
Lesson 1-5: Solving Inequalities in One VariablePizza Delivery

Topic 2: Linear Equations

Lesson 2-3: Standard FormShelley the Snail
Five Representations

Topic 3: Linear Functions

Lesson 3-4: Arithmetic SequenceMore Visual Patterns
Sequence Carnival
Lesson 3-5: Scatter Plots and Lines of FitCorrelation Coefficient
How Hot Is It?
City Slopes
Lesson 3-6: Analyzing Lines of FitResidual Fruit
Penguin Populations
Behind the Headlines
City Data

Topic 4: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

Lesson 4-1: Solving Systems of Linear Equations by GraphingLizard Lines
Lesson 4-2: Solving Systems of Equations by SubstitutionShape It Up
Lesson 4-5: Systems of Linear InequalitiesQuilts
Seeking Solutions

Topic 5: Piecewise Functions

Lesson 5-2: Piecewise Defined FunctionsCraft-a-Graph
Pumpkin Prices

Topic 6: Exponents and Exponential Functions

Lesson 6-3: Exponential FunctionsCarlos’s Fish
Lesson 6-5: Geometric SequencesRevisiting Visual Patterns, Part 1
Sequence Carnival
More Visual Patterns

Topic 8: Quadratic Functions

Lesson 8-1: Key Features of a Quadratic FunctionRevisiting Visual Patterns, Part 1
Quadratic Visual Patterns
On the Fence
Lesson 8-3: Quadratic Functions in Standard FormPlenty of Parabolas
Two for One
Lesson 8-4: Modeling with Quadratic FunctionsStomp Rockets
Robot Launch
Lesson 8-5: Linear, Exponential and Quadratic ModelsSorting Relationships

Topic 9: Solving Quadratic Equations

Lesson 9-1: Solving Quadratics Using Graphs and TablesStomp Rockets
Lesson 9-2: Solving Quadratic Equations by FactoringParabola Zapper
Shooting Stars
Lesson 9-4: Completing the SquareSquare Tactic
Lesson 9-5: The Quadratic Formula and the DiscriminantStomp Rockets in Space

Topic 10: Working with Functions

Lesson 10-1: The Square Root Function ( & average rate of change)Plane, Train, and Automobile
Lesson 10-3: Analyzing Functions Graphically (Abs, Quad, Sq.Root, Exp, Cubic)Craft-a-Graph
Detroit’s Population, Part 1
Detroit’s Population, Part 2
Lesson 10-7: Inverse FunctionsChip the Robot

Topic 11: Statistics

Lesson 11-4: Standard DeviationFinding Desmo

Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only; references to third-party programs do not imply endorsement or affiliation, and all trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What to expect

Researchers and practitioners have defined effective pathways to reading success and still, combining the science of early reading with the art of implementing change remains a challenge. Chandler Unified School District is partnering with current thought leaders, academics, and Amplify facilitators to immerse participants in reading research and improvement science, supporting your district in developing practical, actionable solutions focused on helping young learners become successful readers. Your school team will have the opportunity to work hands-on with our experts and leave the experience with two specific, targeted commitments to a behavior or system change (a “change idea”), which they can implement to improve reading performance.

Speaker bios

Dr. Elfrieda “Freddy” Hiebert (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1979) is the President and CEO of TextProject, a non-profit aimed at providing open-access resources for instruction of beginning and struggling readers. Freddy has had a long career as a literacy educator and is also a research associate at the University of California. Her research, which addresses how fluency, vocabulary, and knowledge can be fostered through appropriate texts, has been published in numerous scholarly journals and books. Hiebert’s contributions to research and practice have been recognized through awards such as the Oscar Causey Award for Outstanding Contributions to Reading Research (Literacy Research Association, 2015), Research to Practice award (American Educational Research Association, 2013), William S. Gray Citation of Merit Award for Outstanding Contributions to Reading Research (International Reading Association, 2008), and membership in the Reading Hall of Fame (2008).

Dillon Hauptfuhrer is the Associate Director of Curriculum Development for the Teach Like a Champion Team. Dillon brings eight years of leading and teaching to her role creating curriculum for the Teach Like A Champion team. Prior to joining the team, Dillon served as a Principal in Residence and Academic Dean at Achievement First in Brooklyn and she worked with YES Prep in Houston for six years as both a teacher, Content Specialist, and Dean of Students. Dillon is a graduate of the University of Virginia and received her M. Ed from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

Jen Rugani is the Associate Director of Curriculum and School Support for the Teach Like a Champion Team. As a former principal of Uncommon Schools’ Leadership Prep Canarsie Elementary Academy, member of the inaugural cohort of Teach Like a Champion Fellows, and elementary school teacher, Jen Rugani brings 9 years of leading and teaching to her work creating curriculum and supporting schools. Jen is a graduate of Harvard University and has a Master’s degree from Relay Graduate School of Education, where she also completed the National Principal’s Academy Fellowship.

Pre-reads

Reading Reconsidered
Hard Words

Agenda

Presentations

mCLASS Intervention professional development

mCLASS® Intervention (formerly known as Burst: Reading) is a staff-led reading intervention that does the heavy lifting of data analysis and lesson sequencing, freeing up teachers to teach the reading skills each student needs.

We’ve created a wide suite of professional development offerings that will help you meet your unique needs this school year. Find out more below!

A woman and a young boy looking at a book together in a classroom, with colorful artwork displayed in the background.

Plan your professional development

We’re excited to partner with you on your Amplify journey. Flexible professional development pathways have been designed to meet your needs.

Infographic describing three stages of an educational program: Launch, Strengthen, Coach. Each stage includes brief descriptions and a graphic illustration.

Recommended Professional Development Plan

Our team has curated a recommended professional learning path from initial launch to continuous support. Use the Professional Development Planning Guide below to discuss the plan that best meets your school or district needs with your Account Executive.

Do you also use Amplify CKLA, mCLASS, and/or Boost Reading?

View the planning guide below to explore learning plans for teachers and leaders who are either new to or currently using multiple early literacy products.

mCLASS intervention overview

What’s the difference between mCLASS Intervention and mCLASS Intervention Universal?

An mCLASS Intervention school screens with mCLASS with DIBELS® 8th Edition.* An mCLASS Intervention Universal school screens with any other screener on the market. Some of the most common are iReady, iStation, MAP, AIMSweb, and paper/pencil DIBELS.

What else is different?

Here are a few other areas in which the programs differ:

AreamCLASS InterventionmCLASS Intervention Universal
Onboarding processDoes not require Amplify’s Implementation team to explain staff and student enrollment because staff and students are already enrolled in our system.Requires Amplify’s implementation team to explain staff and student enrollment since the tech coordinator hasn’t yet enrolled any students in mCLASS.
Professional developmentFacilitator does not spend time practicing DIBELS measures with staff because they’re already familiar with these measures.Facilitator spends time practicing DIBELS measures with staff because they usually haven’t administered them before.
AssessmentsThese schools administer DIBELS to all students because they have paid to use mCLASS as a screener.These schools administer DIBELS only to intervention students because they haven’t paid to use mCLASS as a screener.

*Utah and Colorado schools screen with mCLASS: Acadience Reading (formerly called mCLASS:DIBELS Next).

Getting optimal results with mCLASS Intervention

There are two critical roles at a school that need to work together in order for mCLASS Intervention to deliver optimal results. At some schools, an individual may hold both roles.

  • Intervention Coordinator
    Oversees the mCLASS Intervention program, groups students, determines group assignments and adjusts schedules, and works closely with your school’s Interventionists.
  • Interventionist
    Teaches mCLASS Intervention lessons to small groups of students based on the assignments and schedules provided by your school’s Intervention Coordinator and progress monitors students every two weeks.

mCLASS Intervention sessions overview

Audience Title Duration Modality
Launch packages  
New mCLASS + mCLASS Intervention customers mCLASS + mCLASS Intervention initial training bundle 4 half days, non-consecutive Remote
New mCLASS + mCLASS Intervention customers mCLASS + mCLASS Intervention initial training bundle 2 days of onsite training, consecutive Onsite
Launch  
New mCLASS Intervention customers (mCLASS has been trained in the past) mCLASS Intervention initial training 1 day onsite or 2 half days remote Onsite/Remote
Interventionists online course Self-paced Online
Coach  
All mCLASS Intervention customers Coaching session 1 day Onsite
All mCLASS Intervention customers Coaching session Half day Onsite/Remote
Coaching session 60 mins Remote

Launch packages

mCLASS initial training + mCLASS Intervention initial training

2 days (12 hours); consecutive

Prepare to launch mCLASS Intervention with fidelity! This bundle is intended for schools or districts who are implementing mCLASS Intervention for the first time and want the highest levels of support.

The first day will prepare all educators to administer the mCLASS assessment.

The second day will prepare all educators (including Intervention Coordinators) to implement mCLASS Intervention, including instruction on how to prepare for lessons, practice lesson delivery, administer the diagnostic and progress monitoring measures, and configure grouping and scheduling for maximum effectiveness.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Onsite

mCLASS initial training + mCLASS Intervention initial training

2 days (12 hours) or 4 half days (12 hours); non-consecutive

Prepare to launch mCLASS Intervention with fidelity! This bundle is intended for schools or districts who are implementing mCLASS Intervention for the first time and want the highest levels of support.

The first part will prepare all educators to administer the mCLASS assessment.

The second part will prepare all educators (including Intervention Coordinators) to implement mCLASS Intervention: how to prepare for lessons, practice lesson delivery, administer the diagnostic and progress monitoring measures, and configure grouping and scheduling for maximum effectiveness.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Onsite/Remote

Launch

mCLASS Intervention initial training

1 day onsite (6 hours) or 2 half days (6 hours)

This session is intended for those schools or districts that have been trained in mCLASS in the past.

This training will prepare all educators (including Intervention Coordinators) to implement mCLASS Intervention: how to prepare for lessons, practice lesson delivery, administer the diagnostic and progress monitoring measures, and configure grouping and scheduling for maximum effectiveness.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Onsite/Remote

Interventionists online course

Self-paced

This PD is an individual seat to our self-paced, on-demand online course that contains approximately 3 hours of training. Participants will learn how to prepare for lessons and administer the diagnostic and progress monitoring measures. Participants will access and revisit the course anytime for up to one year as a refresher.

Audience: Interventionists
Modality: Online course

Coach

Coaching session

1 day (6 hours)

Strengthen your implementation of mCLASS Intervention with a Coaching session for your teachers and/or leaders! A certified mCLASS Intervention facilitator can visit 1–2 school sites per day. Participants may choose from a variety of topics that include, but are not limited to: observing lessons and providing feedback, analyzing mCLASS Intervention data and planning instruction, refining groups and schedules, or co-planning and modeling lessons.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and/or Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Onsite

Coaching session

Half day (3 hours)

Strengthen your implementation of mCLASS Intervention with a Coaching session for your teachers and/or leaders! A certified Intervention facilitator will visit one school site. Participants may choose from a variety of topics that include, but are not limited to: observing lessons and providing feedback; analyzing mCLASS Intervention data, reviewing student progress, and planning next steps; refining groups and schedules; or co-planning and modeling lessons.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and/or Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Onsite

Coaching session

60 min.

Strengthen your implementation of mCLASS Intervention with a quick Coaching session to improve implementation or student outcomes. During this remote hourly session, a certified mCLASS Intervention facilitator will help school leaders and/or Intervention Coordinators review usage, student progress data, and work to define an opportunity and develop a solution.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and/or Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Remote

mCLASS Intervention Universal sessions overview

Title Duration Modality
Launch packages
Hybrid PD package Half day, then 1 day Hybrid (remote, then onsite)
Remote PD package Half day, then 2 half days Remote
Launch sessions
Training for Interventionists 1 day or 2 half days Onsite/Remote
Training for Intervention Coordinators Half day Remote
Coach
Coaching session 1 day Onsite
Coaching session Half day Onsite
Coaching session Hourly Remote

Launch packages

Hybrid PD Package

Half day, then 1 day (9 hours)

Prepare to launch mCLASS Intervention Universal with fidelity! This package is intended for schools or districts implementing mCLASS Intervention Universal for the first time and want the highest levels of support.

Session 1 will prepare Intervention Coordinators to develop the school’s mCLASS Intervention Universal implementation plan, learn how to strategically group students, and schedule intervention supports.

Session 2 will prepare Interventionists to do an in-depth exploration of lesson activities and engage in real-time practice with diagnostic and progress monitoring measures.

Both sessions should be scheduled at least two weeks apart so the Intervention Coordinator has time to group students, draft schedules, and select the team of interventionists.

Audience:
Session 1: Intervention Coordinators, maximum 30 participants
Session 2: Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Hybrid

Remote PD Package

3 half days (9 hours)

Prepare to launch mCLASS Intervention Universal with fidelity! This package is intended for schools or districts implementing mCLASS Intervention Universal for the first time.

Session 1 will prepare Intervention Coordinators to develop the school’s mCLASS Intervention Universal implementation plan, learn how to strategically group students, and schedule intervention supports.

Both sessions should be scheduled at least two weeks apart so the Intervention Coordinator has time to group students, draft schedules, and select the team of interventionists.

Audience:
Session 1: Intervention Coordinators, maximum 30 participants
Session 2: Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Remote

Launch

Training for Interventionists

1 day onsite (6 hours) or 2 half days remote (6 hours)

This one-day training will ensure that Interventionists are prepared to teach mCLASS Intervention Universal with fidelity and accurately progress monitor students with the mCLASS platform throughout the year. Participants will do an in-depth exploration of lesson activities and engage in real-time practice with diagnostic and progress monitoring measures.

This session is ideal for new Interventionists at a school or district that has been previously implementing mCLASS Intervention Universal. We encourage the Coordinator to attend this session as well.

Audience: Interventionists (Intervention Coordinators welcome), maximum 30 participants
Modality: Onsite/Remote

Training for Intervention Coordinators

Half day (3 hours)

This half-day training will ensure that Intervention Coordinators are prepared to launch mCLASS Intervention Universal at their school site(s) with fidelity and best practice. Participants will consider grouping and scheduling configurations to make the most of the program, and create launch plans.

This session is paired with the Training for Interventionists full-day session.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Remote

Coach

Coaching session

1 day onsite (6 hours)

Strengthen your implementation of mCLASS Intervention Universal with a Coaching session for your teachers and/or leaders! A certified mCLASS Intervention Universal facilitator can visit 1–2 school sites per day. Participants may choose from a variety of topics that include, but are not limited to: observing lessons and providing feedback, analyzing mCLASS Intervention Universal data and planning instruction, refining groups and schedules, or co-planning and modeling lessons, maximum 30 participants.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and/or Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Onsite

Coaching session

Half day onsite (3 hours)

Strengthen your implementation of mCLASS Intervention with a Coaching session for your teachers and/or leaders! A certified Intervention facilitator will visit one school site. Participants may choose from a variety of topics that include, but are not limited to: observing lessons and providing feedback; analyzing mCLASS Intervention data, reviewing student progress, and planning next steps; refining groups and schedules; or co-planning and modeling lessons.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and/or Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Onsite/Remote

Coaching session

60 min.

Strengthen your implementation of mCLASS Intervention with a quick Coaching session to improve implementation or student outcomes. During this remote hourly session, a certified mCLASS Intervention facilitator will help school leaders and/or Intervention Coordinators review usage, student progress data, and work to define an opportunity and develop a solution.

Audience: Intervention Coordinators and/or Interventionists, maximum 30 participants
Modality: Remote

Pricing

We offer the following pricing for training sessions and packages:

Session typePricing
mCLASS + mCLASS Intervention initial training bundle, 2 days onsite, consecutive$4,800
mCLASS + mCLASS Intervention initial training bundle, 2 days onsite, non-consecutive$6,400
mCLASS + mCLASS Intervention initial training bundle, 4 half days remote$3,000
mCLASS Intervention initial training, onsite$3,200
mCLASS Intervention initial training, remote, 2 half-days$1,500
Interventionists self-paced online course$49 per individual seat
Intervention Coordinators self-paced online course$49 per individual seat
mCLASS Intervention Universal hybrid PD package$3,950
mCLASS Intervention Universal remote PD package$2,250
mCLASS Intervention Universal training for Interventionists, onsite$3,200
mCLASS Intervention Universal training for Interventionists, remote$1,500
1-day coaching session, onsite$3,200
Half-day coaching session, onsite$2,500
Remote coaching, hourly$350

Please note that the prices are general ranges and may be subject to change.

Contact

Amplify welcomes the opportunity to partner with schools and districts to design professional development plans and answer your questions.

If you would like to order any of our professional development services, please contact your local Amplify sales representative or call (800) 823-1969.

Security

To protect the security of Amplify’s virtual events, we request you do not share login credentials with unregistered individuals.

Harassment

Amplify has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, harassment, or bullying. If you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behavior, we ask that you inform hr-support@amplify.com so that we can take the appropriate action.

Unacceptable behavior is defined as:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
  • Verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, industry partner, exhibitor, Amplify staff member, service provider, or other event guest. (Examples of verbal abuse include, but are not limited to, verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or national origin.)
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations, or threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, industry partner, exhibitor, Amplify staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest.

Solicitation

Presentations, postings, and messages should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or solicitation for services. Amplify reserves the right to remove such messages and potentially ban sources of those solicitations.

Amplify reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the meeting without warning, in response to any incident of unacceptable behavior, and Amplify reserves the right to prohibit attendance at any future meeting, virtual or in person.

Phonological awareness games

In Cut It Out, students isolate individual phonemes by listening to a beginning, middle, or ending sound and choosing a picture of the word containing the sound in that position.

Skills
Phonological awareness

  • Blending at the compound word, syllable, onset-rime, and phoneme level

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.2.C — Isolate and pronounce initial, medial vowel, and final sounds (phonemes) in spoken single-syllable words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.D — Isolate and pronounce the initial, medial vowel, and final sounds (phonemes) in three-phoneme (consonant-vowel-consonant, or CVC) words.1 (This does not include CVCs ending with /l/, /r/, or /x/.)

In Gem & Nye, students blend sounds into words, starting with compound words and syllables and then moving to beginning (onset) and ending (rime) sounds and finally individual phonemes, to identify the picture of the word the Soundbots say when blended together.

Skills
Phonological awareness

  • Blending at the compound word, syllable, onset-rime, and phoneme level

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.2.B — Orally produce single-syllable words by blending sounds (phonemes), including consonant blends.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.B — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.C — Blend and segment onsets and rimes of single-syllable spoken words.

In Wordbots, students practice segmenting words into their onsets and rimes to determine which Startbots and Endbots form a stimulus word.

Skills
Phonological awareness

  • Segment at the compound-word and onset-rime level

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.C — Blend and segment onsets and rimes of single-syllable spoken words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.B — Count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables in spoken words.

In Zoom Boom, students practice rhyming by listening to a word and identifying the picture of the word that rhymes with it.

Skills
Phonological awareness

  • Rhyming

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.A — Recognize and produce rhyming words.

Phonics Games in Amplify Reading: K–2

In Curioso Crossing, students practice accurate and automatic word recognition by identifying the correct spoken word to guide their Curioso safely throughout the land.

Skills
Phonics – Early Decoding; Advanced Decoding

  • Read high-frequency irregular words, regular words, words with inflected endings, two-syllable words, words with prefixes and suffixes, and multi-syllable words

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.B — Associate the long and short sounds with the common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.B — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.C — Know final -e and common vowel team conventions for representing long vowel sounds.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.E — Decode two-syllable words following basic patterns by breaking the words into syllables.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.F — Read words with inflectional endings.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.A — Distinguish long and short vowels when reading regularly spelled one-syllable words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.C — Decode regularly spelled two-syllable words with long vowels.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.D — Decode words with common prefixes and suffixes.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.F — Recognize and read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.C — Read common high-frequency words by sight (e.g., the, of, to, you, she, my, is, are, do, does).
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.G — Recognize and read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.

In Food Truck, students practice “chopping” blends, ending sounds (rimes), and whole words into beginning sounds (onsets), ending sounds, and individual letters to create orders for their hungry goblin customers. The difficulty of words and segmenting tasks increases with each level as customers order more sophisticated “dishes.”

Skills
Phonics – Early Decoding

  • Decode and spell words with common rime families

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.A — Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.B — Associate the long and short sounds with the common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.D — Distinguish between similarly spelled words by identifying the sounds of the letters that differ.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.E — Add or substitute individual sounds (phonemes) in simple, one-syllable words to make new words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.B — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.

In Grumpy Goblins, students learn sound-spelling correspondences for consonant digraphs and vowel teams by listening to a sound from a goblin and feeding it the piece of toast with the corresponding letter or combination.

Skills
Phonics – Letter Combinations

  • Sound-spelling correspondences for consonant digraphs and vowel teams

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.B — Associate the long and short sounds with the common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.A — Know the spelling-sound correspondences for common consonant digraphs.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.B — Know spelling-sound correspondences for additional common vowel teams.

In Hangry Goblins, students practice letter-sound combinations by feeding individual letter sounds, consonant digraphs, blends, and vowel teams to goblins that become more and more “hangry” until they are given the letters that match their demands.

Skills
Phonics – Letter Sound Correspondence

  • Sound-spelling correspondences for individual letters and letter combinations

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.A — Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.B — Associate the long and short sounds with the common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.A — Know the spelling-sound correspondences for common consonant digraphs.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3.B — Know spelling-sound correspondences for additional common vowel teams.

In Picky Goblins, students practice sound-spelling correspondences for individual letters by listening to a sound from a goblin and feeding it the piece of toast with the corresponding.

Skills
Phonics – Letter-Sound Correspondence

  • Sound-Spelling Correspondences for single letters

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.A — Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.B — Associate the long and short sounds with the common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels.

In Read All About It, students practice reading sentences with words that include the sound-spelling correspondences, word features (e.g., prefixes/suffixes), and phonics rules (e.g., vowel consonant long e, syllable patterns) they learned and practiced in other games.

Skills
Phonics – Early Decoding; Advanced Decoding

  • Read grade level text accurately

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.4 — Read emergent-reader texts with purpose and understanding.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4 — Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.2.4 — Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

In Rhyme Time, students practice with different rime families (words that end with the same sounds and rhyme) and decode words in these families by swapping the first letter sounds of words while the ending sounds remain constant.

Skills
Phonics – Early Decoding

  • Decode words with common rime families

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.A — Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.B — Associate the long and short sounds with the common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.D — Distinguish between similarly spelled words by identifying the sounds of the letters that differ.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.E — Add or substitute individual sounds (phonemes) in simple, one-syllable words to make new words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.B — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.

In Tongue Twist, students practice with different rime families (words that end with the same sounds and rhyme) and build words by changing the ending sound (rime) while the beginning (onset) sounds, consonant blends, and consonant digraphs remain constant.

Skills
Phonics – Early Decoding

  • Decode words with common rime families

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.A — Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.B — Associate the long and short sounds with the common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.3.D — Distinguish between similarly spelled words by identifying the sounds of the letters that differ.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.K.2.E — Add or substitute individual sounds (phonemes) in simple, one-syllable words to make new words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3.B — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.

In Word City, students identify and manipulate beginning, middle, and ending letter sounds to assemble word chains that form buildings.

Skills
Phonics – Early Decoding

  • Letter-sound correspondence
  • Decoding and spelling regular words

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACYRF.K.3.A — Demonstrate basic knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACYRF.1.3.A — Know the spelling-sound correspondences for common consonant digraphs.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACYRF.1.3.B — Decode regularly spelled one-syllable words.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACYRF.1.3.C — Know final -e and common vowel team conventions for representing long vowel sounds.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACYRF.2.3.B — Know spelling-sound correspondences for additional common vowel teams.

Microcomprehension Games in Amplify Reading: K–2

In Because This, That, students learn how common text structures give clues to meaning by rearranging sentences to identify cause and effect or problem and solution.

Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Text Structure: Organize sentences using sequence/chronological order

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.3 — Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.8 — Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3 — Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.8 — Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.

In Connect It!, students practice using different types of conjunctions (temporal and causal, for example) to combine two clauses into a coherent sentence.

Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Syntactic awareness – connectives

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.3 — Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

In Message in a Bottle, students build their awareness of syntax and the impact word order has on meaning by unscrambling scraps of lost messages to reconstruct sentences.

Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Syntactic awareness

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1 — Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.1 — Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

In Mind the Gap, comprehension levels are assessed through a modified cloze exercise in which students make selections to fill in the blanks of a text where approximately every seventh word has been omitted.

Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Reading fluency
  • Syntactic awareness
  • Inference
  • Comprehension monitoring

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1 — Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.10 — Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

In Show Off, students learn how common text structures give clues to meaning, using cues from illustrations to rearrange sentences in the correct sequential or chronological order.
Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Text structure: Organize sentences using problem/solution and cause/effect

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.3 — Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.8 — Identify the reasons an author gives to support points in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3 — Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.8 — Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.knowledge of one-to-one letter-sound correspondences by producing the primary sound or many of the most frequent sounds for each consonant.

In Sloppy Scrolls, students practice the art of comprehension monitoring, or ensuring that they continually build and check a mental model of what they read. In the game, students are introduced to a world of enchanted scrolls that have lost their magic: they contain inconsistencies, and no longer make sense. The students must attempt to identify the inconsistencies by tapping the sentences that don’t match the rest of the passage. To increase the challenge of the game, some of the passages are presented without errors.

Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Comprehension Monitoring

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.10 — By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories and poetry, in the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

In Storyboard, students practice making inferences by completing a storyboard that integrates relevant background knowledge missing from a given sentence.

Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Inference

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 — With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.1 — With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.1 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

In Super Match, students work on developing cognitive flexibility, or the ability to track multiple elements simultaneously, by completing interactive puzzles that associate pictures and words across multiple dimensions (e.g., color and category, or starting sounds and category).

Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Cognitive flexibility

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.5.A — Sort words into categories (e.g., colors, clothing) to gain a sense of the concepts the categories represent.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.5.B — Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3 — Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

In Unmask That, students build their understanding of anaphora, a tool authors use to avoid repetition, by linking pronouns to their antecedents in text.

Skills
Microcomprehension

  • Syntactic awareness – anaphora

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1 — Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.1 — Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Comprehension Games in Amplify Reading: K–2

In Best Buddy, students examine character traits to determine which school club provides the best fit for their fictional friends.

Skills
Comprehension – Key Ideas and Details

  • Character Traits

Standards Covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 — Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3 — Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.

In Book Club, students compare and contrast two books on the same topic or theme to determine which book best meets the needs of a character in the game.

Skills
Comprehension – Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

  • Compare and Contrast Texts

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.9 — Identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or procedures).
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.Rl.2.9 — Compare and contrast the most important points presented by two texts on the same topic.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.9 — Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella stories) by different authors or from different cultures.

In Debate-a-Ball, students practice identifying the best evidence to support a claim. Students pick an animal avatar to compete with an automated opponent in debates on familiar topics. To win, students must put forward the best evidence to support each claim more frequently than their opponents. They are taught to identify evidence that is factual and strongly related to the claim.

Skills
Comprehension – Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

  • Evaluate evidence

Standards covered

  • CSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.8 — Describe how reasons support specific points the author makes in a text.

In Picture This, students complete the illustrations for a story by identifying words that describe its setting, characters, problems, and solutions.

Skills
Comprehension – Key Ideas and Details

  • Story Elements/Plot

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1 — Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 — Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.1 — Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.3 — Describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges.

In Storybox, students choose settings, situations, and solutions to send characters on different adventures, using details and context to help them resolve problems and complete the story.

Skills
Comprehension – Key Ideas and Details

  • Story Elements/Plot

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3 — With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.

In Tube Tales, students learn the attributes of different genres and practice identifying them in brief texts.

Skills
Comprehension – Craft and Structure

  • Text schema

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.10 — By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories and poetry, in the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.5 — Know and use various text features (e.g., captions, bold print, subheadings, glossaries, indexes, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.10 — By the end of year, read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 2-3 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

In What’s the Big Idea, students examine pictures, picture sequences, and short passages to practice differentiating the main idea from story details.

Skills
Comprehension – Key Ideas and Details

  • Main idea

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.2 — With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.2 — Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.2 — Identify the main topic of a multiparagraph text as well as the focus of specific paragraphs within the text.

Vocabulary Games in Amplify Reading: K–2

In Punchline!, students learn how words can have multiple meanings by channeling their inner comedian to crack homonym-based jokes.

Skills
Vocabulary

  • Multiple-meaning words

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.4.A — Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

In Shades of Meaning, students differentiate the nuances in similar words — first by ordering them from weakest to strongest, largest to smallest, or least to greatest; then by putting them into sentences that further clarify their meaning.

Skills
Vocabulary

  • Shades of meaning

Standards covered

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.5.D — Distinguish shades of meaning among verbs differing in manner (e.g., look, peek, glance, stare, glare, scowl) and adjectives differing in intensity (e.g., large, gigantic) by defining or choosing them or by acting out the meanings.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.5.B — Distinguish shades of meaning among closely related verbs (e.g., toss, throw, hurl) and closely related adjectives (e.g., thin, slender, skinny, scrawny).

Amplify Reading: K–2’s Integrated eReader

eReader Overview

Amplify Reading: K–2 has a new library of over 25 fiction and non-fiction ebooks and an adaptive algorithm that unlocks each book at the exact right point in a reader’s development. Moreover, they contain familiar interactions from the games so that students move seamlessly from text-embedded-in-games to games-embedded-in-text, maximizing their sense of growing competency.

The eReader also provides optional supports for its readers. From the settings icon on the title page of each book, students can turn on sentence numbering, read aloud functionality, and reveal words, as well as adjust the text size.

Student Experience
When students are ready for a text, it will appear as one of their quest steps.

When readers first unlock a new book, they read through it without interruption (with read-aloud support if appropriate).

In the second read, students discover embedded activities that repeat the familiar iconography of a game they previously mastered.

At the end of the book, additional activities evaluate students’ comprehension.

Achievements in books are part of the same overall reward system: helping your Curioso grow, just like achievement in skill-building games. Mastery of the content is reflected in the teacher dashboard within the given skill.

How teachers are using Amplify Reading

Independent study/rotation stations
Amplify Reading is a personalized, differentiated program designed to keep students engaged and on task in independent study. The program is most effective when used for a minimum of 45 minutes per week.

Other common uses
We designed the program to be flexible enough to fit any classroom model. Amplify Reading is browser-based, so it works on Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, desktops, and even iPhones. It can also be used at home to extend learning beyond the classroom.

Top 10 Science of Reading podcasts to get you started

Since 2019, Science of Reading: The Podcast has delivered the latest insights from researchers and practitioners in early reading. Hosted by Amplify’s Chief Academic Officer Susan Lambert, each episode welcomes a renowned leader in the education and literacy community, explores a timely topic related to the Science of Reading, and offers instructional advice to educators implementing evidence-based practices in their schools.

New to the podcast? Here are 10 popular episodes to acquaint yourself with the Science of Reading. Listen, enjoy, and subscribe — we have new episodes every other Wednesday!

S1-E1: Natalie Wexler on “The Knowledge Gap”

Susan hosts Natalie Wexler for a deep dive into her latest book, The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It, and a discussion of the lack of equity in reading education among students, the benefits of knowledge-rich curriculum inside and beyond the classroom, why it’s important to build background knowledge while teaching foundational skills, and why professional development doesn’t seem to be making a difference and how it can be improved.

S1-E3: Emily Hanford on reporting on education and the Science of Reading

Susan sits down with Emily Hanford, education reporter and host of the Education Post podcast, to examine the big takeaways from her experience reporting on dyslexia and the patterns that emerged in her investigation; why reading instruction isn’t more aligned with the Science of Reading; and the evolution of whole language, balanced literacy, and phonics instruction.

S1-E8: Tim Shanahan on evidence-based literacy practices

Reading expert Tim Shanahan discusses his view on teaching reading, including an explanation of the four crucial things you need to teach reading, and what it means to really do a “close read” in literature.

S3-E1: Dr. Jane Oakhill on Scarborough’s Reading Rope

Dive into the first episode of our Deconstructing the Rope series as Dr. Jane Oakhill, professor of experimental psychology at the University of Sussex, provides an overview of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. She also emphasizes the importance of inferencing in comprehension, why the Simple View of Reading is still relevant almost 40 years later, and how each element of the Rope comes together to deconstruct the complexity of reading.

S3-E3: Dr. Louisa Moats on decoding

Join Dr. Louisa Moats, President of Moats Associates Consulting, as she unwinds decoding, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In the third episode of our Deconstructing the Rope series, Louisa highlights the significance of decoding in the Science of Reading and discusses the value of becoming students of our own language. She also explains the reciprocal relationship between decoding and encoding and why both are essential to provide effective phonics instruction to children in the classroom.

S2-E7: Sonia Cabell on research, comprehension, and content-rich literacy instruction

Join Sonia Cabell, Assistant Professor of Education at Florida State University, as she shares findings from her research trials on content-rich literacy curricula and whether activating students’ background knowledge alongside explicit phonics instruction is more effective than traditional approaches. She also explains what constitutes “compelling evidence” in the Science of Reading and why students need to interact with both written and spoken language while learning to read.

S3-E5: Dr. Bruce McCandliss on sight recognition

Join Dr. Bruce McCandliss, Professor at the Graduate School of Education of Stanford University, as he unwinds sight recognition, a strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In the fifth episode of our series, Bruce explains the role of sight and word recognition in the Science of Reading and highlights the importance of the rapid integration of print, speech, and meaning. He also encourages listeners to be cognizant of the ever-changing technological learning environment while nurturing young readers and writers.

S2-E1: Dr. LaTonya Goffney on a district-wide SoR adoption

Join Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent of Schools for Aldine Independent School District in Texas, as she recounts her two-year journey with her team of district educators to adopt a new early literacy curriculum. Hear how they successfully challenged the traditional adoption process, studied the science of teaching reading, analyzed student data and experiences, and developed a district-wide set of beliefs and expectations.

S3-E7: Maria Murray on The Reading League’s Defining Movement

In this special episode, Dr. Maria Murray, President, and CEO of The Reading League analyze the intricacies of literacy instruction and shares common misconceptions that educators have about the Science of Reading. She also explains why the Science of Reading: A Defining Movement coalition was founded: the belief in a clear understanding of what the Science of Reading is and what it is not, in order to promote the proper use of instructional practices aligned with its findings.

4 tools to help teachers better understand dyslexia

Despite variations in terminology, many professionals still consider dyslexia to be synonymous with the term “reading difficulty.” But a growing interest in the subject and a resurgence of the term in literacy research is increasing awareness of dyslexia’s neurobiological origins.

With things changing fast, it can be difficult to stay up to date on the latest research and instructional practices surrounding dyslexia. In this blog post, we’re providing four amazing reading materials to improve your understanding and ability to support struggling readers.

Defining dyslexia

Dyslexia is a critical topic in education these days — but what is it? This article from the Orton Gillingham Online Academy breaks down the International Dyslexia Association’s definition of dyslexia and what it means for students with this “hidden disability:”

“What is Dyslexia? Part 1” by Lorna Wooldridge

Dyslexia in your classroom

Students with dyslexia make up 15–20% of the school-age population, and are likely to be in every classroom. These fascinating statistics show just how present dyslexia is in the student population:

“Most Reading Difficulties Can Be Resolved or Diminished” by Carolyn Cowen

Dyslexic brains are wired differently, but intensive reading intervention can rewire them. Read about how science and technology are being used to understand what’s happening in a brain with dyslexia:

“How Science Is Rewiring the Dyslexic Brain” by Gabrielle Emanuel

Dyslexia: Fact and fiction

We know more about dyslexia now than ever before?—?can you distinguish between fact and fiction? Uncover the truths and myths of dyslexia now:

Dyslexia: Fact vs. Fiction by Amplify staff

Inquiry-based learning: 3 tips for science teachers

Which practice is at the top of the eight NGSS Science and Engineering Practices? Good question! It’s asking questions and defining problems.

And why is asking questions so important? (Also a good question.) 

Because science isn’t just facts. Science is a process of finding answers—a process that starts with questions. That’s why students learn like scientists best in a science classroom defined by phenomena-based learning, also known as inquiry-based learning.  

How can science educators bring this approach into the classroom? 

That’s one question host Eric Cross and science educator and professional development facilitator Jessica Kesler address in the latest episode of Amplify’s Science Connections: The Podcast.

The power of questions

Kesler’s mission at TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods charity, is to empower educators to create engaging classrooms that foster future leaders.

“We train teachers on STEM competencies and the pedagogical tools and strategies to implement the STEM we’re doing in our learning labs,” she says. “Then they can implement it in the classroom and have this multiplicative effect that can help us reach millions of kids and prepare them for careers.”

Those pedagogical approaches include student-centered learning practices. Using those practices, teachers spend less time delivering facts and more time asking questions, while developing students’ ability to do the same.

That’s how we shift science from, as the NGSS frames it, “learning about” to “figuring out.”

Per the NGSS: “The point of using phenomena to drive instruction is to help students engage in practices to develop the knowledge necessary to explain or predict the phenomena. Therefore, the focus is not just on the phenomenon itself. It is the phenomenon plus the student-generated questions about the phenomenon that guides the learning and teaching. The practice of asking questions or identifying problems becomes a critical part of trying to figure something out.”

Inquiry-based learning examples and approaches

Kesler recognizes that a shift to inquiry-based learning can’t be made overnight, or all at once. “We never suggest overhauling your classroom…add a little bit here and there and see how it impacts your students.”

Here are some strategies Kesler suggests for empowering educators to deliver inquiry-based science learning.

  1. Cultivate an inquiry mindset. We live in a world where answers to pretty much everything are right on our phones, right in our pockets. That ease and accessibility can dampen student curiosity. But when teachers start shifting focus from asking students for answers to asking them to develop smart questions, students can grow that mental inquiry muscle.
  2. Make inquiry visible. No need to be sneaky—you can be explicit with students about what you’re doing, and what you’re inviting them to do. Think: “What are tools and strategies you can use so that students can illuminate their thinking for themselves and for you and their peers?” Kesler says. “So the students get to see their own thinking as they progress, and you get to tell the story of how their minds have evolved.” Paying attention to student questions also enables you to observe where students are making mistakes, where misconceptions come up, and where you should target your next lesson, Kesler adds. “So it makes you more responsive in the moment.”
  3. Build an inquiry environment. Asks Kesler: “What are the things that you can embed into your physical space and develop in a student’s intellectual space that will help you create a holistic inquiry environment?” There’s no one right answer, but a shift in environment can support a shift in intellectual approach. (Consider the opposite: “If you take someone out of an old habit or space and tell them, ‘We are gonna change your minds and teach inquiry,’ but put them back in the same environment, they’re going to be conflicted,” Kesler says. You could create displays that present questions rather than facts, or arrange the room to support conversation rather than lecture—whatever makes sense for your space.

Definitely test, explore, experiment—even take risks—and ask your own questions. After all, the inquiry mindset is for you, too!

Learn more

Explore how Amplify Science supports inquiry-based learning.

Listen to all of Season 1, Episode 10, Empowering the science educator: Jessica Kesler, and find more episodes and strategies from Amplify’s Science Connections: The Podcast.

The importance of reading fluency in effective literacy instruction

There’s a difference between the ability to sound out words on a page and the ability to truly understand their meaning. That difference? Reading fluency. 

Fluency is one of the five foundational reading skills. (The other four, as you likely know, are  phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension.) Fluency connects readers not just to words, but to emotions and expressions, characters and connotations. And it’s also where reading really starts to foster joy. 

In this post, we’ll explore what fluency is, why it matters, and how to successfully incorporate it into your literacy instruction. 

Defining fluency

The International Literacy Association defines reading fluency as “reasonably accurate reading, at an appropriate rate, with suitable expression, that leads to accurate and deep comprehension and motivation to read.” 

In other words, fluency is not just reading fast. And it goes beyond merely decoding words, to developing a deep understanding of what they’re trying to say. Fluency allows readers to connect ideas, recognize patterns, and infer meanings. 

“I call fluency the bridge to comprehension,” says Kent State literary education professor Tim Rasinski, discussing the topic on Amplify’s Science of Reading: The Podcast

Why fluency in reading matters

Rasinski is also director of Kent State’s award-winning reading clinic, and in his podcast episode, he describes encountering students as old as grade 5 who have decoding skills, but not fluency. “[These students] can sound words out, but if you were to hear them read orally, it would be slow, laborious reading in a monotone,” he says. According to Rasinski, these students aren’t getting “much joy and satisfaction, or even comprehension” from their reading. 

While oral expression in reading is not the ultimate goal, it is an indicator. “The way you read orally reflects the way you read silently,” Rasinski says. “Most of us would say when we read silently we ‘hear’ ourselves with our internal voice.” 

When readers develop fluency, they also develop: 

  • Comprehension. As decoding becomes more effortless, readers can focus on understanding meaning. Fluent readers recognize words automatically, allowing them to dedicate cognitive resources to complex sentence structures and connections among ideas. They grasp both main points and nuances. All told, they get what they’re reading. 
  • Confidence. Fluent readers are more likely to feel accomplished, proud, and motivated with regards to their reading abilities. And it’s a virtuous cycle: As their confidence grows, they’re more likely to engage in and enjoy reading—and continue to improve. 
  • Vocabulary. Fluency plays a significant role in vocabulary acquisition and language development. Fluent readers encounter a larger variety of words in context. This exposure enhances their language and communication skills across academic topics and life experiences. 
  • Academic success. Fluency helps students read to learn. As students advance through school, fluency becomes increasingly important for comprehension and analysis of more advanced and content-rich texts.
  • Emotional connection. Fluency enables readers to connect with the characters, emotions, experiences, and implications in a given text. That’s what makes reading immersive and enjoyable—in the moment and for a lifetime. 

The fluency journey: learning and assessment

The Science of Reading tells us that foundational reading skills must be taught explicitly and systematically, and fluency is no exception. Developing reading fluency is a gradual process that requires consistent practice and exposure to different types of texts. There are several stages and skills that support the development of reading fluency. 

  • Fluency starts with accuracy in decoding. As students practice and improve their phonics skills, they can accurately recognize and decode more and more words. This helps them move from laborious reading toward more efficient reading.
  • Speed comes as a result of accuracy. As students become more accurate in decoding, they can read words more quickly. Accuracy helps reduce the time it takes to identify and process each word, allowing for a smoother and faster reading experience.
  • Fluency practice helps with automaticity. And the more students develop both accuracy and speed, the more they develop automaticity. 

As you may know, there’s a tool called Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) that reading professionals use as a quick-read thermometer of sorts to measure reading speed and accuracy. It’s a simple assessment, measuring how many words a student reads correctly in an unpracticed passage. It’s considered one of the best indicators of a student’s reading progress. 

“It works! It has validity. It gives us good, useful information,” says researcher, educational consultant, and author Dr. Jan Hasbrouck on Science of Reading: The Podcast. That’s why it’s widely used—but, she adds, it’s also widely misunderstood. 

It is a reliable and helpful measure of fluency in terms of reading rate and accuracy, she says. At the same time, “It was unfortunate to put the label ‘fluency’ on it,” she says. “We reading teachers think of fluency as something much more multifaceted and complex that at minimum includes prosody, or expression. It is accuracy, rate, expression, metacognition, background knowledge—it’s all of this stuff that really experienced reading teachers think of as fluency.” 

Fluency best practices for literary instruction

Automaticity frees up cognitive space for comprehension, but fluency isn’t just about reading fast—it’s also about making meaning, which is where prosody comes in. 

Prosody refers to the rhythm, intonation, and expression used by someone reading aloud. 

But it’s not just for the natural performers in the classroom. Prosody can be influenced. How do we help students develop that external, and internal, prosodic voice? 

Through targeted read-aloud practice. By explicitly teaching students about prosody and providing systematic practice opportunities, educators can nurture fluency and comprehension simultaneously—a connection to overall reading success that is well-supported by evidence-based research. 

Some fluency strategies include: 

  • Reader’s Theater in the classroom: Students don’t have to be skilled actors to take on roles and read from scripts. Theater activities allow them to practice recognition and expressions of drama and emotion as they bring the lines to life. 
  • Assisted reading: When students read aloud simultaneously with a more fluent reader, they practice their own skills while also hearing someone else make meaning of the same text. This can also take the form of choral reading, i.e., students reading aloud as a group, focusing on using appropriate intonation and expression. Reading together allows them to practice prosody in a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Consistent reinforcement and rewards: Rasinski works with students on snippets of text, first with prosody modeled by teachers, then practiced alone and together (repeated reading), then performed for each other or even parents or other adults who offer praise. This regular practice helps boost the confidence and motivation that assists students in developing fluency. “We want children to experience reading success every single day,” says Rasinski. 

More to explore

Defining math fluency with Jason Zimba

When we think of fluency, especially as a goal, we might think of speaking or reading a language. But fluency is also a goal in learning math! So what is math fluency? And what does it look like in the math classroom? In Season 6, Episode 1 of our Math Teacher Lounge podcast, Amplify’s own Jason Zimba helps us understand—using some analogies to baseball and chicken, of course.

Definitions of math fluency

We can develop fluency in many things, from coding to cooking. On the Math Teacher Lounge podcast, Amplify Chief Academic Officer of STEM Jason Zimba recounted becoming fluent in…roast chicken. 

Jason describes practicing one particular recipe until it was perfect. For Jason, that meant not just that the outcome was flawless or delicious, but that he was eventually able to make it from memory, without thinking—and to naturally adjust and calculate for variables like a smaller or larger chicken, or an unfamiliar oven. 

Math fluency works the same way. Practice brings effortlessness—freeing up time and mind space for new opportunities. 

The word “fluency” comes from the Latin fluentia, which means “flowing.” When applied to math, it means ”skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately,” says podcast host and math teacher and advocate Dan Meyer. As with someone fluent in a language (or a recipe), someone fluent in math is able to think and calculate mathematically without struggle or effort—that is, with fluidity. 

Podcast host and elementary educator Bethany Lockhart Johnson adds this informal description: “It’s that thing you don’t even think about anymore. ‘Cause it’s in there. You’re not still thinking about addition facts, because you’ve got it. And it fuels you. It’s the foundation that allows you to do all the other cool stuff.”

Fluency in the math classroom

What does fluency look like in practice? A young learner fluent in math will be able to smoothly recite the number word list in order (“one, two, three…”) and write the numerals from 0 to 9. As the student grows, so does their fluency with multi-digit calculation, rational-number arithmetic, and eventually even variable expressions. 

“It’s a wordless but still somehow almost verbal sort of fluency, with properties of operations as the grammar of the language,” says Jason.

But “it’s not fact recall,” he says. “Recall is remembering or just knowing. Fluency refers to calculation.”

Why and how to improve math fluency

There are different paths to fluency, but all can lead to “conceptual richness and mathematical joy,” says Dan.

If fluency provides that crucial foundation, what happens to students who are not math-fluent? 

“When kids don’t have access to [fluency], it keeps them from diving into the juicy parts of math,” says Bethany. “Math is so much bigger than addition facts, but when they don’t know those addition facts, that becomes all math is.” 

Without fluency, students miss opportunities to progress in (and enjoy) math, and may even develop math anxiety

So how can you support math students in developing fluency? 

For one thing, it’s important not to underestimate the value of practice and repetition. These approaches—especially when used in combination with other, more organic modes—can be highly productive, says Jason. “I worry about whether discomfort with repetitive practice is short-changing students of the power and confidence that fluency can bring.”

Dan compares it to achieving excellence in a sport—”like shooting from the same spot on the court over and over again,” he says. That kind of rote repetition is valuable in sports, and should also have its place in math instruction. 

It’s also important for students to understand why they’re learning and even drilling their numbers, arithmetic, or times tables, Jason notes. They need to be “invested in understanding and agreeing that this is going to do something for them.” 

One thing that helps: providing students a sense that they’ve accomplished something. “We need to have moments for them to reflect on what has been learned and what is now easy that was previously hard,” Dan says. He calls this process “humanizing fluency”—and Math Teacher Lounge will be here all season to help math educators do just that.

Save the date

Join us at NCTM in October for a live Math Teacher Lounge podcast recording with Dan Meyer and special guest Jennifer Bay-Williams! We’ll be investigating math fluency and finding fun ways to get all students engaged in math instruction. 

Math Teacher Lounge LIVE!
NCTM | Oct. 27 | 2:30 p.m. EST (doors at 2:15) | Room 158AB

More to explore

Don’t miss the finale of Math Teacher Lounge

Just like certain functions and number sequences, even the most successful podcasts reach a natural end. And that’s true of Math Teacher Lounge. After six seasons and more than 40 episodes, co-hosts Bethany Lockhart Johnson and Dan Meyer are heading off to work on other exciting projects.

So let’s take a look at the podcast’s farewell episode, as well as some highlights from earlier seasons.

Highlights from this math podcast

On the final episode of Math Teacher Lounge, our hosts walk through the past ten episodes on math fluency. They highlight key conversations on defining and assessing fluency, fluency development in a bilingual math classroom setting, and the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on so-called fake fluency.

“I think every guest has answered a question that we’ve had about fluency and then also opened up new areas of investigation for us,” says Dan. “Whether that’s thinking about community more deeply through fluency or assessment or classroom practices, all these different folks offered us a glimpse into their expertise and then pointed at paths towards more learning.”

Spanning six seasons, the podcast has reached thousands of educators while exploring a wide range of topics including the joy of math, math anxiety, and (of course) math fluency. Guests have included Amplify’s Jason Zimba, Reach Capital’s Jennifer Carolan, and Baltimore County Public Schools’s John W. Staley, Ph.D.

Some of the most popular episodes included:

Investigating math anxiety in the classroom (S5E1) with Gerardo Ramirez, Ph.D., associate professor of educational psychology at Ball State University. Ramirez helped our hosts and listeners understand what math anxiety is and is not, what impact it has on learning, and what we can do about it.

Building math fluency through games (S6E7) with University of Louisville professor Jennifer Bay-Williams, Ph.D., who—in a special live recording at NCTM 2023—showed how games can bring both fluency and joy into the math classroom.

Cultivating a joy of learning with Sesame Workshop (S5E3) with Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, senior vice president of curriculum and content for Sesame Workshop. Dr. Truglio shared how to cultivate a growth mindset in young children and point them toward academic achievement and long-term success.

Professional development—and more—to look forward to

Bethany and Dan will continue working on a host of other exciting projects, including webinars and conference appearances. On March 12, Dan will also participate in the Amplify 2024 Math Symposium: a free, virtual, five-hour event that will help educators strengthen math instruction, bolster student agency, and build math proficiency for life.

The following key Math Symposium sessions (featuring your favorite Math Teacher Lounge guests and host Dan Meyer) will help you learn even more about those popular topics in math:

Dan Meyer

How to Invite Students into More Effective Math Learning | 3:15 p.m. EDT

Gerardo Ramirez Ball State University

How Student’s Personal Narratives Shape Math Learning | 12:15 p.m. EDT

Jennifer Bay-Williams University of Louisville

Bringing Math to Life: How Games Build Fluency and Engagement | 1:00 p.m. EDT

Akimi Gibson Sesame Workshop

Developing Young Children’s Identities and Competencies as Mathematicians | 4:00 p.m. EDT

Check out the full agenda and sign up today. All sessions will be recorded and attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.

MTSS: The key to success

What helps students succeed in reading? It’s not just one tool, or even one toolkit. Ideally, they’ve got a whole ecosystem—from the latest science to bedtime stories—supporting them in learning to read.

So it makes sense that a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is critical to literary instruction in the classroom. 

What exactly is an MTSS? How does it align with the Science of Reading? And how do they help you support your students?

MTSS, literacy instruction, and the Science of Reading

First, a broad definition. 

A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a comprehensive framework designed to provide systematic and differentiated support to all students. The tiered approach includes universal interventions for all learners, targeted interventions for those at risk, and intensive interventions for students with specific needs. The goal of an MTSS is to use data-driven decision-making and personalized support to improve academic, behavioral, and emotional outcomes for every student.

And that’s exactly what an MTSS does in the context of literacy instruction. An MTSS operates on the premise that readers have diverse requirements, and it aims to proactively identify and address these needs through a multi-tiered approach.

That’s where it intersects with the Science of Reading. As you know, the Science of Reading refers to the pedagogy and practices that extensive research has found to be most effective for teaching children to read. When implemented in a classroom, the Science of Reading is part of a system—one that aligns with a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

What’s the difference between an MTSS and RTI? 

MTSS vs. RTI: You’ve probably heard these systems mentioned in similar contexts. But just like new readers, we’ve got to learn our letters. 

RTI stands for Response to Intervention, so its very name shows that it’s a response to an identified problem. Actually, it’s a series of academic responses that use data to pinpoint and address the specific challenges of struggling students.

An MTSS and an RTI are similar in that “they are both problem-solving models,” notes Brittney Bills, Ph.D., elementary school principal at Blair Community Schools, speaking with host Susan Lambert on Amplify’s Science of Reading: The Podcast.

And they can be intertwined. But they are not interchangeable. In fact, an RTI is part of an MTSS framework—not the other way around. Also: 

  • An MTSS starts with all students. “With the MTSS model, the universal tier is the first intervention for all students,” says Bills, referring to the curriculum, instruction, and assessments provided to all students at a given grade level. Bills says we can ask: “What does our data demonstrate that our students need within that universal tier? And how can we apply evidence-based practices, as they relate to the Science of Reading, to beef up opportunities for our students there first? Then it’s a layering-on of supports and problem-solving at those other layers, the targeted and intensive tiers, after that.”
  • An MTSS supports prevention. Again, we start universal, then identify issues. Though an RTI is necessary and effective, an MTSS has the aim, and the capacity, to both get at-risk readers back on track and prevent the need for intervention down the line.

The four defining parts of an MTSS

Now, let’s break down the four key components that define an MTSS:

  1. Screening: An MTSS begins with screening to identify students’ proficiency in foundational literacy skills. Screening helps you pinpoint potential challenges in literacy early on, making it possible to tailor interventions for individual students and head problems off at the pass.
  2. Progress monitoring: An MTSS helps you regularly assess and track students’ literacy progress, allowing you to adjust instructional strategies based on real-time data and evolving needs.
  3. Establishing a multi-level prevention system: The multi-level prevention system allows you to adapt to accommodate diverse learning styles and precise learning needs. This personalized approach both supports those at risk and helps build an inclusive classroom where every reader can thrive.
  4. Making data-based decisions: An MTSS gives you the data you need—and guides you in analyzing it—to make the precise adjustments that support every student’s literacy journey. 

An MTSS is a dynamic approach that recognizes that every student is different—and that to provide each with what they need to learn to read, teachers need systems of support, too. 

More to explore

The power of data: From literacy assessment to action

Two educational documents are displayed, focusing on early literacy and literacy assessment for grades K-8. Images of children learning are included on the front page, highlighting their journey in language comprehension skills.

Teaching literacy is a balancing act. Your classroom may have students who soar through grade-level reading lessons and others who need additional support—or even intensive intervention—to keep up. And you may feel like there’s never enough time to meet everyone’s needs.

But with data, you can do it. By leveraging assessment data strategically, making the most of core instruction, and integrating intervention and personalized learning, you can give every student the support they need—without adding extra hours to your day.

Let’s break it down.

Types of data, defined

This you know: Not all assessments are created equal. Universal screeners help identify which students need extra support. Formative assessments track ongoing progress. Summative assessments measure overall learning. Each is a tool that equips you with the right information at the right time to adjust your instruction.

  • Before core instruction: Universal screening and diagnostic assessments enable you to see where students are starting from and plan accordingly.
  • During instruction: Formative assessments (e.g., quick checks, observations, and exit tickets) catch misunderstandings early so you can reteach on the spot.
  • After instruction: Summative assessments measure progress; progress monitoring during intervention helps you know if students are on the right track before final assessments.

The goal isn’t more testing—it’s using the data from the assessments you have to make smarter instructional decisions.

Making the most of Tier 1 instruction

You spend most of the school day on core instruction. Making it as effective as possible benefits all students, not just those who are struggling. The key? Teach explicitly; use high-quality materials grounded in the Science of Reading; and keep instruction aligned to grade-level standards while allowing flexibility for different learning needs. Specifically:

  • Model first, then guide, then let them try. Clear explanations and step-by-step modeling give students confidence before they work independently.
  • Use formative assessments to adjust in real time. If an exit ticket shows most students didn’t grasp a concept, a quick reteach the next day can prevent gaps from growing.
  • Group students for targeted support. Small groups during core instruction can help address specific skill gaps without taking students away from grade-level learning.

When core instruction is strong and built around what students actually need, intervention becomes more about fine-tuning rather than catching up from major gaps.

An MTSS framework: The right help at the right time

When assessment data shows that a student needs extra support, targeted intervention helps prevent small struggles from turning into bigger ones. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) can ensure that interventions are structured, data-driven, and matched to student needs.

  • Intervention blocks and small groups: Some classrooms use dedicated intervention blocks to provide students extra support without missing core instruction. Others incorporate targeted small-group instruction during the literacy block. Either way, intervention works best when it’s built into the schedule, not squeezed in as an afterthought.
  • Progress monitoring: Once students enter intervention, regular check-ins track their progress and allow you to make adjustments as needed without waiting for the next big assessment.

Small shifts, big impact

For students who are on track or need more challenge, personalized learning tools—such as adaptive reading programs—can provide meaningful independent practice. High-quality programs adjust automatically based on student performance, so each student gets exactly the right level of support or enrichment without adding extra prep for you.

In other words, teaching literacy well isn’t about working more—it’s about working strategically. By using assessments to inform your instruction, strengthening core teaching, and providing structured support or intervention when needed, you can position every student for success, no matter where they start.

More to explore

Season 9, Episode 4

Comprehension is not a skill, with Hugh Catts, Ph.D.

In this episode Susan Lambert is joined by Hugh Catts, Ph.D., professor at Florida State University, to break down what comprehension is and bust some myths about what it isn’t. With a family history of dyslexia, he has a personal connection to the topic that led him into research in language sciences and language disorders. He discusses how his findings moved him away from viewing comprehension as simply a “component of reading” but rather something entirely separate—a condition created over time, defined by purpose, and influenced by prior knowledge. Together, Susan and Hugh address many comprehension-related concepts, such as the Simple View of Reading, the five pillars of reading, and comprehension’s relationship to knowledge building. Hugh also gives listeners practical advice for helping students suss out their comprehension before reading, and he clarifies why understanding the standard of coherence is important.

Meet our guest(s):

Hugh Catts, Ph.D.

Hugh Catts’s research interests include the early identification and prevention of reading disabilities. He is a former board member of the International Dyslexia Association and former president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading. He has received the Samuel T. Orton Award, the International Dyslexia Association’s highest honor, and the Honors of the Association Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, for his career contributions in these disciplines. His current research concerns the early identification of reading and language difficulties and the nature and assessment of reading comprehension problems.

Meet our host, Susan Lambert

Susan Lambert is the Chief Academic Officer of Elementary Humanities at Amplify, and the host of Science of Reading: The Podcast. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating high-quality learning environments using evidence-based practices. Lambert is a mom of four, a grandma of four, a world traveler, and a collector of stories.

As the host of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Lambert explores the increasing body of scientific research around how reading is best taught. As a former classroom teacher, administrator, and curriculum developer, Lambert is dedicated to turning theory into best practices that educators can put right to use in the classroom, and to showcasing national models of reading instruction excellence.

Transcripts and additional resources

Show notes:

Follow Hugh on X: @CattsHugh

Read: Rethinking How to Promote Reading Comprehension by Hugh Catts

Transcript

Submit your literacy questions for a chance to win!

Read: The Simple View of Reading: Advancements and False Impressions by Hugh Catts

Quotes

If you learn how to swim, you can swim in a lake, a pool, an ocean, whatever. But that’s not the case for comprehension. You can’t learn to comprehend and then take that out into different situations for different purposes. You can learn some things that will help you, but in general, it’s the topic and purpose that are going to impact how well you understand something.

–Hugh Catts, Ph.D.

If I was going to define comprehension, it’s not a single thing. I mean, that’s the problem. We want it to be a single thing, but it depends upon what you’re reading and why you’re reading it.

–Hugh Catts, Ph.D.

What comprehension is is the interaction of what you bring into that reading situation and what you already know about it, and your motivation and purpose to comprehend it.

–Hugh Catts, Ph.D.

There’s just not enough mental reserve to be able to build that meaning that quickly. So it helps tremendously that you have some knowledge about it beforehand. That knowledge gives you a place to put information. So when you read about something, it gives you storage for the information. It’s kind of like a cubby hole that you put the mail in, in an office.

–Hugh Catts, Ph.D.

Prepare Professional Development (PD)

Learning experiences to prepare for literacy and math instructional shifts

The following literacy and math sessions can help any educator—regardless of the program used—enhance their instructional practices.

  • Science of Reading sessions offering research-backed strategies to deepen understanding and improve student outcomes.
  • Problem-based approach to math sessions that empower educators to facilitate meaningful learning experiences and develop critical thinking skills.
  • Multiliterate learner sessions enable educators to make a meaningful impact on students’ literacy development.
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Professional learning journey

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Prepare Begin Practice Advance
Learning sessions will help shift literacy and math instruction in areas such as the Science of Reading and/or problem-based approaches to math. Program-aligned packages will support those who are new to Amplify programs. Program-aligned packages will support those who have experience using Amplify programs. Offerings will support advanced implementation, build capacity for instructional leaders, certify in-house trainers to deliver Launch sessions, and more.
“Gain the literacy knowledge and skills you need to thrive and help your students thrive. Through these sessions, you’ll understand typical literacy development and how to describe and address literacy difficulties.”

—Susan Lambert, Chief Academic Officer, Elementary Humanities

Host, Science of Reading: The Podcast

Science of Reading learning experiences

Listening to students read is magic. But knowing how to get them reading? That’s science.

Making the shift to the Science of Reading is no small feat, but participating in professional development sessions can help you make this change seamlessly.

Amplify Science of Reading sessions offer flexible, professional learning experiences for teachers that incorporate engaging activities grounded in what science tells us about literacy development.

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Build your knowledge of the Science of Reading

Virtual | 90-minute session

This introductory session provides educators with a foundational overview of what the Science of Reading means and what it tells us about how to teach using evidence-based reading practices.

Participants will learn to:

  • Define the Science of Reading by examining evidence-based research.
  • Explain how two frameworks, the Simple View of Reading and the Reading Rope, work in tandem to guide effective literacy instruction.
  • Identify instructional principles aligned to the Science of Reading.
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Deepen your knowledge of the Science of Reading

On-site or virtual | 3-hour session

This session will build a base of common knowledge about the Reading Rope and support educators in identifying effective instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

Participants will learn to:

  • Identify the strands in the Reading Rope.
  • Describe how each strand plays an important role in developing skilled readers and writers.
  • Identify key look-fors in effective Science of Reading instruction.

Science of Reading: The Learning Lab online course

This series of three self-paced online courses, crafted by literacy expert Susan Lambert and built around International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards, guides you through the essential Science of Reading skills and knowledge needed to teach students to read proficiently, as well as advanced strategies for aiding struggling readers. Each course builds on the last, equipping you with the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact on your students’ literacy journeys.

Benefit from flexible learning on an interactive platform spanning 20–25 hours of instruction. Each course is accessible for 12 months. Upon completion, you’ll be provided with a downloadable certificate, validating your new expertise in the Science of Reading.

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Foundations to the Science of Reading

This course offers a comprehensive overview of research in the field. Each of the eight modules contains three lessons covering the foundations of literacy acquisition.

Explore the scope and sequence of Foundations to the Science of Reading with a  Pacing Guide.

Access the free Preview Pass for this course.

A child points at large outlined letters on a board with a pointer stick, next to a stack of books—capturing an engaging moment in classroom instruction.

Advanced topics in the Science of Reading: Assessment and reading difficulties

The second course is aimed at providing an in-depth examination of assessments, a deeper understanding of reading difficulties, and familiarity with pertinent legal frameworks for educators, all of which influence instructional decision-making.

Explore the scope and sequence of Advanced topics in the Science of Reading with our Pacing Guide

Access the free Preview Pass for this course.

Three people in lab coats stand around a lab table with test tubes and a flask, engaging in classroom instruction as they discuss and gesture to each other.

Coming soon!
Applied structured literacy

The final course in the series is designed to review key concepts and knowledge from previous coursework, explore fundamental aspects of structured literacy within lessons, observe and analyze structured literacy instruction in action, and investigate how data informs instructional decisions.

[Available June 2025]

“Amplify’s Science of Reading online course builds background knowledge on how students read, then goes deeper to give you strategies that correlate with current research that can be implemented into your classroom right away. The course opened my thinking to new ways of teaching and I can’t wait to try it with students! If you want to walk away feeling successful with helping kids read, take this course! ”

Allie Appel

Coach, WI

New

Supporting multiliterate learner sessions

Unlock the magic of teaching multiliterate learners with evidence-based literacy practices. Making the shift to effectively support diverse readers in multiple languages is no small feat, but our professional development sessions are here to guide you effortlessly.

Empower your teaching with these engaging sessions, and make a meaningful impact on your multiliterate students’ literacy development.

Two children are seated at a small table in a classroom. Engaged in classroom instruction, the girl is writing in a notebook while the boy reads a book. Colorful storage bins are visible in the background, enhancing the learning environment

Build your knowledge of multiliterate learners

Virtual | 90-minute session

This session provides educators with a foundational overview of how to teach multiliterate learners using evidence-based literacy practices.

Contact us to request a quote.

A young boy in a striped shirt sits at a desk, focused on writing in a notebook with a pencil. Surrounding him are classroom supplies and papers, exemplifying the effective program implementation strategies from professional learning sessions.

Deepen your knowledge of multiliterate learners

On-site or virtual | 3-hour session

This session will build an understanding of how the brain learns to read in multiple languages, as well as how to leverage cross-linguistic transfer, and align instruction to best practices for multiliterate learners.

Contact us to request a quote.

Problem-based approach to math instruction sessions

Elevate educational experiences by placing students’ ideas at the core of math lessons through problem-based learning. These sessions offer flexible professional learning experiences, allowing you to gain firsthand experience with a problem-based approach as a learner. You then learn to integrate this approach seamlessly into your teaching practices, bringing renewed energy to your math classroom.

A woman sits indoors, smiling while using a tablet. Wearing a blue lanyard and casual clothing, she appears engaged in professional learning; the background shows blurred people and chairs.

Build your knowledge of a problem-based approach

Virtual | 90-minute session

This session provides you with a foundational overview of what an engaging problem-based approach in math entails for K–5 students.

During this session you’ll learn to:

  • Explain how a problem-based approach to math brings delight to both teaching and learning and builds lasting student understanding.
  • Identify actionable strategies for using a problem-based approach in a math classroom.

Contact us to request a quote.

Deepen your knowledge of a problem-based approach

On-site or virtual | 3-hour session

This session provides you with hands-on experience facilitating problem-solving in math, leaving you with an increased understanding of how to teach conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and applications of math.

During this session you’ll learn to:

  • Explain how a problem-based approach to math brings delight to both teaching and learning and builds lasting student understanding.
  • Identify actionable strategies for using a problem-based approach in a math classroom.
  • Connect your current teaching practice to a problem-based approach, and choose a next step to implement a more problem-based approach.

Contact us to request a quote.

Get in touch with a PD expert

We’re here to provide answers and guidance as you explore your PD options. Fill out the form to connect with us and discover how Amplify PD can enhance your educational journey.

Prepare Professional Development (PD)

Learning experiences to prepare for literacy and math instructional shifts

The following literacy and math sessions are designed to support all educators—regardless of the program used—in enhancing their instructional practices.

  • Sessions devoted to Science of Reading offer research-based strategies to deepen understanding that support students’ reading development.
  • Sessions focusing on a problem-based approach to math empower educators to facilitate meaningful learning experiences and foster critical thinking skills in their students.
  • Sessions supporting multilingual/English learners enable educators to make a meaningful impact on students’ multiliteracy development.
An open book with stars on the left and a math-themed scene with numbers and shapes on the right, separated by a circular sync icon in the center.

Professional learning journey

Four circular icons in sequence—a lightbulb, pencil, whiteboard, and podium—are linked by arrows, illustrating professional learning steps ideal for professional development for teachers or Science of Reading initiatives.
Prepare
Begin
Practice
Advance
Learning sessions will help shift literacy and math instruction in areas such as the Science of Reading and/or problem-based approaches to math. Program-aligned packages will support those who are new to Amplify programs. Program-aligned packages will support those who have experience using Amplify programs. Offerings will support advanced implementation, build capacity for instructional leaders, certify in-house trainers to deliver Launch sessions, and more.
“Gain the literacy knowledge and skills you need to thrive and help your students thrive. Through these sessions, you’ll understand typical literacy development and how to describe and address literacy difficulties.”

—Susan Lambert, Chief Academic Officer, Elementary Humanities

Host, Science of Reading: The Podcast

Science of Reading learning experiences

Listening to students read is magic. But knowing how to get them reading? That’s science.

Making the shift to the Science of Reading is no small feat, but participating in professional development sessions can help you make this change seamlessly.

Amplify Science of Reading sessions offer flexible professional learning experiences for teachers that incorporate engaging activities grounded in what science tells us about literacy development.

A chart outlining nine Science of Reading principles is shown, with a note to prepare for a virtual session and an estimated time of 90 minutes.

Build your knowledge of the Science of Reading

Virtual | 90-minute session

This introductory session provides educators with a foundational overview of what the Science of Reading means and what it tells us about how to teach using evidence-based reading practices.

Participants will learn to:

  • Define the Science of Reading by examining evidence-based research.
  • Explain how two frameworks, the Simple View of Reading and the Reading Rope, work in tandem to guide effective literacy instruction.
  • Identify instructional principles aligned to the Science of Reading.
A graphic outlines elements of early reading, showing how skills like vocabulary and reasoning support language comprehension and word recognition; “3 hours” is noted for session duration.

Deepen your knowledge of the Science of Reading

On-site or virtual | 3-hour session

This session will build a base of common knowledge about the Reading Rope and support educators in identifying effective instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

Participants will learn to:

  • Identify the strands in the Reading Rope.
  • Describe how each strand plays an important role in developing skilled readers and writers.
  • Identify key look-fors in effective Science of Reading instruction.

Science of Reading: The Learning Lab online courses

This series of three self-paced online courses, crafted by literacy expert Susan Lambert and built around International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards, guides you through the essential Science of Reading skills and knowledge needed to teach students to read proficiently, as well as advanced strategies for aiding struggling readers. Each course builds on the last, equipping you with the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact on your students’ literacy journeys.

Benefit from flexible learning on an interactive platform—each course spans 25–30 hours of instruction and is accessible for 12 months. Upon completion, you’ll be provided with a downloadable certificate, validating your new expertise in the Science of Reading.

A boy kneels and reads a book near stacked books, while a girl stands with folded arms; both observe a mobile with colorful shapes and letters, reflecting elements of classroom instruction inspired by the Science of Reading.

Foundations to the Science of Reading

This course offers a comprehensive overview of research in the field. Each of the eight modules contains three lessons covering the foundations of literacy acquisition.

Explore the scope and sequence of Foundations to the Science of Reading with a  Pacing Guide.

Access the free Preview Pass for this course.

A child points at large outlined letters on a board with a pointer stick, next to a stack of books—capturing an engaging moment in classroom instruction.

Advanced topics in the Science of Reading: Assessment and reading difficulties

The second course is aimed at providing an in-depth examination of assessments, a deeper understanding of reading difficulties, and familiarity with pertinent legal frameworks for educators, all of which influence instructional decision-making.

Explore the scope and sequence of Advanced topics in the Science of Reading with our Pacing Guide

Access the free Preview Pass for this course.

Three people in lab coats stand around a lab table with test tubes and a flask, engaging in classroom instruction as they discuss and gesture to each other.

Applied structured literacy

The final course in the series is designed to review key concepts and knowledge from previous coursework, explore fundamental aspects of structured literacy within lessons, observe and analyze structured literacy instruction in action, and investigate how data informs instructional decisions.

Explore the scope and sequence of Applied structured literacy with our Pacing Guide.

Access the free Preview Pass for this course.

“Amplify’s Science of Reading online course builds background knowledge on how students read, then goes deeper to give you strategies that correlate with current research that can be implemented into your classroom right away. The course opened my thinking to new ways of teaching and I can’t wait to try it with students! If you want to walk away feeling successful with helping kids read, take this course! ”

Allie Appel

Coach, WI

Sessions supporting multiliterate learners

Unlock the magic of teaching multiliterate learners with evidence-based literacy practices. Making the shift to effectively support diverse readers in multiple languages is no small feat, but our professional development sessions are here to guide you effortlessly.

Empower your teaching with these engaging sessions, and make a meaningful impact on your multiliterate students’ literacy development.

Graphic showing speech bubbles with "Hello!" and "¡Hola!" and text reading "Prepare: Virtual session" and "90 minutes.

Build your knowledge of multilingual/English learners

Virtual | 90-minute session

This session provides educators with a foundational overview of how to teach multiliterate learners using evidence-based literacy practices.

Contact us to request a quote.

Graphic showing text bubbles with "¡Hola!" and "Hello!" and a note indicating to prepare for an on-site or virtual session lasting 3 hours.

Deepen your knowledge of multilingual/English learners

On-site or virtual | 3-hour session

This session will build an understanding of how the brain learns to read in multiple languages, as well as how to leverage cross-linguistic transfer and align instruction to best practices for multiliterate learners.

Contact us to request a quote.

Sessions focusing on a problem-based approach to math instruction

Elevate educational experiences by placing students’ ideas at the core of math lessons through problem-based learning. These sessions offer flexible professional learning experiences, allowing you to gain firsthand experience with a problem-based approach as a learner. You then learn to integrate this approach seamlessly into your teaching practices, bringing renewed energy to your math classroom.

A graphic showing steps for a virtual learning session: Warm-Up, Activities, Synthesis, and Reinforce, with a progress bar and "90 minutes" indicated.

Build your knowledge of a problem-based approach for grades K–5 or 6–8

Virtual | 90-minute session

This session provides you with a foundational overview of what an engaging problem-based approach in math entails.

During this session you’ll learn to:

  • Explain how a problem-based approach to math brings delight to both teaching and learning and builds lasting student understanding.
  • Identify actionable strategies for using a problem-based approach in a math classroom.

Contact us to request a quote.

Screenshot of a math practice activity showing an equation with blocks, a table to fill in values, and a note indicating a 3-hour preparation for on-site or virtual sessions.

Deepen your knowledge of a problem-based approach for grades K–5 or 6–8

On-site or virtual | 3-hour session

This session provides you with hands-on experience facilitating problem-solving in math, leaving you with an increased understanding of how to teach conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and applications of math.

During this session you’ll learn to:

  • Explain how a problem-based approach to math brings delight to both teaching and learning and builds lasting student understanding.
  • Identify actionable strategies for using a problem-based approach in a math classroom.
  • Connect your current teaching practice to a problem-based approach, and choose a next step to implement a more problem-based approach.

Contact us to request a quote.

Get in touch with a PD expert

Five fundamentals of high-quality materials in action

So what do we mean by high quality instructional materials, or HQIM?  We can start with how EdReports.org, the leading third-party reviewer of curriculum, defines it:

  • Materials that help educators teach to rigorous standards. 
  • Materials that are relatively easy to use.

Beyond these important starting points, what does high quality curriculum look like in action—in real classrooms?  Here are five fundamentals of how we think about it at Amplify.

Dos estudiantes en un salón de clases realizando un experimento científico. Uno sostiene una pequeña taza transparente con líquido y una pipeta, mientras el otro observa atentamente. Los útiles escolares y los papeles están sobre el escritorio.

1. It looks like ALL students engaged and thinking.

Students at all levels are able to engage deeply with important questions, to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. 

There’s a commitment to fairness and a “low floors/high ceilings” approach: all students get the scaffolding they need to grapple with the things great minds in the subject area find important, beautiful, and true.

Two girls sit at a classroom table, looking at a laptop screen together. One is typing while the other watches, surrounded by colorful decorations and High Quality Instructional Materials in the background.

2. It looks like teachers using materials that work harder for them.

Teachers find the program easy and enjoyable to teach. The rich content inspires them to do some of their best teaching. 

Teachers also have powerful tools and data that enable them to understand their students more deeply and give more precise feedback.

A teacher helps two young students with their reading and writing at a classroom desk.

3. It looks like a vibrant classroom community.

The pedagogy of the program supports the formation of a classroom community where teachers and students wonder, share, debate, and learn together. 

It looks like a model of civil society.

high quality informational materials five fundamentals

4. It looks like a culture of continuous learning for educators, districts, and publishers.

Professional development is not one and done. The district not only provides teachers with high-quality training upfront, but also ongoing ways for teachers to compare notes and share best practices in implementing a new program.

The publisher also collaborates with districts on the initial training as well as provides ongoing support to teachers with on-demand resources, customer support, and online communities. Both the publisher and district continuously respond to teacher feedback and data to keep improving the program and classroom-level implementation.

Two women sit at a table working together. One types on a laptop while the other writes on a spiral-bound notebook. Posters and office supplies are in the background.

5. Finally and most importantly, it looks like improved learning outcomes for students.

The program has demonstrated the ability to raise student achievement.  It may start with growth on benchmark assessments and then, over time, you can see it on state tests. 

The district continues to track how well the program is helping to drive strong learning outcomes, and the publisher also continues to seek ever higher levels of efficacy through ongoing product improvement and measurement.

high quality informational materials five fundamentals

Corona-Norco Unified School District

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Amplify ELA – Atlanta Review3

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The power of high-quality instructional materials for K–8 science

A teacher helps two young students with a classroom activity involving small craft sticks at a table, demonstrating how to teach reading comprehension using engaging hands-on methods ideal for k-5 reading comprehension.

Simply put, quality teaching means quality learning. But there is another key part of the equation: quality curriculum.

Research confirms that the instructional materials used in classrooms play a powerful role in shaping how teachers teach, and how students learn.

Shifting from low-quality or pieced-together materials to well-designed, high-quality instructional materials can significantly improve student achievement. This growing evidence—sometimes described as “the curriculum effect”—is one reason that states and districts across the country are paying closer attention to the quality of the materials they adopt.

So what does high-quality instructional materials actually mean? And what does it look like in a real science classroom?

What does HQIM mean in science education?

High-quality instructional materials (often called HQIM) are curriculum materials intentionally designed to support student learning: aligned to rigorous standards, grounded in research, and built to support teachers.

High-quality instructional materials work alongside teachers, shaping instructional practices in ways that reduce guesswork, support consistency, and free up time and energy. This lets teachers do what they do best: interact with students. HQIM provide a coherent system that supports both teaching and learning over time.

And high-quality science curriculum materials go the extra mile, clearly articulating learning goals, providing guidance for facilitation and discussion, and including embedded opportunities to check for understanding. They also support a range of learners by offering scaffolds, differentiation strategies, and multiple ways for students to engage with content.

How HQIM align with NGSS science standards

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) define what students should know and be able to do in science. At their core, these academic standards emphasize three-dimensional learning, integrating science practices, core ideas, and crosscutting concepts.

In science, HQIM are designed for three-dimensional learning: where students don’t just learn about science, but actively figure out how the natural world works. Three-dimensional learning integrates:

  • Science and engineering practices (what scientists do).
  • Disciplinary core ideas (what scientists know).
  • Crosscutting concepts (how scientific ideas connect).

HQIM are designed from the ground up to weave these dimensions together, rather than adding them on as an afterthought. That coherence helps students build understanding over time, and helps teachers see how each lesson fits into a larger learning story.

What do HQIM look like in a science classroom?

One of the best ways to recognize high-quality instructional content is to look not only at the materials, but also at the students using them.

Instead of memorizing disconnected facts, students taught with HQIM are engaged in the kinds of practices scientists use every day.

In classrooms using HQIM for science, you’ll often see students:

  • Investigating real-world phenomena that spark curiosity.
  • Asking questions, analyzing data, and building explanations.
  • Using evidence from multiple sources—texts, simulations, discussions, and investigations.
  • Revisiting ideas over time to deepen understanding.

“It is so encouraging to hear students engaged in conversation and building their ideas off of one another,” says classroom teacher Sarah Loessl of Big Hollow School District 38 in Illinois. “Students finding the confidence to challenge one another and use evidence to support their thinking is so much fun to watch.”

How HQIM support teachers

A key feature of high-quality instructional materials is that they’re designed by teachers, with teachers in mind.

This means materials that:

  • Clearly articulate learning goals.
  • Provide guidance for facilitation and discussion.
  • Include embedded formative assessment opportunities.
  • Support a range of learners, including multilingual/English learners and students who need additional scaffolds or challenges.

When materials shoulder this heavy lifting, teachers can spend less time creating from scratch and more time engaging with students.

How can teachers start engaging with HQIM?

Even if curriculum adoption decisions happen at the district level, teachers play a critical role in bringing HQIM to life.

Getting familiar with high-quality instructional materials can start with questions like:

  • What are students expected to figure out in this lesson?
  • How does this activity connect to a larger phenomenon or question?
  • Where are students using evidence to explain their thinking?
  • How does the curriculum support discussion, sense-making, and revision of ideas?

Developing a shared understanding of what high-quality science instruction looks like helps everyone—teachers, coaches, and leaders—move in the same direction.

Where does Amplify Science fit in?

Amplify Science is an example of high-quality instructional materials designed specifically for K–8 science and aligned to NGSS science standards.

It’s built around phenomena-based, three-dimensional learning and developed with educators, researchers, and scientists to support both student learning and teacher practice. The goal is coherence, engagement, and understanding that grows over time.

Ready to learn more?

To support educators and leaders in building a shared understanding of HQIM, we’ve created a free science HQIM resource bundle, including:

  • A classroom look-fors checklist.
  • A three-dimensional learning explainer.
  • An NGSS alignment overview.
  • A closer look at the HQIM student experience.
  • Registration for two upcoming webinars focused on HQIM in science.

Whether you’re new to the concept or ready to deepen your practice, these resources are designed to make high-quality instructional materials highly understandable and accessible to all.

Explore the HQIM bundle and upcoming webinars to learn more.

Why fluency matters in K–5 math education

An illustration showing a caterpillar, a hand matching shapes and colors on tiles, and another hand holding numbered cards—perfect for read-aloud math activities or exploring math in picture books with children.

If you’re fluent in Farsi, let’s say, you don’t search for every word or stop to translate every sentence in your head. You understand, process, and respond automatically, in real time.

Math fluency works the same way. This kind of fluency is something you can use naturally to understand what’s presented and respond to it meaningfully.

In K–5 math, fluency allows students to move beyond getting through the problem toward real mathematical thinking. Without it, even confident students can get stuck. With it, students gain access to deeper understanding, flexibility, and confidence.

What is math fluency?

Fluency in math is sometimes misunderstood as speed or memorization—but research and classroom experience tell a fuller story.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics defines procedural fluency as the ability to: “…apply procedures efficiently, flexibly, and accurately; to transfer procedures to different problems and contexts; to build or modify procedures from other procedures; and to recognize when one strategy or procedure is more appropriate to apply than another.”

In other words, the skills often referred to as computational fluency and math fact fluency tell only part of the story. Full mathematical fluency means knowing how and why strategies work, and being able to choose among them.

Memorization does have a role in math learning, but it alone does not lead to fluency. A student who has memorized facts but doesn’t understand relationships between numbers may still struggle when problems change slightly or require reasoning.

By contrast, a fluent student can adapt. They can explain their thinking, check whether an answer makes sense, and shift strategies when needed.

This is why fluency acts as a bridge between conceptual understanding and procedural application. It connects what students know to what they can do, and helps them do it with confidence.

Why procedural fluency matters in K–5 math

In the elementary grades, students are building the foundational math skills they’ll rely on for years to come. When procedural fluency is weak, students can feel overwhelmed by basic calculations, leaving little mental energy for problem-solving or new concepts.

Students without strong procedural fluency often feel stuck. For them, math can start to feel like an endless series of obstacles rather than a meaningful, engaging exploration—and that experience does not set anyone up to feel like a math person.

Fluency is what frees students up to focus on the heart of a problem. When they’re not bogged down by calculations, they’re able to reason, explore patterns, and tackle more complex tasks. Fluency opens doors—to higher-level math, to confidence, and to a more positive math identity.

In their paper, “Eight Unproductive Practices in Developing Fact Fluency,” Gina King and Jennifer Bay-Williams write: “Being fluent contributes to a productive disposition about mathematics, opens doors to a range of mathematics topics, and arms students with a skillset applicable to whatever they wish to pursue.”

What teaching math fluency looks like in the classroom

Effective K–5 math instruction treats fluency as something that develops over time, through meaningful practice, discussion, and reflection. Students need opportunities to explore number relationships, explain their thinking, and revisit strategies in different contexts.

In classrooms where math fluency is developing, instruction consistently supports flexible thinking, reflection, and revisiting ideas over time. You might see and hear the following:

  • Revisiting strategies across problems. Students are encouraged to solve the same problem in more than one way and to compare approaches. Classroom discussions focus on how strategies work and when one might be more efficient than another, helping students build strategic thinking and confidence.
  • Frequent, well-spaced opportunities for practice. Key facts and strategies reappear over time rather than being practiced once and set aside. This spacing helps students retain learning and apply it more accurately and efficiently when they encounter familiar ideas in new contexts.
  • Regular routines that emphasize reasoning. Short, consistent routines invite students to mentally compute, explain their thinking, and listen to others’ ideas. The focus is on understanding number relationships and reasoning through solutions rather than relying on memorized steps.
  • Thoughtful use of visual representations. Tools such as number lines, arrays, and other models help students see how numbers and operations relate. These representations support flexible thinking and make procedures more meaningful and accessible.

Across these experiences, fluency is something you can hear as well as see. Students explain their reasoning, reference strategies they’ve used before, and check whether their answers make sense, building accuracy, efficiency, and flexibility over time.

Math fluency helps students open their minds to the richness of math, and to their own power as math learners.

Exciting updates are coming for mCLASS Math!

As we plan for the upcoming school year, we’re continuing to enhance mCLASS® Math—finding ways to provide you with clearer insights, stronger reporting, and more flexible support for assessment and progress monitoring activities. These updates are designed to help educators better understand student performance and take action with confidence.

Whether you’re using mCLASS Math on its own or alongside Boost Math® or Amplify Desmos Math, this page highlights what’s already available and what’s coming next.

A young boy uses a laptop in a classroom, working on mCLASS Math while other students and desks are visible in the background.

Updates coming for the 2026–27 school year

To help you plan for the year ahead with confidence, we’re previewing some of the exciting enhancements coming your way.

Expanded mCLASS Math for grades K–8

mCLASS Math is expanding into grades 6–8! Reporting for grades 6–8 will align with the K–5 experience, ensuring consistency across grade levels. Interested in samples? Check out our sample mCLASS Math items for grades K–8.

mCLASS Math K–5 Spanish

Spanish translations will be available for K–5 assessments, helping educators broaden their reach and serve more students effectively.

Boost Math driven by mCLASS Math data

We’re also excited to announce Boost Math product enhancements that are designed to streamline your Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Beginning July 1, 2026, Boost Math will be powered by mCLASS Math Benchmark data, using both performance results and student thinking insights to inform instruction. Interested in learning more about how you can use Boost Math alongside mCLASS Math? Reach out to your rep or admin to get started!

Already using Boost Math as part of your math solution? Learn more about upcoming enhancements to Boost Math, including new Learning Pathways to support your MTSS implementation.

Noteworthy mCLASS Math feature enhancements

These features are already available or will be rolling out soon to help you plan lessons, target learning, and support students more efficiently.

Stronger mCLASS Math reporting and visibility into student learning

We’ve made reporting easier to understand and more actionable, so you can spend less time searching for information and more time responding to student needs.

A classroom assessment dashboard for mCLASS Math displays key insights for a fractions benchmark, including student response analysis and instructional recommendations in a highlighted box.
  • Student Thinking Reports now include direct links to recommended activities, so you can move from insight to action more quickly.
Screenshot of the “Download your data” page for mCLASS Math, showing options to select assessment, view data dictionary, set reporting period and population, and download a CSV file of your mCLASS Math Reports.
  • Admin reports are available for download to support school- and district-level analysis.
A screen in mCLASS Math displays the question "Is the equation true or false? 5 + 3 = 3 + 5" with selectable "True" (thumbs up) and "False" (thumbs down) options.
  • K–1 progress bars clearly indicate skipped questions for greater clarity.
A pop-up window displays options to select students and download mCLASS Math Home Connect Letters as PDFs in English or Spanish, with a button to combine all letters into one PDF.
  • Home Connect letters can be batch-downloaded, making family communication easier to manage.
  • Benchmark assessments align to district-defined benchmark windows, with flexible date management in the Admin Portal. Learn more.

Using Amplify Desmos Math? Explore upcoming updates and noteworthy features on the Amplify Desmos Math Program Highlights page.

Families and caregivers, welcome to Amplify Desmos Math California
6–12!

Welcome to the Amplify Desmos Math California Grade 6–12 Caregiver Hub. We’ve designed this space to help you support your student at every stage of their math journey.

In class, your student engages with digital lessons using devices as well as write-in Student Edition books. They also may be assigned digital or print practice outside of class. Below, you’ll find some suggestions and resources for how you can support their learning at home.

Learn more about Amplify Desmos Math California.

Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.

Ilustración de una persona en silla de ruedas con un casco que dirige la colocación de una pieza triangular, rodeada de símbolos matemáticos.

Caregiver Unit Resources

For every unit of the program, we’ve created a Caregiver Resource that provides a summary of each lesson, plus a problem to try with your student (and an answer key). These resources will be available in both English and Spanish, as well as a glossary of key terms in both languages.

  • Coming soon!
  • Coming soon!

Unit refresh videos

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1a – Calculating the Area of Parallelograms
  • Sub-Unit 1b – Calculating the Area of Triangles
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Determining the Surface Area of Rectangular Prisms

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Dividing Fractions Using Tape Diagrams
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Dividing Fractions Using Common Denominators
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Determining the Volume of Prisms With Fractional Dimensions

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Adding and Subtracting Decimals
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Multiplying Decimals Using Area Models
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Dividing Decimals Using Fractions
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Converting Between Fractions, Percents, and Decimals

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing and Solving Equations
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Writing Equivalent Expressions Using the Area Model
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Evaluating Expressions With Exponents
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Interpreting Graphs

Unit 7

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Ordering and Comparing Positive and Negative Numbers
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Identifying Solutions to Inequalities
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Plotting Points on the Coordinate Plane

Unit 8

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Creating Dot Plots
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Mean Absolute Deviation
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Interpreting Box Plots
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Predicting Population Using Sample Data (For use with Amplify Desmos Math New York)
  • Sub-Unit 5 – Predicting Sample Spaces Using Proportional Relationship (For use with Amplify Desmos Math New York)

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Using Ratios to Determine the Scale Factor Between Scaled Copies
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Ratios to Determine Unknown Scales in Scale Drawings

Unit 2

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining the Constant of Proportionality
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Writing Equations for Proportional Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Comparing Proportional Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Representing Proportional Relationships with Multiple Representations

Unit 3

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining the Circumference of a Circle
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Areas of Complex Shapes

Unit 4

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Adding and Subtracting Positive and Negative Number
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Dividing Integers
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Solving Real-World Problems Involving Positive and Negative Numbers

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing Equations from Descriptions and Tape Diagrams
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Equations With Positive and Negative Numbers
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Solving Inequalities

Unit 7

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining Unknown Angle Measures
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Determining If Three Segments Form a Triangle
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating the Surface Area of Prisms

Unit 8

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Predicting Sample Spaces Using Proportional Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Predicting Population Using Sample Data

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining Coordinates After a Rotation
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Rigid Transformations to Determine if Two Figures on the Grid are Congruent
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Determining Unknown Interior and Exterior Angles

Unit 2

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Performing Dilations on a Square Grid
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Determining Missing Side Lengths in Similar Triangles
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating Slope By Drawing Similar Triangles on a Coordinate Plane

Unit 3

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing Equations to Represent Proportional Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Interpreting Slope and Intercepts of Linear Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating Slope Given Two Points

Unit 4

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Solve Single-Variable Equations with Parentheses
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Justifying Whether a Graph Represents a Function
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Comparing Properties of Linear Functions
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating Volumes of Cylinders

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Interpreting Points on a Scatter Plot
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Lines of Fit to Make Predictions
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating Missing Values in Two-Way Tables

Unit 7

Unit 8

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Approximating Square Roots
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Unknown Side Lengths
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Identifying Rational and Irrational Numbers

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining If a Sequence is Arithmetic, Geometric or Neither
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Visual Patterns or Terms in the Sequence to Write Explicit Expressions for Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

Unit 2

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Solving Linear Equations
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Multi-Variable Linear Equations
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Graphing Solutions of Two-Variable Linear Inequalities

Unit 3

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Calculating Values in Two-Way and Relative Frequency Tables
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Comparing Data Using Mean and Standard Deviation
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Interpreting Slope and y-intercept in Context

Unit 4

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Evaluating Function Notation
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Writing Domain and Range with Inequalities
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Graphing Piecewise-Defined Functions
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Writing Recursive Definitions in Function Notation

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Graphing Solutions to Systems of Inequalities

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing Exponential Functions from Graphs
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Percent Change in Exponential Functions
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Writing Equivalent Expressions Using Radicals and Rational Exponents
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Writing Exponential Functions Involving Compound Interest

Unit 7

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Describing Key Features of Parabolas
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Graphing Quadratic Functions in Factored Form
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Writing Quadratic Functions in Vertex Form

Unit 8

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Rewriting Factored-Form Expressions in Standard Form
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining If a Sequence is Arithmetic, Geometric or Neither
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Visual Patterns or Terms in the Sequence to Write Explicit Expressions for Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

Unit 2

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Solving Linear Equations
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Multi-Variable Linear Equations
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Graphing Solutions of Two-Variable Linear Inequalities

Unit 3

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Graphing Solutions to Systems of Inequalities
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Writing Equations for Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Unit 4

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Evaluating Function Notation
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Writing Domain and Range with Inequalities
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Writing Recursive Definitions in Function Notation

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing Exponential Functions from Graphs
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Percent Change in Exponential Functions
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Writing Exponential Functions Involving Compound Interest

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Drawing Perpendicular Bisectors
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Determining Coordinates After a Rotation
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Using Rigid Transformations to Determine if Two Figures on the Grid are Congruent

Unit 7

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Calculating Values in Two-Way and Relative Frequency Tables
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Comparing Data Using Mean and Standard Deviation
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Interpreting Slope and y-intercept in Context

Access Amplify Desmos Math California at home.

Your student will have access to all learning, practice, and assessment materials through the Amplify platform. Students can access the digital curriculum in school and at home by following these simple instructions.

  • Click the Amplify Desmos Math California button.
  • Select Log in with Amplify.
  • Enter the username and password provided by your student’s teacher.
  • Select the desired grade level.

Once logged in, you and your student can view work by opening previous assignments.

Learn how to navigate the student home page.

Support math learning at home.

You can support your student’s math learning outside of school in many ways:

Relate math to daily activities at home, whether you’re baking, grocery shopping, or planning a trip. Your student can help you calculate the prices when you use a coupon, figure out how to cut a recipe in half, or determine the amount of gas you’ll need to make it to your destination.

Invite your student to walk you through how they solved each problem or talk about any parts that were challenging for them. To encourage the use of math language, consider asking, “How do you know?,” “How can you show your thinking?,” or “How would you describe that?” If students get stuck, consider asking questions like, “What information do you know here?” or “How could you represent this problem?”

Emphasize that getting stuck is part of the process and a necessary part of learning. Many students (and adults!) fear making mistakes, but research shows that making mistakes helps your brain grow. When your student gets stuck on a problem, encourage them to try different strategies, even if they think they can’t do it or will get it wrong.

We hope your student enjoys exploring math, working with friends to solve problems, and learning new and interesting concepts. And we hope you enjoy this exciting math journey with them!

Get more information.

Have a question about Amplify Desmos Math California? Visit our Help Library to search for articles with answers to your program questions. For additional support, please contact your student’s teacher.

E komo mai, Hawai’i review committees!

Aloha Hawai’i teachers and educators,

We’re excited to be part of your review process for curriculum, assessment, and professional learning.

Amplify programs are designed to make a difference—and the results are undeniable. Explore our unique research-based approaches built right into these high-quality instructional materials that are aligned to Hawai’i State Department of Education standards.

With great respect for what you do, mahalo.

The Hawai’i Amplify team

Illustrated stickers of a pineapple, coral, sea turtle, whale, fish, and hibiscus flower arranged on a transparent background—perfect for Indiana elementary schools exploring nature themes with Amplify Science.
Illustration of a bear on a rock overlooking a campsite in a valley with mountains, trees, tents, and people; includes an EdReports review badge in the lower right corner.

Amplify CKLA

Using a fundamentally different approach to language arts, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) is a PreK–5 program that sequences deep content knowledge with research-based foundational skills. Amplify CKLA met expectations and received all-green ratings from EdReports. Read the review on EdReports.

Amplify ELA

Amplify ELA is the only program truly designed to support middle school students at this critical developmental moment. We ensure that skills are taught, standards are covered, and the test is prepped—all while bringing texts to life and differentiating instruction. Read the review on EdReports.

A girl, an Indiana teacher's inspiration, is reading "Summer of the Mariposas" with an EdReports sticker beside her, labeled "Read the Report, Review Year 2020," capturing a moment that echoes through Indiana elementary schools.
A teacher with glasses assessing a young student's reading fluency using a tablet in a classroom; visual diagram explaining the relationship between data, instruction, and Amplify mCLASS reading assessment.

mCLASS Dibels 8th Edition

mCLASS® is an all-in-one system for universal screening, dyslexia screening, progress monitoring, and instruction for grades K–6 based on the Science of Reading. Powered by DIBELS® 8th Edition, mCLASS helps you measure and strengthen the foundational skills that all students need to become confident readers.

Science of Reading professional development

Build your knowledge of the Science of Reading.

Virtual | 90-minute session

This introductory session provides educators with a foundational overview of what the Science of Reading means and what it tells us about how to teach using evidence-based reading practices.

Participants will learn to:

  • Define the Science of Reading by examining evidence-based research.
  • Explain how two frameworks, the Simple View of Reading and the Reading Rope, work in tandem to guide effective literacy instruction.
  • Identify instructional principles aligned to the Science of Reading.
Two women smiling and looking at a laptop in a classroom. One woman is wearing a striped shirt and the other a black top. Classroom decor is visible in the background.
Three people stand in front of a whiteboard with colorful sticky notes, engaging in professional development for teachers as they discuss ideas and collaborate using a tablet and a laptop.

Deepen your knowledge of the Science of Reading.

On-site or virtual | 3-hour session

This session will build a base of common knowledge about the Reading Rope and support educators in identifying effective instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

Participants will learn to:

  • Identify the strands in the Reading Rope.
  • Describe how each strand plays an important role in developing skilled readers and writers.
  • Identify key look-fors in effective Science of Reading instruction.

Science of Reading: The Learning Lab online courses

This series of three self-paced online courses, crafted by literacy expert Susan Lambert and built around International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards, guides you through the essential Science of Reading skills and knowledge needed to teach students to read proficiently. It also offers advanced strategies to aid struggling readers. Each course builds on the last, equipping you with the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact on your students’ literacy journeys.

Benefit from flexible learning on an interactive platform—each course spans 20–25 hours of instruction and is accessible for 12 months. Upon completion, you’ll be provided with a downloadable certificate, validating your new expertise in the Science of Reading.

Three adults, two women and one man, engage in professional development for teachers using computers in a library setting.

Contact us

Support is always available. Our team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Contact your dedicated Hawai’i representative here for program access, samples, and additional information.

Laina Armbruster

Senior Account Executive, Hawai’i
Email: larmbruster@amplify.com
Phone: (602) 791-4135

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Ready to learn more?

Fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

Science of Reading professional development for Maine educators

Hello, Maine educators,

We’re excited to be part of your Science of Reading journey!

The following professional learning sessions are designed to support all educators—regardless of the program used—in enhancing their instructional practices. These Science of Reading courses offer research-based strategies to deepen understanding that supports students’ reading development. All are approved by the Maine Department of Education.

Two women are seated at a table with laptops and papers, engaging in a discussion about program implementation in a classroom or meeting setting.
Two women smiling and looking at a laptop in a classroom. One woman is wearing a striped shirt and the other a black top. Classroom decor is visible in the background.

Build your knowledge of the Science of Reading

Virtual | 90-minute session

This introductory session provides educators with a foundational overview of what the Science of Reading means and what it tells us about how to use evidence-based reading practices in the classroom.

Participants will learn to:

  • Define the Science of Reading, examining evidence-based research.
  • Explain how two frameworks, the Simple View of Reading and the Reading Rope, work in tandem to guide effective literacy instruction.
  • Identify instructional principles aligned to the Science of Reading.

Deepen your knowledge of the Science of Reading

On-site or virtual | 3-hour session

This session will build a base of common knowledge about the Reading Rope and support educators in identifying effective instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

Participants will learn to:

  • Identify the strands in the Reading Rope.
  • Describe how each strand plays an important role in developing skilled readers and writers.
  • Identify key look-fors in effective Science of Reading instruction.
Three people stand in front of a whiteboard with colorful sticky notes, engaging in professional development for teachers as they discuss ideas and collaborate using a tablet and a laptop.
Three adults, two women and one man, engage in professional development for teachers using computers in a library setting.

Science of Reading: The Learning Lab online courses

This series of three self-paced online courses, crafted by literacy expert Susan Lambert and built around the International Dyslexia Association (IDA)’s Knowledge and Practice Standards, guides you through the essential Science of Reading knowledge and skills needed to teach students to read proficiently; the series also offers advanced strategies for aiding struggling readers. Each course builds on the last, equipping you with the tools and confidence to make a lasting impact on your students’ literacy journeys.

Benefit from flexible learning on an interactive platform. Each course spans 20 to 25 hours of instruction and is accessible for 12 months. Upon completion, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate, validating your expertise in the Science of Reading.

Contact us

Support is always available. Our team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Contact your dedicated representative here for program access, samples, and additional information.

Ali Weis

Lead Account Executive,
Northern Northeast
Email: aweis@amplify.com
Phone: (480) 510-6703

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Ready to learn more?

Fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.

Making reading comprehension connections

A smiling girl in a green shirt sits at a desk with an open book, holding a pencil, highlighting the importance of literacy benchmarks. A yellow background with a book icon is shown behind her.

Comprehension isn’t just a process, or just a product—it’s both. And connecting reading and understanding is what most teachers are working on every day.

That fundamental connection was the focus of our recent Science of Reading Webinar Week: Comprehension Connections—Building the Bridge Between Reading and Understanding, a five-day, expert-filled series that unpacked what really drives comprehension, from early decoding to middle school mastery.

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll learn when you watch—and a few ideas you can use right away.

Day 1: What Is Reading Comprehension, Anyway?

Speaker: Susan Lambert, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer, Literacy, Amplify; Host of Science of Reading: The Podcast

“Reading comprehension is more than just language comprehension. It’s language comprehension on the page, which makes it much more complex.” — Susan Lambert, Ed.D.

If you ask ten teachers to define comprehension, you might get twelve answers. Lambert opened the week by grounding everyone in the Science of Reading, including the Simple View of Reading and the Reading Rope. Skilled reading, she reminded viewers, is the result of multiple strands—decoding, language comprehension, and knowledge—woven together over time.

The takeaway? The most effective approaches don’t teach comprehension strategies—such as “find the main idea”—in isolation. Rather, they connect word recognition to meaning through rich texts, conversation, and writing. Whether you’re teaching second-grade reading comprehension or sixth-grade reading comprehension, students need the same thing: a clear path from sounding out words to making sense of ideas.

Day 2: Comprehension and Knowledge Building: A Two-Way Street

Speakers: Sonia Cabell, Ph.D., Sigmon Endowed Professor of Reading Education, Florida State University

HyeJin Hwang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

“Better background knowledge leads to improved reading comprehension, which in turn enables readers to learn more from text, thereby building additional knowledge.” —HyeJin Hwang, Ph.D.

In their session, Sonia Cabell and HyeJin Hwang explored one of the clearest findings in reading research: Comprehension and knowledge develop together. Cabell began by explaining how comprehension (including oral language, background knowledge, vocabulary, syntax, and verbal reasoning) forms one of the essential strands of the Reading Rope.

Students can’t activate knowledge they don’t yet have. Teachers need to help them build it early, and intentionally. Cabell’s research found that integrating literacy and content instruction produced gains in vocabulary and content knowledge.

Likewise, Hwang’s two large-scale longitudinal studies showed that better knowledge instruction leads to better reading, which leads to even more knowledge. These findings held true across languages and grade levels, underscoring the universal value of content-rich instruction.

Classroom takeaways:

  • Plan literacy units around connected science or social studies topics to build coherent knowledge.
  • Use content-rich interactive read-alouds with discussion before, during, and after reading.
  • Ask inferential comprehension questions (“Why?” “How?”) that require students to connect ideas using their own words.
  • Encourage quick writing or drawing tasks that help students show what they’ve learned.

Day 3: Where and How to Measure Comprehension to Drive Improvement

Speakers: Danielle Damico, Ph.D., Executive Director of Learning Science, Amplify

Gina Biancarosa, Ed.D., Ann Swindells Chair in Education, University of Oregon

“Reading comprehension is both a process and a product.” —Danielle Damico, Ph.D.

Too often, comprehension is measured only as a finished product—how well students answer questions after reading—without revealing how they built understanding along the way. This session explored what comprehension actually involves: reading words accurately, understanding their meaning, applying background knowledge, and making inferences. As researcher Sharon Vaughn, Ph.D., has described, these interconnected skills all work together as students learn to read.

Biancarosa showed how looking at comprehension as a complex process helps teachers see student thinking in action. She described the major types of inferences—lexical, bridging, gap-filling, and causal—and the importance of understanding how students connect ideas and construct meaning.

Try this:

  • Treat comprehension as ongoing thinking, not a one-time test score.
  • Use brief think-alouds or class discussions to get a look at how students connect ideas.
  • Match assessments to the precise question you’re trying to answer.
  • Let assessment guide instruction—data should lead directly to next steps.

Day 4: Comprehension in Middle School: More Important Than Ever

Speaker: Deb Sabin, Chief Academic Officer, Amplify ELA

“Writing done right encodes knowledge. And discourse done right gets into the realm of higher-order thinking.” —Deb Sabin

By the time you’re teaching fourth-grade reading comprehension through sixth-grade reading comprehension, decoding should be automatic. At this stage, the upper strands of the Reading Rope—vocabulary, background knowledge, and syntax—move to the forefront. In this session, Deb Sabin highlighted how comprehension in middle school relies on academic knowledge, disciplinary vocabulary, and structured discourse—and how it truly blossoms when reading, writing, and speaking reinforce one another.

Classroom moves that help:

  • Pair writing with reading: Even short, text-based responses consolidate knowledge in long-term memory.
  • Use structured discussion (“accountable talk”), where students cite text evidence and build on one another’s ideas.
  • Center rich, grade-level texts that challenge thinking and vocabulary.

Speaker: Julie A. Van Dyke, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Yale University Child Study Center; Research Scientist, Yale-UConn Haskins Global Literacy Hub

“Teach phonics for decoding. Teach syntax for understanding.” —Julie A. Van Dyke, Ph.D.

In the final presentation of the series, Julie Van Dyke explored an often-overlooked element of comprehension: syntax—the way words combine to create meaning. Van Dyke argued that syntax is to comprehension what phonics is to decoding.

She illustrated how the Science of Reading and the Reading Rope locate syntax within the language-comprehension strands—critical to understanding who did what to whom in complex sentences. Explicitly teaching sentence structure helps all learners, including multilingual/English learners, access higher-level meaning.

Simple practices can make a difference:

  • Have students paraphrase tricky sentences. (Starter question: “Who’s doing the action?”)
  • Pull strong sentences from your class texts to show how structure shapes meaning.
  • Encourage students to mirror those structures in their own writing.

What linked all five sessions together? The understanding that comprehension develops when teachers connect the code, the language, and the knowledge. Whether students are decoding in second grade or crafting essays in sixth, they thrive when we help them move from reading to understanding—step by step, strand by strand.

Watch all five on-demand recordings.

More to explore:

Professional Development
Use Policy

1. Scope

This Professional Development (“PD”) Use Policy (the “Policy”) applies to purchases of Amplify PD Services made on or after Jan. 1, 2026.

2. Product license alignment

The term for PD aligns with the term of Customer’s active product license. Therefore, all PD must be used during the same period that Customer’s product license is active, unless otherwise outlined herein or permitted by Amplify in writing.

3. Renewal and carry-forward

If Customer renews the product license for the same program, any remaining PD will carry forward for the renewed term, provided that: (a) the total carry-forward period does not exceed five years from the original contract start date, and (b) renewal occurs within three months of the previous product license end date.

4. Expiration and forfeiture

If Customer’s product license is not renewed as outlined in Section 3, any remaining PD will expire at the end of that license term. No credits, refunds, or rollovers will be issued for unused PD upon expiration.

5. Complimentary and high-value PD

For complimentary PD or PD valued at $50,000 or more, the following applies:

Implementation planning: PD will have an outlined implementation plan, designated for either the upcoming school year or specified future year(s). PD must be used within the designated “Implementation Year,” typically defined as July 1 through June 30 of the following calendar year. Unused PD at the end of each Implementation Year will be forfeited.

Grace periods and extensions: Amplify may, in its sole discretion, permit a grace period of up to three months before or after the Implementation Year for PD. Any extension beyond the grace period must be confirmed in writing by Amplify prior to the original expiration date.

Last modified: October 30, 2025

Winter Wrap-Up 03: Ideas to build math fluency

Promotional graphic for "Math Teacher Lounge" episode featuring Valerie Henry, Ed.D., on ideas to build math fluency, with a photo of Valerie Henry in the bottom right corner.

Join us for the third episode in our Winter Wrap-Up! In this episode from season 3 of Math Teacher Lounge: The Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Valerie Henry to talk about math fluency and what that means for students. Listen as we dig into the research, hear Val’s three-part definition of fluency, and explore her five principles for developing it.

Explore more from Math Teacher Lounge by visiting our main page

Download Transcript

Dan Meyer (00:03)

Hey folks. Welcome back. This is Math Teacher Lounge, and I am one of your hosts, Dan Meyer.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:07):

And I’m your other host, Bethany Lockhart Johnson. Hi, Dan.

Dan Meyer (00:11):

Hey, great to see you. We have a big one this week to chat about and some fantastic guests. We are chatting about fluency, which is the sort of word and concept that I feel like people have very, very non-neutral associations with it. A lot of them are very negative, for a lot of people.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (00:26):

I saw you frown a little. What’s up with that, Dan? You kind of, like, shrank.

Dan Meyer (00:30):

I have strong feelings about it. You know, there’s lots of ways that people go about helping people become fluent in mathematics. And a lot of them are harmful for students, and ineffective. And it got me thinking about fluency as it exists outside of the world of mathematics, where we have a lot of very clear images of it. We’re getting fluent in things all the time. Like, as humans. Human development is the story of fluency. And I just was wondering….Bethany, would you describe yourself as fluent at something outside of the world of mathematics? What is that? How’d you get fluent at it? What was the process?

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (01:05):

Hmm, I think I’m a pretty fluent reader. I read all the time. I’m a happier person if I’ve read that day. I once saw this poster in a classroom; it said “10 Ways to Become a Better Reader: Read, Read, Read, Read, Read…you know, 10 times. Get it? Reading? You get better at reading by reading! So I would say reading. And it’s been kind of cool—I have a one-year-old who, it’s been really exciting slash overwhelmingly anxiety-producing to see him get very fluent with walking slash running, ’cause he’s getting faster every day. And it’s kind of fun. When I think of what’s something somebody’s trying to get fluent with…walking! He’s trying to be more fluid. He’s practicing transitions. He doesn’t wanna hold my hand while he traverses rocky terrain. He’s getting better at it. He’s practicing. What about you? What’s something…?

Dan Meyer (02:08):

I think about driving a lot. I’m a very fluent driver and I think a lot about when I was first a driver, you know? And how l have my hands on 10 and 2, vice grip, and do not talk to me; do not ask me anything; don’t ask me my NAME. I need to focus so hard. And then a year later, you know, I’m driving with one hand, smash the turn signal, take a sip off of whatever, change the CD. And then it’s no big deal.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (02:38):

Wait, did you pass the first time? Your test?

Dan Meyer (02:40):

Yeah, I don’t like to brag about it. <laugh> But I do all the time. <laugh> But I got a hundred on my driving test. I don’t care who knows it. And I hope it’s everybody. But I guess all of this is just to say there are areas of life where fluency feels natural, with the case of walking. There’s areas of life where fluency feels motivating, with like driving—I wanna be able to switch the CD out or whatever. And there’s areas where fluency feels terrifying and hard to come by, like mathematics, sometimes. So we have a set of guests here. Our first guest will help us figure out what do we mean by fluency? And what’s the research say about what fluency is and how students develop it in mathematics? And then our other guests will help us think about what it looks like in practice in the classroom. What are some novel, new ways to work on fluency? So first up we have Val Henry, Dr. Val Henry.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (03:32):

So we knew we needed help with the fluency definition, because when we think about it, it’s kind of big, right? And we wanted to look at what research about fluency really says. So we called on Valerie Henry. Val is a nationally board-certified teacher, taught middle school for 17 years, and since 2002 has worked with undergraduates graduates, credential candidates as a lecturer at the University of California, Irvine, one of my alma maters. So after doing her dissertation on addition and subtraction fluency in first grade, Val created a project to study ways to build addition and subtraction and multiplication and division fluency while also developing number sense in algebraic thinking. And the pilot grew and grew over the last 18 years into a powerful daily mini-lesson approach to facts fluency called FactsWise. And when we thought of fluency, the first person I thought of was Val. Welcome, Val Henry, to the Lounge! I’m so excited to have you here. Welcome.

Valerie Henry (04:36):

Thanks, Bethany. And thanks to you, Dan. It’s great to be here today.

Dan Meyer (04:41):

Great to have you; help yourself to whatever you find in the fridge. The names that people write down on those things in the bags are just recommendations. It’s potluck-style here. I’m curious, Val, if you’re, like, on an airplane, someone asks you what you do, and you say you study fluency…what is the layperson’s definition of what does it mean to be fluent in mathematics? And if you can give a brief tour through what the research says about what works and what doesn’t that would really help us orient our conversation here.

Valerie Henry (05:12):

The first thing I have to do when I talk to somebody on a plane is define the idea of fluency. And I often use an example of tying your shoelaces. Because that works with first graders as well as adults. This idea that when we first start trying to put our shoes on and get those shoelaces tied, somebody tries to, first of all, just do it for us. But then of course maybe tries to teach us the bunny-ears approach. And we struggle and struggle as little kids and eventually either the bunny-ears approach or something else starts to work for us. But we still have to pay attention to it. We have to think hard and it’s not easy. And then over time we get to the point where we basically don’t even think about it. When I tie my shoes in the morning. I’m not thinking about right-over-left and left-over-right and all of those things. I just do it. And so that’s a good, easy example of becoming fluent with something. I think what we’re talking about today though, is the basics, the adding and subtracting that we hope kids are going to have mastered maybe by second grade, and the multiplication and division facts that we wanna maybe have mastered by third, maybe fourth grade. So now what does that mean to become fluent with those basics? I have a three-part definition that seems to match up really nicely with the common core approach to fluency. Which is, first of all, we want the answers to be correct. And then second, we want the answers to be easy to know. And so what does that mean? Well, to me, it means without needing to count,

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (07:12):

You mean without having to kind of muscle through it? Or say more about you mean.

Valerie Henry (07:16):

Well, I guess what I mean is that when you watch a young child try and solve something even as simple as two plus three, they might put up two fingers and then go 3, 4, 5 with three more fingers winding up on their hand, one or the other of their hands. While they’re doing that, they don’t really have a sense of whether even their answer is right or not, quite often. Especially when you get to the larger adding and subtracting problems, you can see a lot of errors happening as they’re trying to count. And it’s taking up cognitive energy to do that counting process, especially as you get to the larger quantities. So my definition of fluency now is “getting it right without needing to do that hard work like counting.” Now, some people might say, well, we just want them to have ’em memorized. But in my research, I’ve learned that a lot of very fluid adults don’t always have every fact memorized. In fact, if you ask a room full of adults, what’s seven plus nine, you might learn that they can all get it correct quickly, quickly…but they don’t all have it memorized. And so when you ask them, “How did you get that?” Many of them will say, “Well, I just gave one from the 7 to the 9 and I know that 10 plus 6 is 16.”

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (08:53):

That’s such an important distinction. My brain literally just did that actually!

Valerie Henry (08:58):

<laugh> Right? <laugh> But you’re fluid with it, because it doesn’t take you much cognitive energy at all.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (09:05):

Right.

Valerie Henry (09:07):

So now we have “correct without needing to put that cognitive energy,” which usually means that you’re counting. And then the third thing is “relatively quickly,” so that you’re not spending 15 seconds trying to figure it out. Even that part-whole strategy approach can be done really quickly, almost instantaneously. Or it can take a long time. So if a student can get the answer correct within, you know, three or four seconds— is I’m pretty generous—I figure that they’re pretty darn fluent with that fact. So that’s my three-part definition of these basics, fluency.

Dan Meyer (09:55):

I love the distinction between getting it correct and getting it quick. It’s possible to be quick with wrong answers. It’s possible to be like, “Those are separate components there.” And I echo Bethany’s appreciation for this third option in between knowing it instantaneously through memorization and muscling through it. But there’s like a continuum there of how much energy it took you to come up with it that all feels extremely helpful.

Valerie Henry (10:21):

And you know, one of the things that I’ve noticed is that when kids are pressured to come up with those instantaneous answers, they often default to guessing and get it wrong.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (10:30):

Mm, yeah.

Valerie Henry (10:30):

So that’s one of the things that I’ve learned is that as we’re trying to help students develop fluency, it’s important to start with building their conceptual understanding of what it means to do, you know, 3 times 9 and what the correct answer is, maybe using manipulatives or representations of some sort. Not skip-counting! I really have found that skip-counting just perpetuates itself in many students’ minds and that they never stop skip-counting, which means they’re putting in not very much mental energy if it’s 2 times 3 but a ton of mental energy if it’s 7 times 8. Because frankly, it’s really hard to skip count by sevens. And by eights.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (11:18):

I can get to 14 and then I’m like, wait, wait, what was next? Right? No, no, no…21! What do you feel are some misconceptions that maybe teachers, maybe parents have about fluency in math?

Valerie Henry (11:30):

I think maybe one of the first ones is that if students count or skip-count, their answers repetitively over and over and over and over, that they’re bound to memorize them. And the study that I did back in 2004, I actually had a school that had decided that they were going to do time tests with their students every day, all year. And that undoubtedly by the end of the year, those students would be fluent.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (12:06):

And to clarify by time test, you mean like, sit down, pencil, paper, ready, go, worksheet kind of thing.

Valerie Henry (12:15):

Yes.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (12:16):

Some of us might remember quite vividly.

Valerie Henry (12:18):

<laugh> Very vividly. And you know, you have to get it done within a certain amount of time. So they made it fun for the students. Apparently the students enjoyed it. I was a little leery about that, but in the end, when I went and checked on the students and I did one-on-one assessments with half of the students in every class that were randomly selected so that I could get a sense of where they were with their fluency—and these were first graders—they basically had nothing memorized. They were simply counting as fast as they possibly could. And, you know, mostly getting the right answers. But they had not memorized. So that’s one of the myths, I think, is that repetitive practice of counting gets you to memorization.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (13:10):

If I put it in front of you enough times, you’ll become fluent.

Valerie Henry (13:14):

Right, right. Now these students didn’t really get any instruction, any help learning these. They just simply tested over and over and over. So that’s another thing that I think is a misconception. It’s that if we test students, but don’t really teach them fluency, then they’re going to become fluent. If we just test them every Friday or that kind of thing. And that they’ll learn them at home. But really what that means is a few lucky kids who have parents who have the time and the energy and the background to know how to help will take that job on at home. Not that many students are really that fortunate.

Dan Meyer (14:01):

It’s almost like the traditional approach, or the approach you’re describing, confuses process and product. It says, “Well, the product is that eventually fluent students will be able to do something like this, see these problems and answer them, answer them quickly,” and says, “Well, that must be the process then as well; let’s give them that products a whole lot.” But as I hear you describe fluency with bunny ears on shoelaces, there’s these images and approaches and techniques that require a very active teacher presence to support the development of it. That’s just kind of interesting to me.

Valerie Henry (14:35):

My initial project, the pilot project that I tried, was to simply ask teachers to follow five key principles. And the first one was to do something in the classroom every day for—I told them, even if you’ve only got five or 10 minutes, work on fluency for five or 10 minutes a day, and let’s see what happens. So that was one key element was just to teach it and to give students opportunities to get what the research calls for when you’re trying to memorize, which is actually immediate feedback. When I talk about immediate feedback with my student teachers, I say, “I’m talking about within one or two seconds of trying a problem, and then sort of immediately knowing, getting feedback of whether you got the answer right or not so that your brain can kind of gain that confidence. ‘Oh, not only did I come up with an answer, but somebody’s telling me it’s the correct answer.’”

Dan Meyer (15:38):

There’s a lot of apps now in the digital world that offer students questions about arithmetic or other kinds of mathematical concepts and give immediate feedback of a sort: the feedback of “You’re right; you’re wrong” sort. Is that effective fluency development, in your view?

Valerie Henry (15:57):

I haven’t heard and I haven’t seen them being super-effective. The ways I think about this are “Immediate feedback isn’t the only thing we need.” Probably one of the biggest things that we need is for students to develop strategies. And this is one of the other things I’ve learned from international research, from countries that do have students who become very fluent very early, is that they don’t shoot straight for memorization, but they go through this process of taking students from doing some counting and then quickly moving them to trying to use logic. So, “Hey, you really are confident that 2 + 2 is 4; so now let’s use that to think about 2 + 3.” Actually, as an algebra teacher, I would much rather have students that have a combination of memorization and these strategies, than students who’ve only memorized. Isn’t that interesting that my most successful algebra students were good strategy thinkers. Not just good memorizers.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (17:09):

So you mentioned there were five that kind of helped root this idea in like, “What can teachers do? What is the best thing that teachers can do to support with fact fluency?” So, everyday was key.

Valerie Henry (17:22):

Then the next principle that I really focus on is switching immediately to the connected subtractions so that students—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (17:33):

Not waiting until you’ve gotten all the way through addition. But making “Ooh!”

Valerie Henry (17:38):

Totally. And I didn’t do that the first year. And when we looked at the results of the assessments at the end of the year, we realized that our students were so much weaker in subtraction than addition. So the following pilot year, we tried this other approach of doing subtraction right after the students had developed some fluency with that small chunk of addition. And we got such better subtraction results.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (18:11):

What are the other principles?

Valerie Henry (18:13):

The biggest one is to use these strategies. So the strategies makes the third. And then the fourth I would say is to go from concrete to representational to abstract.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (18:27):

Don’t put away those manipulatives. Don’t put away those tools.

Valerie Henry (18:31):

Oh, so important to come back to them for multiplication and division. And my fifth principle is to wait on assessment. To use it as true assessment, but not race to start testing before students have had a chance to go through this three-phase process. Which is conceptual understanding with manipulatives; building strategies, usually with representations; and then working on building some speed until it’s just that natural fluency.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (19:07):

I wanna say thank you so much for offering your really learned perspective, because you have not only done the research, but seen it in action and seen how shifting our notions of fluency and what fluency can be and what a powerful foundation it can be for all mathematicians. Really, that shift is so powerful. And I appreciate you sharing it with our listeners and with us. So we’re so excited that we got to talk with you today, Val—

Dan Meyer (19:35):

Thank you, Dr. Henry.

Valerie Henry (19:37):

You’re welcome!

Dan Meyer (19:41):

With us now we have Graham Fletcher and Tracy Zager, a couple of people who understand fluency at a very deep and classroom level. I wanna introduce them and get their perspective on what we’re trying to solve here with fluency. So Graham Fletcher has served in education in a lot of different roles: as a classroom teacher, math coach, math specialist, and he’s continually seeking new and innovative ways to support students and teachers in their development of conceptual understanding in elementary math. He’s the author, along with Tracy, of Building Fact Fluency, a fluency kit we’ll talk about, and openly shares so much of his wisdom and resources at gfletchy.com. Tracy Johnson Zager is a district math coach who loves to get teachers hooked on listening to kids’ mathematical ideas. She is a co-author of this toolkit, Building Fact Fluency, and the author of Becoming the Math Teacher You Wish You’d Had: Ideas and Strategies from Vibrant Classrooms. Tracy also edits professional books for teachers at Stenhouse Publishers, including, yours truly. Thank you for all that insight, Tracy, and support on the book.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (20:49):

Dan and I were talking at the beginning of the episode about things we feel like, “Hey, I’m fluent in that. I’m fluent in that.”

Dan Meyer (20:55):

Just very curious: What’s something you would like to get fluent in outside of the world of mathematics, let’s say?

Tracy Zager (21:00):

I’ll say understanding the teenage brain, as the parent of a 13-year-old and 15-year-old. That’s the main thing I’m working on becoming fluent in!

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (21:10):

Ooh!

Dan Meyer (21:13):

A language fluency, perhaps. All right, Graham. How about you?

Graham Fletcher (21:16):

For me typing, it’s always been an Achilles heel of mine. So voice-to-text has been my friend. But it’s also been my nemesis in much of my texting here and working virtually over the last couple years. So yeah, typing.

Dan Meyer (21:33):

Do you folks have some way of helping us understand the difference in how fluency is handled by instructors and by learners?

Tracy Zager (21:40):

I would say that the lay meaning of fluency is definitely a little different than what we mean in the math education realm. When we’re talking about math fact fluency, which is just one type of fluency. So you gotta think about procedural fluency and computational fluency; there are lots of types of fluency in math. And Graham and I had the luxury of really focusing in specifically on math fact fluency. We’re looking at kind of a subset of the procedural fluency. So the words you hear in all the citations are accurate, efficient, and flexible. There’s this combination of kids get the right answer in a reasonable amount of time and with a reasonable amount of work and they can match their strategy or their approach to the situation. That’s where that flexibility comes in. And there’s like lots more I wanna say about that about sort of…I think one issue that comes up around fluency is that people are in a little bit of a rush. So they tend to think of the fluency as this automaticity or recall of known facts without having to think about it. And that is part of the end goal, but that’s not the journey to fluency. So this is one of the things that Graham and I thought about a lot was the path to fluency. The goal here it’s that student in middle school who’s learning something new doesn’t have to expend any effort to gather that fact. And they might do it because they’ve done it so many different ways that they’ve got it, and now they just know it, or they might be like my friend who’s a mathematician who still, if you say, “Six times 8,” she thinks in her head, “Twelve, 24, 48…” and she does this double-double-double associative property strategy. And it’s so efficient, you would never know. And that’s totally great. That’s fine. That’s not slowing her down. That’s not providing a drag in the middle of a more complex problem or new learning. So we’re really focused on having elementary school students be able to enter the middle and high school standards without having that pull out of the new thinking.

Graham Fletcher (23:53):

And as I think about that, I think about how so many students will memorize their facts, but then they haven’t memorized them with understanding. So that when they move into middle school and they move into high school, it’s almost like new knowledge and new understanding that’s applied from a stand-alone skill.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (24:10):

So something that felt really unique to me, Graham, as I was diving into the toolkit, is your use of images, Tracy, Graham, is the way that you use images to help students notice and wonder to start making sense of these quantities and the decomposition of numbers using images. Can you talk a little bit about how images played a part in the way that you think about this building a fact fluency?

Graham Fletcher (24:41):

What I realized is so many times when we approach math with just naked numbers with so many of our elementary students, the numbers aren’t visible. The quantities. They can’t see them; they can’t move them. They’re just those squiggly figures that we were talking about earlier on. So how is it that we make the quantities visible, to where students feel as if they can grab an apple and move it around? Because a lot of times we start with the naked numbers and then if kids don’t get the naked numbers, then we kind of backfill it. But what would happen if we start with the images? And then from there, these rich, flourishing mathematical conversations develop from the images. And I think that was the premise and the goal of the toolkit.

Tracy Zager (25:22):

When you look at how fact fluency has traditionally been taught, it’s all naked numbers. And sometimes we wrote ’em sideways. Like, that’s it. That was our variety of task type. Right? Sometimes it’s vertical; sometimes it’s horizontal. And that was it. And I’ve just known way too many kids who couldn’t find a hook to hang their hat on with that. It didn’t connect to anything. And so part of why I knew Graham was the perfect person for this project was his strength in multimedia photography, art, video. And so we started from this idea of contexts that for each lesson string in the toolkit, there’s some kind of context. An everyday object, arranged in some kind of a way that reveals mathematical structure and invites students to notice the properties. So we start with images of everyday objects: tennis balls, paint pots…um, help me out; here are a million of them. Crayons—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (26:18):

Crayons, markers.

Tracy Zager (26:18):

Shoes, right? Sushi, origami paper, all kinds of things in the different toolkits. So there’s a series of images or a three-act task or both around those everyday objects, and then story problems grounded in that context. And then there are images with mathematical tools that bring out different ideas, but relate in some way to the image talks. And we do all of that before we get to the naked number talk. Which we do, and by the time you get to the number talk, it’s pretty quick, ’cause they’ve been reasoning about cups of lemonade. And now when you give them the actual numerals, they’re all over it.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (27:03):

I have to say too, as somebody who—particularly in middle school—navigated math anxiety, we recently talked with Allison Hintz and Anthony Smith about their amazing book Mathematizing Children’s Literature.

Tracy Zager (27:14):

Yay!

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (27:14):

And I was explaining, like, if I sat down at the beginning of a math class and my teacher opened a picture book and said, “We’re gonna start here,” I felt my whole body relax. And if we start with this image, if we start with just looking at an image and making sense of an image, I feel like that could be such a powerful touchstone for all the work you do from there.

Tracy Zager (27:41):

That’s core. That’s a core design principle, is that invitational access. There are no barriers to entry. There’s nothing to decode. There’s nothing formal. We’ve been learning from Dan for years about this, right? Of starting with the informal and then eventually layering in the formal. I was in a class in Maine where they were doing an image talk and it’s these boxes of pencils. It’s a stack of boxes of pencils and they’re open and you can see there are 10 pencils in each box. And so there are five boxes of pencils each with 10 pencils in it. And then the next image is 10 boxes of pencils and each box is half full. So now it’s 10 boxes each with five. And the kids are talking and talking and then the third image, I think there are seven boxes each with 10 pencils in it. And she said, “What do you think the next picture’s gonna be?” And this girl said, “You just never know with these people!” <laugh> I dunno!”

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (28:37):

That’s kinda true. Knowing you both, it’s kinda true.

Tracy Zager (28:42):

Like if it’s seven boxes with 10 in it, one kid said, I think it’s gonna be 14 boxes of five. And other kids are like, I think it’s gonna be 10 boxes with seven. And they start talking about which of those there are and the relationships between—

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (28:58):

But they’re making sense of numbers!

Tracy Zager (28:59):

Totally. So all the kids felt invited. They can offer something up. They’re noticing and wondering about that image. They’re talking about it in whatever informal language or home language that they speak. And that was core to us. That was a huge priority, because honestly, one of the motivations to talk about fluency is that it’s always been this gatekeeper. It has served to keep kids out of meaningful math. Particularly kids from marginalized or historically excluded communities. So they’re back at the round table, doing Mad Minutes, while the more advantaged kids are getting to do rich problem solving. And so, we thought, what if we could teach fact fluency through rich problem solving that everybody could access? That was like square one for us.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (29:45):

That’s huge.

Dan Meyer (29:46):

That’s great to hear. What’s been helpful for me is to understand that students who are automatic, that’s just kind of what’s on the surface of things. And that below that might be some really robust kind of foundation or scaffolding that bleeds to a larger building being built, or it might be just really rickety and not offer a sturdy place to build farther up. It’s been really exciting to hear that. I wonder if you’d comment for a moment about, in the digital age and—I’m at Desmos and our sponsors are Amplify and we all work in the digital world quite a bit. There are a lot of what report to be solutions to the fluency issue, to developing fluency in the digital world. Just lots and lots of them. Some that are quite well used, others that are just like X, Y, or Z app on the market. You can find something. Do you have perspectives on these kinds of digital fluency building apps? Like, what about them works or doesn’t work? Let us know. Graham, how about you? And then Tracy, I’d love to hear your thoughts too.

Graham Fletcher (30:47):

Yeah, I think that’s a great question, ’cause there’s a lot of shiny bells and whistles out there right now that can really excite a lot of teachers. But I always come back to what works for me as a classroom teacher is probably gonna work in a digital world as well. So what are the things that I love and honor most about being in front of students, and how can I capture that in that virtual world? I think one of the things that really helps students make connections is coherence. I think coherence, especially when you leave students for—you don’t get to talk with them after the lesson is done—so I think about how we can purposefully sequence things through a day-to-day basis. I think coherence is something that gets really lost when we talk about fluency, especially with whether it be digital or whether it be print, because what ends up happening is we say, “OK, we have all these strategies we need to teach,” and it becomes a checklist. So how is it that we can just provide students the opportunity to play around in a space, whether it be digital or in person, but in a meaningful way that allows them the time and the space and that area to breathe and think, but be coherent. And connecting those lessons along the way. And I think coherence is one thing that a lot of the times it’s harder to—when we’re in the weeds, it’s so hard and difficult to zoom back out and say, “Do all these lessons connect? How do they intentionally connect? And how do they purposefully connect?” And without coherence, everything’s kind of broken down into that granular level. So when looking at—I think about Desmos and I think about the Toolkit and I think about how Tracy and I talked a lot about, “Well, this, does it connect with the context problem, does it connect with the image talk, or the lessons? Like, how does it all connect and how are we providing students an opportunity to make connections between the day-to-day instruction and lessons that we tackle?”

Tracy Zager (32:44):

I’m reminded of a conversation that Dan, you and I had a long time ago, in Portland, Maine, in a bar. I’ll just be honest. <laugh> And we were talking about how, in the earlier days of Desmos, you were stressed out by what you saw, which was kids one-on-one, on a device, in a silent room. And you were like, no, this is not it. This is not what technology is here to serve. We can do so many things better using technology appropriately, but we can’t lose talk and we can’t lose relationships and we can’t lose formative assessment and teachers listening to kids and kids listening to each other and helping each other understand their thinking. Right? So when I think about the tech that’s out there for fact fluency, most of it is gonna violate all rules I have around time testing. So that a whole bunch of it, I would just toss on that premise. They’re really no different than flashcards. It’s just flashcards set in junkyard heaps. Or, you know, underground caverns. Or with a volcano or whatever. It’s the same thing. There are some lovely visuals—I’m thinking of Berkeley Everett’s Math Flips. Those are really pretty. Mathigon has some really nice stuff that’s digital. And I think that those resources invite you to kind of ponder and notice things and talk about them. All the tools that we design in the toolkit are designed to get people talking to each other, and give teachers opportunities to pull alongside kids and listen in and understand where they are. For example, our games, we didn’t design the games to be played digitally, even though you could, and people did during COVID, because we want kids on the rug, next to each other, on their knees; I’ve seen kids like across tables. I was in a school recently where a kid was like, “I hope you believe in God, ’cause you’re going…!” You know what I mean? <laugh>. Like they’re all pumped up.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (34:41):

They’re invested!

Tracy Zager (34:45):

They’re psyching each other up and down and they’re interacting and it’s social and the teacher’s walking around and she’s listening to the games. And they don’t actually need any bells and whistles. They need dice and they need counters and they need this game that is actually a game. In all of our conversations, games have to actually be games. Games cannot be “roll and record.” Games have to involve strategy. They have to be fun. So in designing those games, we didn’t feel like it brought any advantage to make that a digital platform. But things that did bring advantages digitally, like the ability to project these beautiful images or to use short video in the classroom, that really was a value-add that enabled us to do something different in math class than we had done before, and to get kids talking in a different way than they ever had before. When I think about fluency, historically, if you say like, “OK, it’s time to practice our math facts,” you hear a lot of groans. And when I see a Building Fact Fluency classroom and I say, “OK, it’s BFF time!” There’s like a “YEAAAAHHH!” You know? And so that’s what we’re after.

Graham Fletcher (35:47):

It’s all about kids, really, for us. And I think at the heart of it, we made all the decisions with teachers and kids at the forefront of it.

Tracy Zager (35:55):

I know of high schoolers who are newcomers, who have experienced very little formal education, and speak in other languages, are using it as high schoolers, because it involves language and math and all the deep work in the properties and it’s accessible, but it’s also not at all condescending or patronizing. Like we designed it to be appropriate for older kids. So that’s just something that I think we’re both really proud of. One thing we thought a lot about, especially in the multiplication-division kit is how a classroom teacher could use it and a coordinating educator in EL, Title, special education, intervention could also use it because there’s so much in it, that students could get to be experts, if they got extra time in it, using something that’s related and would give them additional practice. So they could play a game a little bit earlier than the rest of the classes. And they could come in already knowing about that game, or they could do a related task. We have all these optional tasks that no classroom teacher would ever have time to teach it all. So the special educator could use it and have kids doing a Same and Different or a True/False, or some of the optional games. And then the work in both special education and general education could connect.

Dan Meyer (37:20):

I just wanna say that this is an area that for so many students, as you’ve said, Tracy, it presents a barrier. It’s a very emotionally fraught area of mathematics. And we really appreciate the wisdom you brought here. And just the care you’ve brought to the product itself. Your knowledge of teaching, knowledge of math, and yeah, especially a love for students feels like it’s really infused throughout Building Fact Fluency. If our listeners want to know more outside of this podcast, outside of the product itself, where can they find your words, your voice? Where you folks at these days? Tell ’em, Graham would you?

Graham Fletcher (37:57):

You can find us at Stenhouse, Building Fact Fluency. And then Tracy and I, currently playing around, sharing ideas a lot on Twitter, under the hashtag #BuildingFactFluency. That’s kind of where we can all come together and share ideas. And then also on the Facebook community, where there’s lots of teachers sharing ideas.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (38:19):

If you were to ask our listeners like, “Hey, if you wanna keep thinking about this, here’s something you could try or here’s something you could go do,” what could be a challenge that we could share that could help us continue this conversation?

Graham Fletcher (38:35):

Online you can actually download a full lesson string. And a lesson string is a series of activities and resources that are purposefully connected. You can pick one or two of those from the Stenhouse web site, Building Fact Fluency. You can try the game. You can try one of those strategy-based games. You can try an image talk and just see how it goes. And just share and reflect back, whether on Twitter or on Facebook. But it’s kind of there, if you wanna give it a whirl. And as Tracy was sharing, even if you’re a middle-school teacher or a high-school teacher, we really tried to think about those middle-school and high-school students keeping it grade level-agnostic. Just so every student has those opportunities for those mathematical conversations. So download a lesson string and give it a whirl, and we’d love to hear how it goes.

Dan Meyer (39:25):

Bethany and I will be working the same challenge with people in our life.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (39:29):

Yes.

Dan Meyer (39:29):

Enjoying some fact fluency with people in our homes, perhaps. We’ll see. And we’ll be sharing the results in the Math Teacher Lounge Facebook group. Graham and Tracy, thanks so much for being here. It was such a treat to chat with you both.

Bethany Lockhart Johnson (39:42):

I love learning with you and just helping to shift this idea of fluency into something that can be accessible and powerful and positive.

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What Valerie Henry says about math

“A lot of very fluent adults don’t always have every fact memorized. ”

– Val Henry

Meet the guest

Valerie Henry has been a math educator since 1986. She taught middle school math for 17 years and has worked as a lecturer at University of California Irvine since 2002. After doing her 2004 dissertation research on addition/subtraction fluency in first grade, Valerie created FactsWise, a daily mini-lesson approach that simultaneously develops  fluency,  number sense, and algebraic thinking. Additionally, she has provided curriculum and math professional development for K-12 teachers throughout her career, working with individual schools, districts, county offices of education, Illustrative Mathematics, the SBAC Digital Library, and the UCI Math Project.

An older person with short gray hair and glasses, wearing a blue sweater, is outdoors with greenery and a fence in the background.
Podcast cover for "Math Teacher Lounge" with Bethany Lockhart Johnson and Dan Meyer; bold text on orange and teal semicircle background.

About Math Teacher Lounge: The podcast

Math Teacher Lounge is a biweekly podcast created specifically for K–12 math educators. In each episode co-hosts Bethany Lockhart Johnson (@lockhartedu) and Dan Meyer (@ddmeyer) chat with guests, taking a deep dive into the math and educational topics you care about.

Join the Math Teacher Lounge Facebook group to continue the conversation, view exclusive content, interact with fellow educators, participate in giveaways, and more!

USBE Data Analysis for K-3 Reading Assessment Program

Introduction

mCLASS Assessment: Acadience™ Reading

How it works: Quickly identify the needs of each student and inform next steps with instant analysis, reports, and instructional planning tools included in the only licensed mobile version of the research-based Acadience Reading assessment.

  • Use short, 1-minute fluency measures for foundational reading skills.
  • Replace manual calculations with instant results and recommended activities.
  • Compare student progress with predictive, research-based benchmark goals.
  • Track progress and target instruction to individual student needs.
  • Support decision-making at every level using aggregate reports.
  • Translate class- and student-level reports into individualized instruction using the Now What?Tools.
  • Get a more complete view of early literacy skills with the new mCLASS:Early Literacy Measures (ELM).
Enrollment for mClass

Please review the Utah Enrollment for mCLASS document for important information about the rostering process for LEAs in Utah.

Benchmark Windows

The USBE has required that each Acadience Reading testing benchmark window occur within the below dates:

BOY — the first benchmark before October 14
MOY — the second benchmark between December 1 and February 5
EOY — the third benchmark between the middle of April and June 15

Benchmark windows for LEAs are set to the state benchmark window dates in mCLASS. Each LEA is to have 2-4 week benchmark period that is within the state benchmark window dates and LEA leaders are to share those dates with staff. The benchmark windows in mCLASS are set to the state benchmark window dates; not the LEA benchmark window dates and this can not be changed in mCLASS. If a student moves into your LEA and your benchmark window is closed, but the state benchmark period is still open, the student must be benchmarked. Should your LEA need an extension of a benchmark window beyond the close of the state benchmark windows, that must be approved by the USBE Assessment Department. Once the benchmark window closes, do not give the benchmark to a student, instead, educators can progress monitor the student on the measures they would have received a benchmark in order to get the students current instructional levels.

If you have questions regarding your current benchmark window dates, feel free to reach out to Amplify Customer Services at help@amplify.com.

Acadience Reading Benchmark Invalidations

Before you invalidate a benchmark probe, review the USBE’s list of acceptable reasons for invalidating on the Frequently Asked Questions: Acadience Reading Invalidations document. If a district/charter has a significant percentage of invalidations, contact and further action will be deployed. If you believe an invalidation is required, please contact your District/Charter Literacy Director. If they need support, they can contact Sara Wiebke, sara.wiebke@schools.utah.gov, to request an invalidation.

Progress Monitoring

The impact of progress monitoring

Progress monitoring is the most powerful tool we offer with regards to student achievement.

“Scores for Daze increase more slowly than they do for other Acadience Reading measures, so more frequent monitoring may not be as informative. For students who need to be monitored on Daze, we recommend monitoring once per month.”
Progress Monitoring with Acadience Reading 
© Acadience Learning
October 2012

The Acadience Reading authors recommend progress monitoring students in the Well Below Benchmark category once every 7-10 days (and once every 10-12 days for students in the Below Benchmark category).

Progress monitoring is the practice of testing students briefly but frequently on the skill areas in which they are receiving instruction, to ensure that they are making adequate progress. When students are identified as at risk for reading difficulties, they can receive progress monitoring testing more frequently to ensure that the instruction they are receiving is helping them make progress. (Acadience Learning/October 2012, Progress Monitoring Guide)

The purposes of progress monitoring are:

  • to provide ongoing feedback about the effectiveness of instruction,
  • to determine students’ progress toward important and meaningful goals, and
  • to make timely decisions about changes to instruction so that students will meet those goals.

How to progress monitor?

  • Select students for progress monitoring
  • Select Acadience Reading materials for progress monitoring
  • Set progress monitoring goals
  • Determine the frequency of progress monitoring
  • Conduct progress monitoring assessment
  • Access data through class and student reports
  • Evaluate progress and modify instruction.

The key to progress monitoring: Instruction should link to progress monitoring and progress monitoring should link to instruction. They should run parallel and merge as one to confirm student growth in reading.

Check your progress monitoring fidelity report in mCLASS to ensure you are on track with these students. For more information regarding progress monitoring guidelines, visit the official progress monitoring guidelines.

Support Team

Amplify Customer Services

(800) 823-1969
Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT
help@amplify.com

Educational Support Team

Pedagogical Questions
(800) 823-1969
Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT
edsupport@amplify.com

For more information, please contact:

Sarah McCarty
Associate Director, Educational Partnership
(812) 593-5776
smccarty@amplify.com

Donna Bright
Educational Partnership Manager
(303) 960-3772
dbright@amplify.com

Robert McCarty
Regional Director of Educational Partnership
(435) 655-1731
rmccarty@amplify.com

Cydnee Carter
Assessment Development Coordinator
(801) 538-7654
cydnee.carter@schools.utah.gov

Liz Williams
Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist
(801) 538-7542
Liz.williams@schools.utah.gov

Sara Wiebke
Literacy Coordinator
(801) 538-7935
sara.wiebke@schools.utah.gov

Krista Hotelling
K-3 Literacy Specialist
(801) 538-7794
krista.hotelling@schools.utah.gov

Christine Elegante
K-3 Literacy Specialist
(801) 538-7551
christine.elegante@schools.utah.gov

Julie Clark
K-3 Literacy Specialist
801-499-2515
julie.clark@schools.utah.gov

Melissa Preziosi
Assessment Data Specialist
(801) 538-7949
melissa.preziosi@schools.utah.gov

Resources

Helpful tips and guides
mCLASS:Acadience Reading tutorials
Technical resources

Amplify Enrollment This guide walks you through the necessary steps to complete enrollment using the manual enrollment tools on Amplify Home. It shows you how to manage staff, student, and class assignment information, and maintain the accuracy of your staff, student, and class assignments.

Devices & Requirements Ensure mCLASS is compatible with your devices and systems for optimal performance and support.

Remote Assessing

Videos:

Remote Assessment Guidance from the Acadience Team:  
mCLASS®: Acadience® Reading (formerly known as DIBELS Next)

Key Points:

Before you assess:

1. Determine how you will show student materials and score in mCLASS at the same time. 

  Description

Description

Recommended set up

  • One computer for video conferencing and sharing student materials.
  • One touchscreen device for scoring in mCLASS.
Modified set up
  • One computer.

Note: mCLASS app is optimized for touchscreen; scoring with a mouse may need more practice.

2. Familiarize yourself with the digital copies of student materials.

3. Schedule virtual meetings with students. To communicate with English-speaking caregivers, consider sending this email or video. To communicate with Spanish-speaking caregivers, consider sending this email or video.

4. Determine how you will handle scenarios where there’s a lag:

  Description
Record the meeting
  • Before the assessment begins, press the recording button on your video conferencing tool.
  • After the virtual meeting, listen to recording and rescore in mCLASS if needed.
  • Pick a decision rule for how to score ambiguous items and be consistent. For example, if you decide that you will give a student the benefit of the doubt and mark ambiguous similar sounding items correct when you can’t quite hear their answer, do this for all students you assess.
Use a phone
  • Before the assessment begins, call caregiver’s phone using your phone (type *67 before your number if you want your number to be hidden).
  • Ask the caregiver to press the speaker button. 
  • Mute yourself and your student on the virtual learning platform.

While you assess: 

1. Take the opportunity to connect individually with your students as they experience so much change. Don’t make the session solely about testing, and remind caregivers and students that the assessment is a way to see how you can best tailor instruction.

2. Make student materials visible to your student.

For Maze, choose the model that works best for you:

Enter results into the mCLASS web reports

  • Students complete online Maze during a video conference
    • Put a link to the student assessment site (mclass.amplify.com/student) and the student’s credentials into the chat box (learn how to generate student credentials in this video)
    • Ask your student to complete Maze.
  • Students complete online Maze outside of a video conference (caregiver support is needed with log-in)
    • To provide student credentials and instructions to English-speaking caregivers, consider sending this email and video. To provide student credentials and instructions to Spanish-speaking caregivers, consider sending this email and video.
  • Students complete Maze on paper
    • Locate the benchmark Maze Acadience Learning’s site.
    • Print a copy of the form you need (e.g. BOY) for each student in your class.
    • Send the form home in a sealed envelope with students, mail the form to caregivers, or have caregivers get forms via school-based pick-up. Provide instructions not to open the envelope until the student is ready to take the assessment.
    • Provide parents with instructions on how to proctor the assessment for their child. They need to:
      • Give the form to their child
      • Sit with their child and read the instructions and practice items
      • Tell their child to stop when 3 minutes has elapsed
      • Send screenshots of their child’s work via email or text, or return the completed form to the school in a sealed envelope provided by the school.
  Guidance
Acadience:Reading 

Use the share screen feature to display student materials on your screen.

Optional next step for measures that have student materials:

Zoom users: grant your student control of your screen so you can see their cursor as they read:

  • Click “Remote Control” and select your student’s name in the dropdown.
  • Ask your student to use their cursor to point to words as they read.

Note: For Mac OSX, you will need to give Zoom access in the Accessibility tab in the Privacy and Security preferences of your Mac. For more information on giving Zoom access in Security and Privacy, click here.

3. Score in mCLASS.

Student materials

  Benchmark Progress monitoring
Acadience Reading (formerly known as DIBELS Next) Available for free download on the Acadience Learning website

Inspiring the next generation of Rochester scientists, engineers, and curious scholars

Dear Rochester educator,

We’re extremely excited to be part of your science review process.

Built from the ground up for three-dimensional, phenomena-based learning, Amplify Science helps your Rochester scholars go from learning about to figuring out scientific concepts.

Explore the sections below and learn how Amplify creates rigorous, relevant learning experiences for the next generation of scientists, engineers, and curious citizens.

—Jennifer Fosegan, Rochester Senior Account Executive

Standards-based and grounded in research

Amplify Science is an engaging new core curriculum designed for three-dimensional, phenomena-based learning. Developed by the science education experts at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science and the digital learning team at Amplify, our program is used by hundreds of schools across the country, including New York City Public Schools, Chicago Public Schools, and Denver Public Schools.

Amplify Science was designed from the ground up to meet the Next Generation Science Standards. To ensure alignment to the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), our partners at the New York City Department of Education created additional resources that can be made available for RCSD to implement.

Instructional model

The Amplify Science program is rooted in the proven, research-based pedagogy of Do, Talk, Read, Write, Visualize. Here’s how each element works:

Phenomena-based approach

In each Amplify Science unit, students take on the roles of scientists or engineers in order to investigate a real-world problem. Students work to define the problem and collect and make sense of evidence. Once the context is clear, students collect evidence from multiple sources and through a variety of modalities.

At the end of the unit, students are presented with a brand-new problem, giving them an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned over the course of the unit to a new context. This represents a shift from asking students to learn about science to supporting students in figuring out the science.

Resources to support your review

What’s included

COMPONENT

FORMAT

Teacher’s Guides and digital experience

Available digitally and in print, the Teacher’s Guides contain all of the information teachers need to facilitate classroom instruction, including detailed lesson plans, classroom slides, high-level overview documentation, differentiation strategies, standards alignments, materials and preparation steps, teacher support strategies, and in-context professional development, possible student responses, and more.

Print and digital

Hands-on materials kits

Hands-on learning is integrated into every unit of Amplify Science. Each hands-on activity is supported through clear instructions for the teacher, as well as easily accessible materials in unit-specific kits. Each kit contains hands-on materials, both consumable and nonconsumable, and various print materials (e.g., Vocabulary and Key Concept cards). With Amplify Science, students can actively participate in science: gathering evidence, thinking critically, making observations, and communicating their claims

Kit

COMPONENT

FORMAT

Student Investigation Notebooks

Available for every unit, the Student Investigation Notebooks contain instructions for activities and space for students to record data, reflect on ideas from texts and investigations, and construct explanations and arguments.

Print and digital

Student books

The age-appropriate Student Books in Amplify Science allow students to engage with content-rich text, obtain evidence, develop research and close reading skills, and construct arguments and explanations about the ideas they are learning in class.

Print and digital

Student digital experience

Students can easily engage with the student digital experience, so effective learning can occur in every type of classroom environment.

In grades 4–5, students are introduced to digital simulations. Developed exclusively for Amplify Science, these digital tools serve as venues of exploration and data collection, allowing students to discover and construct their understanding of science concepts and phenomena.

Digital

Spanish parity

Amplify Science is committed to providing support to meet the needs of all learners. For Spanish-speaking students, greater access to rich science content is achieved with Amplify Science through the use of a pedagogical approach that offers multiple points of entry. In addition, Spanish language supports are available across the curriculum, including Spanish kits that offer Spanish versions of all student-facing print materials, as well as Spanish digital licenses for teachers. Learn more about the Spanish components available across Amplify Science.

The same rigor in terms of scientific accuracy, literacy development, and the use of rich content and language in the creation of the Amplify Science Spanish materials. To ensure equity, all Spanish materials were carefully translated using academic Spanish, paying particular attention to consistency and the use of grade-level-appropriate language in order to support language development.

Review online

Ready to explore on your own? Follow the instructions below to access your demo account.

First, watch this navigation video. Then, click the orange button “Log in to Amplify Science” to log in.

  • Select Log in with Amplify.
  • Enter username and password:
    • Teacher username: t1.rcsdtrial@demo.tryamplify.net
    • Student username: s1.rcsdtrial@demo.tryamplify.net
    • Password (both teacher and student): Amplify1-rcsdtrial

Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI) review
Each Amplify Science unit is designed around a unit-specific learning progression that aligns with NGSS disciplinary core ideas (DCI) and crosscutting concepts. The levels that comprise the unit’s learning progression are cumulative. As students progress through the unit, they are able to integrate prior understandings with new insights, and there are continuing opportunities for students to master conceptual understanding of early unit content in subsequent chapters of the unit.

This means that standards are often addressed across entire units instead of in one particular activity or lesson. Thus, the lessons noted below are examples of where the concept represented in the listed DCI is addressed, but this list should not be considered exhaustive. Instead, students have frequent opportunities to engage with these ideas throughout the unit, the grade, and the grade band. 

To view the specified lessons, explore our RCSD Digital Review Guide or select a grade level below.

DCI ESS2.D: Weather and Climate
Before you begin reviewing these lessons, make sure to locate the following Student Books from your Unit Kit: What is the Weather Like Today? and Tornado! Predicting Severe Weather

Select the Sunlight and Weather unit, click Chapter 1, and locate the lessons below:

Lesson 1.1

  • Activities 2 and 3, Step-by-step tab
  • Student bookWhat is the Weather Like Today? (note: located in your Unit Kit)

Lesson 1.2

  • Activities 1 and 3, Step-by-step tab

Lesson 1.3

  • Activities 1 and 2, Step-by-step tab

Lesson 1.4

  • Lesson Brief, Digital Resources, “Playground Weather Calendars and Playground Weather Graphs (Completed)”
  • Activity 1, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 5, 9, and 10) and Teacher Support tab (“Assessment, Assessment Opportunity: Assessing Students’ Understanding of Types of Weather”)

Lesson 5.1

  • Activity 1, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 6–7) and Teacher Support, Assessment tab (“Assessment Opportunity: Assessing Students’ Understanding of Weather and Why We Measure It”)
  • Student book, Tornado! Predicting Severe Weather (note: located in your Unit Kit), pages 6–9

DCI PS4.A: Wave Properties
Before you begin reviewing these lessons, make sure to locate the following materials from your Unit Kit: Light and Sound Student Investigation Notebook; Student Book: What Vibrates?

Select the Light and Sound unit, click Chapter 4, and locate the lessons below:

Lesson 4.1

  • Lesson Brief, Digital Resources, “Assessment Guide”
  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 1–12)
  • Light and Sound Student Investigation Notebook, page 24 (note: located in your Unit Kit)

Lesson 4.2

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)
  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)
  • Activity 4, Instructional Guide
  • Student bookWhat Vibrates? (note: located in your Unit Kit)
  • Light and Sound Student Investigation Notebook, page 25 (note: located in your Unit Kit)

Lesson 4.3

  • Lesson Brief, Digital Resources, “I Hear a Sound. What Vibrates? Mini-Book copymaster”
  • Activity 1, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 5–11, 13), and Teacher Support tab (“Instructional Suggestion, Going Further: Sound Can Cause Vibrations”)
  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab
  • Activity 4, Step-by-step tab and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)

DCI LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Before you begin reviewing these lessons, make sure to locate the following materials from your Unit Kit: Plant and Animal Relationships Student Investigation Notebook; Student book A Plant is a System.

Select the Plant and Animal Relationships unit, click Chapter 1, and locate the lessons below:

Lesson 1.6

  • Activities 2–4, Step-by-step tab
  • Plant and Animal Relationships Student Investigation Notebook (note: located in your Unit Kit), pages 15–19

Lesson 1.7

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab, Possible Responses tab, and Critical Juncture Assessment (hummingbird icon)
  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab

Lesson 2.2

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 4–12) and Possible Responses tab
  • Student bookA Plant is a System (note: located in your Unit Kit)

DCI ESS2.D: Weather and Climates
Before you begin reviewing these lessons, make sure to locate the following materials from your Unit Kit: Weather and Climate Student Investigation Notebook; Student Books Dangerous Weather Ahead and Sky Notebook.

Select the Weather and Climate unit, click Chapter 4, and locate the lessons below:

Lesson 1.4

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab 
  • Student bookSky Notebook (note: located in your Unit Kit)

Lesson 2.3

  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab and Possible Responses tab
  • Weather and Climate Student Investigation Notebook, page 28 (note: located in your Unit Kit)

Lesson 3.2

  • Lesson Brief, Digital Resources, “Anchorage, Queenstown, and Saint Petersburg Graphs copymaster”
  • Activities 2 and 3, Step-by-step tab

Lesson 3.3,

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab, Possible Responses tab, and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)

Lesson 3.6

  • Activity 1, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 3–5) and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)

Lesson 3.7

  • Lesson Brief,  Digital Resources, “End-of-Unit Writing: Arguing About Future Island Weather Version A copymaster” and “Assessment Guide”
  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 3–7)

Lesson 4.2

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab, Possible Responses tab, and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)
  • Student book, Dangerous Weather Ahead (note: located in your Unit Kit)

DCI PS4.A: Wave Properties
Before you begin reviewing these lessons, make sure to locate the following materials from your Unit Kit: Student books Warning: Tsunami! and Patterns in Communication.

Select the Waves, Energy, and Information unit, click Chapters 1 and 3, and locate the lessons below:

Chapter 1

Lesson 1.4

  • Activity 1, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 1, and 4)
  • Student bookWarning: Tsunami! (note: located in your Unit Kit)
  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab, On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon), and Teacher Support tab (“Instructional Suggestion, Providing More Experience: Waves in Water”)

Chapter 3

Lesson 3.1

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 4–8) and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)
  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab and Waves, Energy, and Information Simulation

Lesson 3.2

  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab, On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon), and Waves, Energy, and Information Simulation 

Lesson 3.3

  • Activity 4, Step-by-step tab and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)
  • Student bookPatterns in Communication (note: located in your Unit Kit), pages 6–7

DCI LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Before you begin reviewing these lessons, make sure to take out the following materials from your Unit Kit: Student books Restoration Case Studies and Walk in the Woods; Organism Print Name Cards: Set 1.

Select the Ecosystem Restoration unit, click Chapters 1, 2, and 3, and locate the lessons below:

Lesson 1.6

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab, Possible Responses tab, and Ecosystem Modeling Tool (Box 2 on student apps page, “1.6 Healthy Ecosystem Model”)
  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 2 and 3), Possible Responses tab, and Critical Juncture Assessment (hummingbird icon)

Lesson 1.7

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab
  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 3–7) and On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon)
  • Printable Resources, Print Materials (8.5” x 11”), Organism Name Cards: Set 1, pages 12–17 (note: located in your Unit Kit)

Lesson 1.8

  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 6–8) and Possible Responses tab

Lesson 2.3

  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 1–4), Possible Responses tab, and Ecosystem Modeling Tool (Box 3 on student apps page, “2.3 Plant Needs Model”)

Lesson 2.5

  • Activity 3, Step-by-step tab
  • Student bookRestoration Case Studies (note: located in your Unit Kit)

Lesson 3.2

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab
  • Student bookWalk in the Woods (note: located in your Unit Kit), pages 6–10

Lesson 3.3

  • Activity 4, Step-by-step tab and Ecosystem Restoration Simulation

Lesson 3.4

  •  Activity 2, Step-by-step tab, Possible Responses tab, On-the-Fly Assessment (hummingbird icon), and Ecosystem Restoration Simulation

Lesson 3.5

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab and Teacher Support tab (“Instructional Suggestion, Going Further: Balance and Interdependence of Ecosystems: Impacts of Invasive Species”)
  • Student bookRestoration Case Studies (note: located in your Unit Kit), pages 11, 31, and 47

Lesson 3.6

  • Activity 2, Step-by-step tab (especially steps 4–5), Possible Responses tab, and Critical Juncture Assessment (hummingbird icon)

Lesson 3.7

  • Activity 1, Step-by-step tab, Possible Responses tab, and Ecosystem Modeling Tool (Box 5 on student apps page, “3.7 No Decomposers Model”)

Looking for help?

Contact your Rochester Account Executive:

Jennifer Fosegan
(585) 590-4200
jfosegan@amplify.com

Inspiring the next generation of Massachusetts scientists, engineers, and curious citizens

Amplify Science is an engaging new core curriculum designed for three-dimensional, phenomena-based learning.

Collage of four images: a jungle illustration with a giraffe, students using computers, a boy studying with classmates, and an animated hillside with kites flying.

A powerful partnership

Amplify Science was developed by the science education experts at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science and the digital learning team at Amplify. This partnership extends to 2032, allowing us to continuously improve our program and provide our customers with the most up-to-date enhancements, free of charge. Get a glimpse at our latest back-to-school updates here.

Instructional model

The Amplify Science program is rooted in the proven, research-based pedagogy of Do, Talk, Read, Write, Visualize. Here’s how each element works:

Three blue panels describing educational activities: "hands-on science" with lab experiments, "discuss" with collaborative learning, and "read" with literacy in science articles.

Phenomena-based approach

In each Amplify Science unit, students take on the roles of scientists or engineers in order to investigate a real-world problem. Students work to define the problem and collect and make sense of evidence. Once the context is clear, students collect evidence from multiple sources and through a variety of modalities. At the end of the unit, students are presented with a brand new problem, giving them an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned over the course of the unit to a new context. This represents a shift from asking students to learn about science to supporting students in figuring out the science.

Flowchart of a learning unit divided into four chapters, showing stages of student engagement from introduction to application, with assessments indicated at various points.

Resources to support your review

Scope and Sequence

GRADE

Kindergarten

UNITS

  • Needs of Plants and Animals
  • Pushes and Pulls
  • Sunlight and Water

Grade 1

  • Needs of Plants and Animals
  • Pushes and Pulls
  • Sunlight and Water

Grade 2

  • Plant and Animal Relationships
  • Properties of Materials
  • Changing Landforms

Grade 3

  • Balancing Forces
  • Inheritance and Traits
  • Environments and Survival
  • Weather and Climate

Grade 4

  • Energy Conversions
  • Vision and Light
  • Earth’s Features
  • Waves, Energy, and Information

Grade 5

  • Patterns of Earth and Sky
  • Modeling Matter
  • The Earth System
  • Ecosystem Restoration

Flexible implementation

One of the key features of Amplify Science is the flexibility that it offers. We give students authentic opportunities to experience the full breadth of what it means to be a scientist or engineer. Just as scientists gather evidence from many types of sources, so do students in our program. Like scientists, students gather evidence not just from physical models, but also from digital models, texts, videos, photographs, maps, data sets, and even their peers!
Simply put, real scientists don’t just get messy—they read, write, analyze, hypothesize, model, test, and communicate with purpose, too.

Illustration of the indirect effects of overfishing on northern benguela jelly populations displayed on a laptop screen.

Student Books
Beginning and young readers have unique developmental needs, and science instruction should support these students in reading more independently as they progress through sections of content, the school year, and each grade. One way Amplify Science meets these needs is by strategically deploying different modes of reading throughout each unit: Read-Aloud, Shared Reading, and Partner Reading.

A collage of various educational book covers related to science and math, featuring illustrated themes like sports, nature, and energy.

Student Investigation Notebooks

Available for every unit, the Student Investigation Notebooks provide space for students to:

  • record data.
  • reflect on ideas from texts and investigations.
  • construct explanations and arguments.
Collection of educational books from 'amplify science' on topics including ocean atmosphere, matter and energy ecosystems, and insect interactions, displayed in various angles.

Digital student experience

Students access the digital simulations and Modeling Tools, as well as lesson activities and assessments, through the digital student experience. Students can interact with the digital student experience as they:

  • conduct hands-on investigations.
  • engage in Active Reading and writing activities.
  • participate in discussions.
  • record observations.
  • craft end-of-unit scientific arguments.

Dive into a quick example of our powerful simulations

Grades K–5 simulation

A digital illustration showcasing a laptop and a tablet displaying complex data analysis software interfaces with graphs and heatmaps.

Hands-on materials kits

Hands-on learning is at the heart of Amplify Science and is integrated
into every unit. Students actively take on the roles of scientists and engineers as they gather evidence, think critically, solve problems, and develop and defend claims about the world around them.

Check out this 2-minute video to see an Amplify Science hands-on investigation in action.

Each unit kit contains:

  • consumable and non-consumable hands-on materials.
  • print classroom display materials.
  • premium print materials for student use (sorting cards, maps, etc.).
A perforated rectangular board, three small containers with different powders, a black battery holder with red wires, and three colored alligator clips are arranged on a white background.

Teaching support

Available digitally and in print, the Teacher’s Guides contain all of the information teachers need to facilitate classroom instruction, including:

  • detailed lesson plans.
  • unit and chapter overview documentation.
  • differentiation strategies.
  • standards alignments.
  • in-context professional development.
A laptop displaying the Geology on Mars webpage sits beside a book titled "Geology on Mars," both featuring the same cover image of Mars and a spacecraft, perfect for enhancing three-dimensional learning in any science classroom.

Massachusetts Academic Standards in Science coverage

Amplify Science was designed from the ground up to meet the NGSS, a set of standards that closely align with the Massachusetts Learning Standards for Science coverage. Most grade levels’ respective set of Amplify Science units therefore address the necessary MASS (see correlation). 

For grades K, 1, 2, 3, and 5, teachers should plan to also use the resources provided in the sections below to achieve full coverage of the appropriate standards before their students move on to the next grade band. Organized by grade level, each section outlines:

  • companion lesson materials that were written to support 100% alignment to the Massachusetts Learning Standards for Science coverage when used with the core Amplify Science units for the grade level
  • the standard being addressed with each companion lesson; and
  • the recommended placement of each companion lesson within a specific Amplify Science unit

Standard: K-PS1-1(MA). Investigate and communicate the idea that different kinds of materials can be solid or liquid depending on temperature.

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 5.6 of Sunlight and Weather

Resources: After students finish reflecting on their unit-long exploration of energy and temperature, play and discuss this read-aloud video of the student book Can you Change it Back?, which is featured in the grade 2 unit Properties of Materials. You might also consider borrowing the physical books from a grade 2 colleague’s Properties of Materials kit and reading it as a class instead of or in addition to playing the video.

Using the book, you will introduce students to the idea that heating and cooling can cause changes to materials. In the book, students are presented with a variety of materials and asked to predict whether a certain change caused by heating or cooling is reversible or irreversible.

Companion lesson: “Seasonal Changes”

Standard: 1-ESS1-2– Analyze provided data to identify relationships among seasonal patterns of change, including relative sunrise and sunset time changes, seasonal temperature and rainfall or snowfall patterns, and seasonal changes to the environment.

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 5.1 of Spinning Earth

Resources: Season Changes Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Companion lesson: “Properties and Weight”

Standard: 2-PS1-3– Analyze a variety of evidence to conclude that when a chunk of material is cut or broken into pieces, each piece is still the same material and, however small each piece is, has weight. Show that the material properties of a small set of pieces do not change when the pieces are used to build larger objects.

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 4.4 of Properties of Materials.

Resources: Weight and Properties Classroom SlidesResources, and Student Sheet

Companion lesson 1: Extinct Insects

Standard: 3-LS4-1: Use fossils to describe types of organisms and their environments that existed long ago and compare those to living organisms and their environments. Recognize that most kinds of plants and animals that once lived on Earth are no longer found anywhere.

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 2.3 of Environments and Survival

Resources: Extinct Insects Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Companion lesson 2: Friction

Standard: 3-PS2-1: Provide evidence to explain the effect of multiple forces, including friction, on an object. Include balanced forces that do not change the motion of the object and unbalanced forces that do change the motion of the object.

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 1.1 of Balancing Forces

Resources: Friction Classroom SlidesResources, and Student Sheet

Companion lesson 1: Composters

Standard: 5-LS2-2(MA)– Compare at least two designs for a composter to determine which is most likely to encourage decomposition of materials.

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 3.7 of Ecosystem Restoration

Resources: Composters Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Companion lesson 2: Properties of Materials

Standard: 5-PS1-3 (MA) – Make observations and measurements of substances to describe characteristic properties of each, including color, hardness, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, response to magnetic forces, and solubility.

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 1.3 of Modeling Matter

Resources: Properties of Materials Classroom SlidesResourcesArticlesCopymaster, and Student Sheet

Companion lesson 3: Water Filters

Standard: 5-ESS3-2(MA)– Test a simple system designed to filter particulates out of water and propose one change to the design to improve it.

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 5.6 of The Earth System

Resources: Water Filters Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Benchmark Assessments

Amplify’s Benchmark Assessments are designed to help teachers measure student progress toward the three dimensions—Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts(CCCs)—and performance expectations (PEs) of the NGSS. The assessments provide important insight into how students are progressing toward mastery of different standards ahead of high-stakes, end-of-year assessments.

The Benchmark Assessments are built to be delivered after specific units in the recommended Amplify Science scope and sequence.* They are given three or four times per year, depending on the grade level. The benchmarks are intended to show progress at various points in time across a school year, and are therefore not summative in nature. Digital items and item clusters are also tagged to specific NGSS standards, allowing customization to align with other course sequences. The assessments are available via the following platforms:

Print
PDF files: For administering Benchmark Assessments on paper

Digital platforms

  • Illuminate
  • SchoolCity
  • Otus
  • QTI (“Question and Test Interoperability”) files
    Not sure whether QTI files are compatible with your assessment platform? Contact your school IT or assessment platform representative for more information.
    Please note that Amplify is able to provide access to the QTI files themselves, but is not able to support the integration process. Your assessment platform provider should be able to assist with QTI file integration.

Remote and hybrid learning support

A child sits at a desk using a laptop. Next to the desk is a bookshelf with books, a fishbowl, and a soccer ball.

See an example of our remote and hybrid learning support below:

Intended to make extended remote and hybrid learning easier, Amplify Science @Home includes two useful options for continuing instruction: @Home Videos and @Home Units.
Amplify Science @Home Videos are recordings of real Amplify Science teachers teaching the lessons. For those teachers who are unable to meet synchronously with their students, the recorded lessons are a great way to keep their students on track and engaged with Amplify Science while at home.

Amplify Science @Home Units are modified versions of Amplify Science units, strategically designed to highlight key activities from the program. The @Home Units take significantly less instructional time than the complete Amplify Science program and allow students to engage with science at home. Each @Home unit includes:

  • Teacher overviews explaining how to use the materials, including suggestions for enhancing the @Home Units if synchronous learning or in-class time with students is available
  • Overviews to send home to families

Student materials will be available in two formats:

  • @Home Slides (PDF/PPT) + Student Sheets (PDF) for students with access to technology at home
  • Downloadable @Home Packets (PDF) for students without access to technology at home

Download the remote and hybrid learning guide

Explore the digital Teacher’s Guide

To familiarize yourself with navigation of the digital Teacher’s Guide, watch our navigational guide videos:

Grades K–5:

Looking for help?

Powerful (and free!) pedagogical support

Amplify provides a unique kind of support you won’t find from other publishers. We’ve developed an educational support team of former teachers and administrators who provide pedagogical support for every Amplify curriculum, assessment, and intervention program. This service is completely free for all educators who are using our programs and includes:

  • Guidance for developing lesson plans and intervention plans.
  • Information on where to locate standards and other planning materials.
  • Recommendations and tips for day-to-day teaching with Amplify programs.
  • Support with administering and interpreting assessment data and more.

Timely technical and program support

Our technical and program support is included and available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, through a variety of channels, including a live chat program that enables teachers to get immediate help in the middle of the school day.

Ready to dive in?

Contact your Massachusetts representative:

Tracy Yefimenko
518-466-3497
tyefimenko@amplify.com

Inspiring the next generation of Massachusetts scientists, engineers, and curious citizens

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A powerful partnership

Amplify Science was developed by the science education experts at UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science and the digital learning team at Amplify. This partnership extends to 2032, allowing us to continuously improve our program and provide our customers with the most up-to-date enhancements, free of charge. Get a glimpse at our latest back-to-school updates here.

Instructional model

The Amplify Science program is rooted in the proven, research-based pedagogy of Do, Talk, Read, Write, Visualize. Here’s how each element works:

Three blue panels describing educational activities: "hands-on science" with lab experiments, "discuss" with collaborative learning, and "read" with literacy in science articles.

Phenomena-based approach

In each Amplify Science unit, students take on the roles of scientists or engineers in order to investigate a real-world problem. Students work to define the problem and collect and make sense of evidence. Once the context is clear, students collect evidence from multiple sources and through a variety of modalities. At the end of the unit, students are presented with a brand new problem, giving them an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned over the course of the unit to a new context. This represents a shift from asking students to learn about science to supporting students in figuring out the science.

Flowchart of a learning unit divided into four chapters, showing stages of student engagement from introduction to application, with assessments indicated at various points.

Resources to support your review

Remote and hybrid learning support

A child sits at a desk using a laptop. Next to the desk is a bookshelf with books, a fishbowl, and a soccer ball.

See an example of our remote and hybrid learning support below:

This fall, Amplify launched a new remote learning solution called Amplify Science@Home. Intended to make extended remote and hybrid learning easier, Amplify Science @Home includes two useful options for continuing instruction: @Home Videos and @Home Units.
Amplify Science @Home Videos are recordings of real Amplify Science teachers teaching the lessons. For those teachers who are unable to meet synchronously with their students, the recorded lessons are a great way to keep their students on track and engaged with Amplify Science while at home. These videos will be produced for all K–5 units, and for the first four units of each 6–8 grade level. Their release will be rolling, beginning in August.

Amplify Science @Home Units are modified versions of Amplify Science units, strategically designed to highlight key activities from the program. The @Home Units take significantly less instructional time than the complete Amplify Science program and allow students to engage with science at home. @Home Units will be developed for all Amplify Science K–8 units. Each @Home unit includes:

  • Teacher overviews explaining how to use the materials, including suggestions for enhancing the @Home Units if synchronous learning or in-class time with students is available
  • Overviews to send home to families

Student materials will be available in two formats:

  • @Home Slides (PDF/PPT) + Student Sheets (PDF) for students with access to technology at home
  • Downloadable @Home Packets (PDF) for students without access to technology at home

Download the remote and hybrid learning guide

Benchmark Assessments

Amplify’s Benchmark Assessments are designed to help teachers measure student progress toward the three dimensions—Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts(CCCs)—and performance expectations (PEs) of the NGSS. The assessments provide important insight into how students are progressing toward mastery of different standards ahead of high-stakes, end-of-year assessments.

The Benchmark Assessments are built to be delivered after specific units in the recommended Amplify Science scope and sequence.* They are given three or four times per year, depending on the grade level. The benchmarks are intended to show progress at various points in time across a school year, and are therefore not summative in nature. Digital items and item clusters are also tagged to specific NGSS standards, allowing customization to align with other course sequences. The assessments are available via the following platforms:

Print
PDF files: For administering Benchmark Assessments on paper

Digital platforms

  • Illuminate
  • SchoolCity
  • Otus
  • QTI (“Question and Test Interoperability”) files
    Not sure whether QTI files are compatible with your assessment platform? Contact your school IT or assessment platform representative for more information.
    Please note that Amplify is able to provide access to the QTI files themselves, but is not able to support the integration process. Your assessment platform provider should be able to assist with QTI file integration.

Flexible implementation

One of the key features of Amplify Science is the flexibility that it offers. We give students authentic opportunities to experience the full breadth of what it means to be a scientist or engineer. Just as scientists gather evidence from many types of sources, so do students in our program. Like scientists, students gather evidence not just from physical models, but also from digital models, texts, videos, photographs, maps, data sets, and even their peers!
Simply put, real scientists don’t just get messy—they read, write, analyze, hypothesize, model, test, and communicate with purpose, too.

Science articles

The middle school science articles serve as sources for evidence collection and were authored by science and literacy experts at the Lawrence Hall of Science.

Illustration of the indirect effects of overfishing on northern benguela jelly populations displayed on a laptop screen.

Student Books
Beginning and young readers have unique developmental needs, and science instruction should support these students in reading more independently as they progress through sections of content, the school year, and each grade. One way Amplify Science meets these needs is by strategically deploying different modes of reading throughout each unit: Read-Aloud, Shared Reading, and Partner Reading.

A collage of various educational book covers related to science and math, featuring illustrated themes like sports, nature, and energy.

Student Investigation Notebooks

Available for every unit, the Student Investigation Notebooks provide space for students to:

  • record data.
  • reflect on ideas from texts and investigations.
  • construct explanations and arguments.

Available with full-color article compilations for middle school units.

Collection of educational books from 'amplify science' on topics including ocean atmosphere, matter and energy ecosystems, and insect interactions, displayed in various angles.

Digital student experience

Students access the digital simulations and Modeling Tools, as well as lesson activities and assessments, through the digital student experience. Students can interact with the digital student experience as they:

  • conduct hands-on investigations.
  • engage in Active Reading and writing activities.
  • participate in discussions.
  • record observations.
  • craft end-of-unit scientific arguments.

Dive into a quick example of our powerful simulations

A digital illustration showcasing a laptop and a tablet displaying complex data analysis software interfaces with graphs and heatmaps.

Hands-on materials kits

Hands-on learning is at the heart of Amplify Science and is integrated
into every unit. Students actively take on the roles of scientists and engineers as they gather evidence, think critically, solve problems, and develop and defend claims about the world around them.

Check out these 2-minute videos to see an Amplify Science hands-on investigation in action.

Each unit kit contains:

  • consumable and non-consumable hands-on materials.
  • print classroom display materials.
  • premium print materials for student use (sorting cards, maps, etc.).
A perforated rectangular board, three small containers with different powders, a black battery holder with red wires, and three colored alligator clips are arranged on a white background.

Teacher’s Guides

Available digitally and in print, the Teacher’s Guides contain all of the information teachers need to facilitate classroom instruction, including:

  • detailed lesson plans.
  • unit and chapter overview documentation.
  • differentiation strategies.
  • standards alignments.
  • in-context professional development.
A laptop displaying the Geology on Mars webpage sits beside a book titled "Geology on Mars," both featuring the same cover image of Mars and a spacecraft, perfect for enhancing three-dimensional learning in any science classroom.

Scope and Sequence

GRADE UNITS
Kindergarten
  • Needs of Plants and Animals
  • Pushes and Pulls
  • Sunlight and Water
Grade 1
  • Animal and Plant Defenses
  • Light and Sound
  • Spinning Earth
Grade 2
  • Plant and Animal Relationships
  • Properties of Materials
  • Changing Landforms
Grade 3
  • Balancing Forces
  • Inheritance and Traits
  • Environments and Survival
  • Weather and Climate
Grade 4
  • Energy Conversions
  • Vision and Light
  • Earth’s Features
  • Waves, Energy, and Information
Grade 5
  • Patterns of Earth and Sky
  • Modeling Matter
  • The Earth System
  • Ecosystem Restoration
GRADE UNITS
Grade 6: Earth Science
  • Launch: Geology on Mars
  • Plate Motion
  • Plate Motion: Engineering Internship
  • Rock Transformations
  • Earth, Moon, and Sun
  • Ocean, Atmosphere, and Climate
  • Weather Patterns
  • Earth’s Changing Climate
  • Earth’s Changing Climate: Engineering Internship
Grade 7: Life Science
  • Launch: Microbiome
  • Metabolism
  • Metabolism: Engineering Internship
  • Traits and Reproduction
  • Populations and Resources
  • Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
  • Natural Selection
  • Natural Selection: Engineering Internship
  • Evolutionary History
Grade 8: Physical Science 
  • Launch: Harnessing Human Energy
  • Force and Motion
  • Force and Motion: Engineering Internship
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Thermal Energy
  • Phase Change
  • Phase Change: Engineering Internship
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Light Waves

Minnesota Academic Standards in Science coverage

Amplify Science was designed from the ground up to meet the NGSS, a set of standards that closely align with the K–8 Minnesota Academic Standards in Science (MASS). Therefore, most grade levels’ respective set of Amplify Science units address the necessary MASS (see K–5 reverse alignment and/or correlations for K–5 and 6–8). However, for grades 2–4, teachers should also use the resources provided in the sections below to achieve full coverage of the appropriate standards before their students move on to the next grade level. Organized by grade level, each section outlines:

  • companion lesson materials that were written to support 100% alignment to the Minnesota Academic Standards in Science when used with the core Amplify Science units for the grade level
  • the standard being addressed with each companion lesson; and
  • the recommended placement of each companion lesson within a specific Amplify Science unit 

Companion lesson: “Shelter”

Standard: 1P.4.2.2.1 Communicate solutions that use materials to provide shelter, food, or warmth needs for communities including Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.* (P: 8, CC: 2, CI: PS1, ETS2)

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 5.1 of Spinning Earth

Materials: Shelter Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Companion lesson: “Describing Climates”

Standard: 2E.4.2.1.2 Obtain and use information from multiple sources, including electronic sources, to describe climates in different regions of the world.** (P: 8, CC: 1, CI: ESS2)

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 4.5 of Changing Landforms

Materials: Describing Climates Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Note: Students will further investigate the content in this standard, and revisit the book used in this companion lesson, in 3rd grade (Weather and Climate unit)

Companion lesson 1: Light and Vision

Standard: 3P.3.1.1.1 Develop a model to describe that light reflecting from objects and entering the eye allows objects to be seen. (P: 2, CC: 2, CI: PS4)

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 4.5 of Environments and Survival

Materials: Light and Vision Part 1 Classroom Slides and Student Sheet; Light and Vision Part 2 Classroom Slides and Student Sheet 

Note: Students will further investigate the content in this standard, and revisit the book used in this companion lesson, in 4th grade (Vision and Light unit)

Companion lesson 2: Studying Stars

Standard: 3E.4.2.2.1 Gather information and communicate how Minnesota American Indian Tribes and communities and other cultures use patterns in stars to make predictions and plans. (P 8, CC: 1, CI: ESS1) 

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 4.4 of Weather and Climate

Materials: Studying Stars Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Note: Students will further investigate the content in this standard, and revisit the book used in this companion lesson, in 5th grade (Patterns of Earth and Sky unit)

Companion lesson 1: Salt Water and Freshwater

Standard: 4E.2.2.1.1 Interpret charts, maps and/or graphs of the amounts of salt water and fresh water in various reservoirs to provide evidence about the distribution of water on Earth.** (P: 5, CC: 4, CI: ESS2) 

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 2.6 of Earth’s’ Features

Materials: Salt Water and Freshwater Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Note: Students will further investigate the content in this standard, and revisit the book used in this companion lesson, in 5th grade (The Earth System unit)

Companion lesson 2: How Raindrops Form

Standard: 4E.1.1.1.2 Ask questions about how water moves through the Earth system and identify the type of question. (P: 1, CC: 5, CI: ESS2) 

Recommended placement: Following Lesson 4.5 of Earth’s’ Features

Materials: How Raindrops Form Classroom Slides and Student Sheet

Note: Students will further investigate the content in this standard, and revisit the book used in this companion lesson, in 5th grade (The Earth System unit)

Explore the digital Teacher’s Guide

To familiarize yourself with navigation of the digital Teacher’s Guide, watch our navigational guide videos:

Grades K–5:

Grades 6–8:

Looking for help?

Powerful (and free!) pedagogical support

Amplify provides a unique kind of support you won’t find from other publishers. We’ve developed an educational support team of former teachers and administrators who provide pedagogical support for every Amplify curriculum, assessment, and intervention program. This service is completely free for all educators who are using our programs and includes:

  • Guidance for developing lesson plans and intervention plans.
  • Information on where to locate standards and other planning materials.
  • Recommendations and tips for day-to-day teaching with Amplify programs.
  • Support with administering and interpreting assessment data and more.

Timely technical and program support

Our technical and program support is included and available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, through a variety of channels, including a live chat program that enables teachers to get immediate help in the middle of the school day.

Ready to dive in?

Contact your Minnesota representative:
Kristi Stengel
Account Executive
kstengel@amplify.com
(612) 306-3941

Tammy Sigwarth
Account Executive
tsigwarth@amplify.com
(563) 663-0056

The Ohio High Impact Tutoring Consultancy Series

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i-Ready Classroom-NEW

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Grade 6

Unit 1: Area and Surface Area

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 1: Area and Surface AreaUnit 1: Area and Surface Area
Unit 7: Positive and Negative Numbers
Lesson 1: The TangramUnit 1
Lesson 1: Shapes on a Plane
Lesson 2: Exploring the TangramUnit 1
Lesson 2: Letters
Sub-Unit 1 : Area of Special Polygons
Lesson 3: Tilting the PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 1: Shapes on a Plane
Lesson 4: Compositing and Rearranging to Determine AreaUnit 1
Lesson 2: Letters
Lesson 5: Reasoning to Determine AreaUnit 1
Lesson 2: Letters
Lesson 6: ParallelogramsUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available)
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 7: Bases and Heights of ParallelogramsUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available)
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 8: Bases and Heights of ParallelogramsUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available)
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 9: From Parallelograms to TrianglesUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available)
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 6: Triangles and Parallelograms
Lesson 10: Bases and Heights of TrianglesUnit 1
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 6: Triangles and Parallelograms
Lesson 11: Formula for the Area of a TriangleUnit 1
Lesson 5: Exploring Triangles (Print available)
Lesson 12: From Triangles to TrapezoidsUnit 1
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 6: Triangles and Parallelograms
Lesson 13: PolygonsUnit 1
Lesson 2: Letters
Lesson 8: Pile of Polygons Practice Day 1 (Print available)

Unit 7
Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Sub-Unit 2: Nets and Surface Area
Lesson 14: What is Surface Area?Unit 1
Lesson 9: Renata’s Stickers
Lesson 15: Nets and Surface Area of Rectangular PrismsUnit 1
Lesson 10: Plenty of Polyhedra
Lesson 11:Nothing but Nets(Print available)
Lesson 12: Face Value
Lesson 13: Take It To Go (Print available)
Lesson 16: Nets and Surface Area of PrismsUnit 1
Lesson 12: Face Value
Lesson 13: Take It To Go (Print available)
Lesson 17: Constructing a RhombicuboctahedronUnit 1
Lesson 13: Take It To Go (Print available)
Lesson 18: Simplifying Expressions for Squares and CubesUnit 1
Lesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)
Lesson 12: Squares and Cubes
Lesson 19: Simplifying Expressions Even More Using ExponentsUnit 1
Lesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)
Lesson 20: Designing a Suspended Tent 

Unit 2: Introducing Ratios

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 2: Introducing RatiosUnit 2: Introducing Ratios
Lesson 1: Fermi Problems 
Sub-Unit 1: What are Ratios?
Lesson 2: Introducing Ratios and Ratio LanguageUnit 2
Lesson 1: Pizza Maker
Lesson 2: Ratio Rounds (Print available)
Lesson 3: Representing Ratios with DiagramsUnit 2
Lesson 1: Pizza Maker
Lesson 2: Ratio Rounds (Print available)
Lesson 3:Rice Ratios (Print available)
Lesson 4: A Recipe for Purple Oobleck 
Lesson 5: Kapa Dyes 
Sub-Unit 2:Equivalent Ratios
Lesson 6: Defining Equivalent RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 3: Rice Ratios (Print available)
Lesson 4: Fruit Lab (Print available)
Lesson 11: Community Life (Print available)
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 7: Representing Equivalent Ratios with Tables 
Lesson 8: Reasoning with Multiplication and Division (optional) 
Lesson 9: Common Factors 
Lesson 10: Common Multiples 
Lesson 11: Navigating a Table of Equivalent RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 6: Product Prices (Print available)
Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1
Lesson 12: Tables and Double Number Line DiagramsUnit 2
Lesson 6: Product Prices (Print available)
Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1
Lesson 13: Tempo and Double Number LinesUnit 2
Lesson 5: Balancing Act
Lesson 6: Product Prices (Print available)
Sub-Unit 3: Solving Ratio Problems 
Lesson 14: Solving Equivalent RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 6: Product Prices (Print available)
Lesson 7: Mixing Paint, Part 1
Lesson 10: Balloons
Lesson 11: Community Life (Print available)
Lesson 15: Part-Part-Whole RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 12 Mixing Paint, Part 2
Lesson 13: City Planning
Lesson 16: Comparing Ratios 
Lesson 17: More Comparing and Solving 
Lesson 18: Measuring with Different-Sized Units 
Lesson 20: More Fermi Problems 

Unit 3: Rates and Percentages

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 3: Rates and PercentagesUnit 2: Introducing Ratios
Unit 3: Unit Rates and percentages
Lesson 1: Choosing Representation for Student CouncilLaunch Lesson
Sub-Unit 1: Rates
Lesson 2: How Much for One?Unit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 3: Constant Speed  
Lesson 4: Comparing SpeedsUnit 2
Lesson 8: World Records (Print available) 

Unit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 5: Soft Serve
Lesson 6: Welcome to the Robot Factory
Lesson 5: Interpreting RatesUnit 3
Lesson 8: World Records (Print available) 

Unit 3
Lesson 4: Model Trains
Lesson 5: Soft Serve
Lesson 6: Welcome to the Robot Factory
Lesson 6: Comparing Rates 
Lesson 7: Solving Rate ProblemsUnit 3
Lesson 7: More Soft Serve
Sub-Unit 2: Percentages
Lesson 8: What Are percentages?Unit 3
Lesson 8: Lucky Duckies
Lesson 9: Bicycle Goals
Lesson 9: Determining Percentages 
Lesson 10: Benchmark PercentagesUnit 3
Lesson 7: Lucky Duckies
Lesson 11: Finding This Percent of ThatUnit 3
Lesson 10: What’s Missing? (Print available)
Lesson 11: Cost Breakdown
Lesson 12: More Bicycle Goals
Lesson 13: A Country as a Village
Lesson 12: This Percent of What 
Lesson 13: Solving Percentage ProblemsUnit 3
Lesson: 10: What’s Missing (Print available)
Lesson: 11: Cost Breakdown
Lesson: 12: More Bicycle Goals
Lesson: 13: A Country as a Village
Lesson 14: If Our Class Were the World 
Lesson 15: Voting for a School Mascot 

Unit 4: Dividing Fractions

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Lesson 1: Seeing Fractions
Sub-Unit 1: Interpreting Division Scenarios
Lesson 3: Relating Multiplication and Division 
Lesson 4: Size of Divisor and Size of QuotientUnit 4
Lesson 1: Cookie Cutter
Sub-Unit 2: Division with Fractions
Lesson 5: How Many GroupsUnit 4
Lesson 3: Flour Planner
Lesson 4: Flower Planters
Lesson 4: Garden Bricks (Print available) 
Lesson 6: Using Diagrams to Find the Number of GroupsUnit 4
Lesson 5: Garden Bricks (Print available)
Lesson 6: Fill the Gap
Lesson 7: Dividing with Common DenominatorsUnit 4
Lesson 6: Fill the Gap
Lesson 8: How Much in Each Group? (Part 1)Unit 4
Lesson 8: Potting Soil
Lesson 9: How Much in Each Group? (Part 2)Unit 4
Lesson 8: Potting Soil
Lesson 10: Dividing by Unit and Non-Unit FractionsUnit 4
Lesson 7: Break It Down
Lesson 8: Potting Soil
Lesson 9: Division Challenges
Lesson 11: Using an Algorithm to Divide FractionsUnit 4
Lesson 9: Division Challenges Practice Day
Lesson 13: Fractional LengthsUnit 4
Lesson 12: Puzzling 
Lesson 14: Area with Fractional LengthsUnit 4
Lesson 9: Puzzling Area (Print available)
Lesson 15: Volume of PrismsUnit 4
Lesson 13: Volume Challenges (Print available)
Lesson 16: Fish Tanks Inside of Fish TanksUnit 4
Lesson 10: Swap Meet
Lesson 17: Now, Where Was That Bus?Unit 4
Lesson 10: Capstone

Unit 5: Arithmetic in Base Ten

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Lesson 1: Precision and World Records 
Sub-Unit 1: Adding and Subtracting Decimals 
Lesson 2: Speaking of Decimals…Unit 5
Lesson 1: Dishing Out Decimals (Print available)
Lesson 3: Adding and Subtracting DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 3: Fruit by the Pound
Lesson 4: Missing Digits
Lesson 4: X Games Medal ResultsUnit 5
Lesson 2: Decimal Diagrams
Sub-Unit 2: Multiplying Decimals
Lesson 5: Decimal Points in ProductsUnit 5
Lesson 5: Decimal Multiplication
Lesson 6: Methods for Multiplying DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 5: Decimal Multiplication
Lesson 6: Multiplying with Areas
Lesson 7: Multiplication Methods (Print available)
Lesson 7: Using Diagrams to Represent MultiplicationUnit 5
Lesson 5: Decimal Multiplication
Lesson 6: Multiplying with Areas
Lesson 8: Calculating Products of DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 6: Multiplying with Areas
Sub-Unit 3: Dividing Decimals
Lesson 9: Exploring Division 
Lesson 10: Using Long DivisionUnit 5
Lesson 8: Division Diagrams
Lesson 9: Long Division Launch (Print available)
Lesson 10: Return of the Long Division (Print available)
Lesson 11: Dividing Numbers That Result in DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 9: Long Division Launch (Print available)
Lesson 10: Return of the Long Division (Print available)
Lesson 12: Using Related Expressions to Divide with Decimals 
Lesson 13: Dividing Multi-Digit DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 9: Long Division Launch (Print available)
Lesson 10: Return of the Long Division (Print available)
Lesson 14: The So-called World’s Littlest Skyscraper

Unit 6: Expressions and Equations

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 6: Expressions and EquationsUnit 6: Expressions and Equations
Lesson 1: Detecting Counterfeit Coins
Sub-Unit 1: Expressions and Equations in One Variable
Lesson 2: Write Expressions Where Letters Stand for Numbers 
Lesson 3: Tape Diagrams and Equations 
Lesson 4: Truth and EquationsUnit 6
Lesson 1: Weight for It
Lesson 2: Five Equations (Print available)
Lesson 5: Staying in BalanceUnit 6
Lesson 1: Weight for It
Lesson 2: Five Equations (Print available)
Lesson 3: Hanging Around
Lesson 6: Staying in Balance with Variables 
Lesson 7: Practice Solving EquationsUnit 6
Lesson 3: Hanging Around
Lesson 4: Hanging It Up
Lesson 5: Swap and Solve (Print available)
Lesson 8: A New Way to Interpret a over bUnit 6
Lesson 4: Hanging It Up
Lesson 5: Swap and Solve (Print available)
Lesson 9: Revisiting Percentages
Sub-Unit 2: Equivalent Expressions
Lesson 10: Equal and Equivalent (Part 1)Unit 6
Lesson 1: Weight for It
Lesson 2: Five Equations (Print available)
Lesson 3: Hanging Around
Lesson 6: Vari-apples
Lesson 11: Equal and Equivalent (Part 2)Unit 6
Lesson 1: Weight for It
Lesson 2: Five Equations (Print available)
Lesson 3: Hanging Around
Lesson 6: Vari-apples
Lesson 12: The Distributive Property, Part 1Unit 6
Lesson 8: Products and Sums
Lesson 9: Products, Sums, and Differences (Print available)
Lesson 13: The Distributive Property, Part 2Unit 6
Lesson 8: Products and Sums
Lesson 9: Products, Sums, and Differences (Print available)
Lesson 14: Meaning of ExponentsUnit 6
Lesson 10: Powers
Lesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)
Lesson 15: Evaluating Expressions with ExponentsUnit 6
Lesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)
Lesson 12: Squares and Cubes
Lesson 16: Analyzing Exponential Expressions and EquationsUnit 6
Lesson 11: Exponent Expressions (Print available)
Lesson 12: Squares and Cubes
Sub-Unit 3: Relationships Between Quantities
Lesson 17: Two Related Quantities, Part 1Unit 6
Lesson 13: Turtles All the Way
Lesson 14: Representing Relationships
Lesson 15: Connecting Representations (Print available)
Lesson 18: Two Related Quantitites, Part 2Unit 6
Lesson 13: Turtles All the Way
Lesson 14: Representing Relationships
Lesson 15: Connecting Representations (Print available)
Lesson 19: Creating a Class Mobile 

Unit 7: Rational Numbers

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 7: Rational Numbers
Unit 1: Area and Surface Area
Unit 7: Positive and Negative Numbers
Lesson 1: How Far? Which Way?
Sub-unit 1: Negative Numbers and Absolute Value
Lesson 2: Positive and Negative NumbersUnit 7
Lesson 1: Can You Dig In
Lesson 2: Digging Deeper
Lesson 3: Points on the Number LineUnit 7
Lesson 2: Digging Deeper
Lesson 4: Comparing IntegersUnit 7
Lesson 3: Order in the Class (Print available)
Lesson 5: Comparing and Ordering Rational NumbersUnit 7 
Lesson 3: Order in the Class (Print available)
Lesson 6: Using Negative Numbers to Make Sense of Contexts>Unit 7
Lesson 4: Sub-Zero
Lesson 7: Absolute Value of NumbersUnit 7
Lesson 5: Distance on the Number Line
Lesson 8: Comparing Numbers and Distance from ZeroUnit 7
Lesson 5: Distance on the Number Line
Sub-Unit 2: Inequalities
Lesson 9: Writing Inequalities 
Lesson 10: Graphing Inequalities 
Lesson 11: Solutions to One or More InequalitiesUnit 7
Lesson 6: Tunnel Travel
Lesson 7: Comparing Weights
Lesson 8: Shira´s Solutions
Lesson 12: Interpreting InequalitiesUnit 7
Lesson 6: Tunnel Travel
Lesson 7: Comparing Weights
Lesson 8: Shira´s Solutions
Sub-Unit 3: The Coordinate Plane
Lesson 13: Extending the Coordinate Plane 
Lesson 14: Points on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 7
Lesson 9: Sand Dollar Search
Lesson 10: The A-maze-ing Coordinate Plane
Lesson 15: Interpreting Points on a Coordinate PlaneUnit 7
Lesson 9: Sand Dollar Search
Lesson 10: The A-maze-ing Coordinate Plane
Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Lesson 16: Distances on a Coordinate PlaneUnit 7
Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Lesson 12: Graph Telephone (Print available)
Lesson 17: Shapes on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 1: Shapes on a Plane
Lesson 2: Letters
Lesson 5: Exploring Triangles (Print available)
Lesson 6: Triangles and Parallelograms

Unit 7
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available)
Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Lesson 12: Graph Telephone (Print available)
Lesson 18: Lost and Found Puzzles 
Lesson 19: Drawing on the Coordinate PlaneUnit 7
Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Lesson 12: Graph Telephone (Print available)

Unit 8: Data Sets and Distributions

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 8: Data Sets and DistributionsUnit 8: Describing Data
Lesson 1: Plausible Variation or New Species?
Sub-Unit 1: Statistical Questions and Representing Data
Lesson 2: Statistical QuestionsUnit 8
Lesson 1: Screen Time
Lesson 2: Dot Plots
Lesson 3: Interpreting Dot PlotsUnit 8
Lesson 2: Dot Plots
Lesson 3: Minimum Wage (Print available)
Lesson 4: Lots More Dots
Lesson 4: USing Dot Plots to Answer Statistical QuestionsUnit 8
Lesson 2: Dot Plots
Lesson 3: Minimum Wage (Print available)
Lesson 4: Lots More Dots
Lesson 5: Interpreting HistogramsUnit 8
Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens
Lesson 6: DIY Histograms (Print available)
Lesson 6: Using Histograms to Answer Statistical QuestionsUnit 8
Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens
Lesson 6: DIY Histograms (Print available)
Lesson 7: Describing Distributions on HistogramsUnit 8
Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens
Lesson 6: DIY Histograms (Print available)
Sub-Unit 2: Measures of Center
Lesson 8: Mean as a Fair ShareUnit 8
Lesson 7: Snack Time
Lesson 9: Mean as a Balance PointUnit 8
Lesson 7: Snack Time
Lesson 10: MedianUnit 8
Lesson 11: Toy Cars
Lesson 12: In the News
Lesson 11: Comparing Mean and MedianUnit 8
Lesson 12: In the News
Sub-Unit 3: Measures of Variability
Lesson 12: Describing Variability 
Lesson 13: Variability and MAD 
Lesson 14: Variability and IQRUnit 8
Lesson 13: Pumpkin Patch
Lesson 15: Box PlotsUnit 8
Lesson 14: Car, Plane, Bus, or Train? (Print available)
Lesson 16: Comparing MAD and IQR 
Lesson 17: Asian Elephant Populations 

Grade 7

Unit 1: Scale Drawings

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 1: Scale DrawingsUnit 1: Scale Drawings
Unit 3: Measuring Circles
Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages
Lesson 1: Scale-y Shapes 
Sub-Unit 1: Scaled Copies 
Lesson 2: What are Scaled Copies?Unit 1
Lesson 1: Scaling Machines
Lesson 3: Corresponding Parts and Scale FactorsUnit 1
Lesson 2: Scaling Robots 
Unit 3
Lesson 1: Toothpicks
Lesson 4: Making Scaled CopiesUnit 1
Lesson 3: Make It Scale 
Unit 4
Lesson 3: Sticker Sizes
Lesson 5: The Size of the Scale FactorUnit 1
Lesson 4: Tiles
Lesson 6: Scaling and AreaUnit 1
Lesson 5: Tiles Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Sub-Unit 2: Scale Drawings 
Lesson 7: Scale DrawingsUnit 1
Lesson 6: Introducing Scale
Lesson 7: Will It Fit? (Print available)
Lesson 8: Creating Scale DrawingsUnit 1
Lesson 8: Scaling States
Lesson 9: Scaling Buildings
Lesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available)
Lesson 9: Scale Drawings and Maps 
Lesson 10: Changing Scale in Scale DrawingsUnit 1
Lesson 8: Scaling States
Lesson 9: Scaling Buildings
Lesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available)
Lesson 11: Scales without Units 
Lesson 12: Units in Scale DrawingsUnit 1
Lesson 8: Scaling States
Lesson 9: Scaling Buildings
Lesson 10: Room Redesign (Print available)Practice Day (Print available)
Lesson 13: Build Your Brand 

Unit 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 2: Introducing Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships
Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages
Lesson 1: Making Music 
Sub-Unit 1: Representing Proportional Relationships with Tables and Equations
Lesson 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships with TablesUnit 2
Lesson 2: Balloon Float
Lesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)
Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 3: More About Constant of ProportionalityUnit 2
Lesson 3: Sugary Drinks (Print available)

Unit 4
Lesson 3: Sticker Sizes
Lesson 4: Comparing Relationships with TablesUnit 2
Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 5: Snapshots
Lesson 6: Two and Two (Print available)
Lesson 7: All Kinds of Equations
Lesson 5: Proportional Relationships and EquationsUnit 2
Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 5: Snapshots
Lesson 6: Two and Two (Print available)
Lesson 7: All Kinds of Equations
Lesson 6: Speed and Equations 
Lesson 7: Two Equations for Each RelationshipUnit 2
Lesson 4: Two and Two (Print available)
Lesson 5: Lesson 7: All Kinds of Equations
Lesson 8: Using Equations to Solve ProblemsUnit 2
Lesson 6: Two and Two (Print available)
Lesson 7: All Kinds of Equations
Lesson 9: Comparing Relationships with EquationsUnit 2
Lesson 4: Robot Factory
Lesson 5: Snapshots
Lesson 6: Two and Two (Print available)
Lesson 7: All Kinds of Equations
Lesson 11: Four Representations (Print available)
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Lesson 10: Solving Problems About Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Sub-Unit 2: Representing Proportional Relationships with Graphs 
Lesson 11: Introducing Graphs of Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops
Lesson 9: Gallon Challenge
Lesson 10: Three Turtles
Lesson 11: Four Representations
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Lesson 12: Interpreting Graphs of Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops
Lesson 9: Gallon Challenge
Lesson 10: Three Turtles
Lesson 11: Four Representations
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Lesson 13: Using Graphs to Compare RelationshipsUnit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops
Lesson 9: Gallon Challenge
Lesson 10: Three Turtles
Lesson 11: Four Representations
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Lesson 14: Two Graphs for Each RelationshipUnit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops
Lesson 9: Gallon Challenge
Lesson 10: Three Turtles
Lesson 11: Four Representations
Lesson 12: Water Efficiency
Lesson 15: Four Ways to Tell One Story (Part 1) 
Lesson 16: Four Ways to Tell One Story (Part 2) 
Lesson 17: Welcoming Committee 

Unit 3: Measuring Circles

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 3: Measuring CirclesUnit 3: Measuring Circles
Lesson 1: The Wandering Goat 
Sub-unit 1: Circumference of a Circle 
Lesson 2: Exploring CirclesUnit 3
Lesson 2: Is it a Circle?
Lesson 3: Measuring Around
Lesson 3: How Well Can You Measure? 
Lesson 4: Exploring CircumferenceUnit 3
Lesson 2: Is It a Circle?
Lesson 3: Measuring Around
Lesson 5: Understanding π 
Lesson 6: Applying CircumferenceUnit 3
Lesson 2: Is It a Circle?
Lesson 3: Measuring Around
Lesson 7: Circumference and Wheels 
Sub-Unit 2: Area of a Circle
Lesson 8: Exploring the Area of a CircleUnit 3
Lesson 5: Area Strategies
Lesson 6: Radius Squares (Print available)
Lesson 7: Why Pi?
Lesson 8: Area Challenges
Lesson 9: Circle vs. Square
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 9: Relating Area to CircumferenceUnit 3
Lesson 5: Area Strategies
Lesson 6: Radius Squares (Print available)
Lesson 7: Why Pi?
Lesson 8: Area Challenges
Lesson 9: Circle vs. Square
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 10: Applying Area to CirclesUnit 3
Lesson 6:Radius Squares (Print available)
Lesson 11: Distinguishing Circumference and AreaUnit 3
Lesson 7: Why Pi?
Lesson 12: Capturing Space 

Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 4: PercentagesUnit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages
Lesson 1: (Re)Presenting the United States 
Lesson 2: Understanding Percentages and Decimals 
Lesson 3: Percent Increase and DecreaseUnit 4Lesson 4: More or Less
Lesson 4: Determining 100%Unit 4Lesson 6: 100% (Print available)
Lesson 5: Determining Percent ChangeUnit 4Lesson 7: Percent Machines
Lesson 6: Percent Increase and Decrease With EquationsUnit 4Lesson 5: All the Equations
Lesson 7: Using Equations to Solve Percent ProblemsUnit 4Lesson 5: All the Equations
Sub-Unit 2: Applying Percentages 
Lesson 8: Tax and TipUnit 4
Lesson 8: Tax and Tip
Lesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)
Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)
Lesson 11: Bookcase Builder
Lesson 12: Posing Percent Problems
Lesson 9: Percent ContextsUnit 4
Lesson 8: Tax and Tip
Lesson 9: Minimum Wage (Print available)
Lesson 10: Cost of College (Print available)
Lesson 11: Bookcase Builder
Lesson 12: Posing Percent Problems
Lesson 10: Determining the PercentageUnit 4
Lesson 4: More and Less
Lesson 11: Measurement ErrorUnit 4
Lesson 11: Bookcase Builder
Lesson 12: Error IntervalsUnit 4
Lesson 11: Bookcase Builder
Lesson 13: Writing Better Headlines 

Unit 5: Rational Number Arithmetic

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 5: Rational Number ArithmeticUnit 5: Rational Number Artithmetics
Lesson 1: Target: Zero 
Sub-Unit 1: Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers 
Lesson 2: Interpreting Negative Numbers
Lesson 3: Changing TemperaturesUnit 5
Lesson 2: More Floats and Anchors
Lesson 3: Bumpers
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own (Print available)
Lesson 4: Adding Rational Numbers 
Lesson 5: Money and Debts 
Lesson 6: Representing SubtractionUnit 5
Lesson 5: Number Puzzles
Lesson 7: Subtracting Rational Numbers (Part 1)Unit 5
Lesson 3: Bumpers
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own (Print available)
Lesson 5: Number Puzzles
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles
Lesson 11: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)
Lesson 8: Subtracting Rational Numbers (Part 2)Unit 5
Lesson 3: Bumpers
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own (Print available)
Lesson 5: Number Puzzles
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles
Lesson 11: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)
Lesson 9: Adding and Subtracting Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 3: Bumpers
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own (Print available)
Lesson 5: Number Puzzles
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles
Lesson 11: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Sub-Unit 2: Multiplying and Dividing Rational Numbers 
Lesson 10: Position, Speed, and TimeUnit 5
Lesson 7: Back in Time
Lesson 11: Multiplying Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 7: Back in Time
Lesson 12: Multiply!Unit 5
Lesson 7: Back in Time
Lesson 13: Dividing Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 7: Speeding Turtles
Lesson 14: Negative Rates 
Sub-Unit 3: Four Operations with Rational Numbers 
Lesson 15: Expressions with Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 9: Expressions (Print available)
Lesson 16: Say It With Decimals 
Lesson 17: Solving Problems with Rational NumbersLesson 11: Changing Temperatures
Lesson 12: Arctic Ice Sea (Print available)
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)
Lesson 18: Solving Equations With Rational Numbers 
Lesson 19: Representing Contexts With Equations 
Lesson 20: Summiting Everest 

Unit 6: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 6: Expressions, Equations, and InequalitiesUnit 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships
Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages
Unit 6: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities
Lesson 1: Keeping the Balance 
Lesson 2: Balanced and UnbalancedUnit 6
Lesson 1: Toothpicks and Tiles
Lesson 2: Balanced and UnbalancedUnit 6
Lesson 1: Toothpicks and Tiles
Lesson 3: Reasoning About Solving Equations (Part 1)Unit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 4: Reasoning About Solving Equations (Part 2)Unit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 3: Equations
Lesson 4: Seeing Structure (Print available)
Lesson 5: Dealing with Negative NumbersUnit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 3: Equations
Lesson 4: Seeing Structure (Print available)
Lesson 5: Dealing with Negative NumbersUnit 6
Lesson 8: Factoring and Expanding (Print available)
Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep
Lesson 6: Two Ways to Solve One EquationUnit 6
Lesson 4: Seeing Struction (Print available)
Lesson 7: Practice Solving EquationsUnit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 3: Equations
Lesson 4: Seeing Structure (Print available)
Sub-Unit 2: Solving Real-World Problems Using Two-Step Equations 
Lesson 8: Reasoning With Tape DiagramsUnit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 9: Reasoning About Equations and Tape Diagrams (Part 1)Unit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 10: Reasoning About Equations and Tape Diagrams (Part 2)Unit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 11: Using Equations to Solve ProblemsUnit 6
Lesson 2: Smudged Receipts
Lesson 3: Equations
Lesson 4: Seeing Structure (Print available) 
Lesson 12: Solving Percent Problems in New WaysUnit 6
Lesson 4: Seeing Structure (Print available)

Unit 4
Lesson 7: Percent MachinesPractice Day 1 (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Sub-Unit 3: Inequalities 
Lesson 13: Reintroducing InequalitiesUnit 6
Lesson 1: Toothpicks and Tiles
Lesson 14: Solving InequalitiesUnit 6
Lesson 5: Balancing Moves
Lesson 6: Balancing Equations
Lesson 13: I Saw the Signs
Lesson 15: Finding Solutions to Inequalities in ContextUnit 6
Lesson 13: I Saw the Signs
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 16: Efficiently Solving InequalitiesUnit 6
Lesson 10: Collect the Squares
Lesson 17: Interpreting InequalitiesUnit 6
Lesson 13: I Saw the Signs
Lesson 14: Unbalanced Hangers
Lesson 15: Budgeting (Print available)
Lesson 18: Modeling With Inequalities 
Sub-Unit 4: Equivalent Expressions 
Lesson 19: Subtraction in Equivalent Expressions 

Unit 7: Angles, Triangles, and Prisms

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 7: Angles, Triangles, and PrismsUnit 7: Angles, Triangles, and Prisms
Lesson 1: Shaping Up 
Sub-Unit 1: Angle Relationships 
Lesson 2: Relationships of AnglesUnit 7
Lesson 1: Pinwheels
Lesson 2: Friendly Angles
Lesson 3: Angle Diagrams
Lesson 3: Supplementary and Complementary Angles (Part 1) 
Lesson 4: Supplementary and Complementary Angles (Part 2) 
Lesson 5: Vertical AnglesUnit 7
Lesson 2: Friendly Angles
Lesson 3: Angle Diagrams
Lesson 4: Missing Measures (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: Using Equations to Solve for Unknown AnglesUnit 7
Lesson 3: Angle Diagrams
Lesson 4: Missing Measures (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 7: Like Clockwork 
Sub-Unit 2: Drawing Polygons with Given Conditions 
Lesson 8: Building Polygons (Part 1)Unit 7
Lesson 6: Is It Enough?
Lesson 9: Building Polygons (Part 2)Unit 7
Lesson 6: Is It Enough?
Lesson 10: Triangles with Three Common MeasuresUnit 7
Lesson 13: Popcorn Possibilities
Lesson 11: Drawing Triangles (Part 1)Unit 7
Lesson 5: Can You Build It? [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: Is It Enough?
Lesson 7: More Than One
Lesson 8: Can You Draw It? (Print available)
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 12: Drawing Triangles (Part 2)Unit 7
Lesson 5: Can You Build It? [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: Is It Enough?
Lesson 7: More Than One
Lesson 8: Can You Draw It? (Print available)
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Sub-Unit 3: Solid Geometry
Lesson 13: Slicing SolidsUnit 7
Lesson 9: Slicing Solids
Lesson 14: Volume of Right PrismsUnit 7
Lesson 10: Simple Prisms
Lesson 15: Decomposing Bases for AreasUnit 7
Lesson 11: More Complicated Prisms
Lesson 16: Surface Area of Right PrismsUnit 7
Lesson 10: Simple Prisms
Lesson 11: More Complicated Prisms
Lesson 12: Surface Area Strategies (Print available)
Lesson 17: Distinguishing Volume and Surface Area
Lesson 18: Applying Volume and Surface AreaUnit 7
Lesson 13: Popcorn Possibilities

Unit 8: Probability and Sampling

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 8: Probability and SamplingUnit 8: Probability and Sampling
Lesson 1: The Invention of Fairness 
Lesson 2: Chance Experiments 
Lesson 3: What are Probabilities?Unit 8
Lesson 1: How Likely? (Print available)
Lesson 2: Prob-bear-bilities [Free lesson
Lesson 3: Mystery Bag
Lesson 4: Estimating Probabilities Through Repeated ExperimentsUnit 8
Lesson 4: Spin Class
Lesson 5: Is It Fair?
Lesson 6: Fair Games
Lesson 5: Code Breaking (Part 1)
Lesson 6: Code Breaking (Part 2)
Sub-Unit 2: Probabilities of Multi-Step Events
Lesson 7: Keeping Track of All Possible OutcomesUnit 8
Lesson 4: Spin Class
Lesson 5: Is it Fair?
Lesson 6: Fair Games
Lesson 8: Experiments With Multi-Step Events  
Lesson 9: Simulating Multi-Step Events 
Lesson 10: Designing Simulations 
Sub-Unit 3:Sampling
Lesson 11: Comparing Two PopulationsUnit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 11: Headlines
Lesson 12: Larger PopulationsUnit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 11: Headlines
Lesson 13: What Makes a Good Sample?Unit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 11: Headlines
Lesson 14: Sampling in a Fair WayUnit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 11: Headlines
Lesson 15: Estimating Population Measures of CenterUnit 8
Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train?
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 11: Headlines
Lesson 12: Flower Power
Lesson 16: Estimating Population ProportionsUnit 8
Lesson 9: Car, Bike, or Train?
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 11: Headlines
Lesson 12: Flower Power
Lesson 17: Presentation of Findings 

Grade 8

Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and CongruenceUnit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence
Unit 3: Proportional and Linear Relationships
Lesson 1: Tessellations 
Sub-Unit 1: Rigid Transformations 
Lesson 2: Moving in the PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers
Lesson 3: Symmetry and Reflection 
Lesson 4: Grid MovesUnit 1
Lesson 3: Transformation Golf
Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available)
Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated

Unit 3
Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 5: Making the MovesUnit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers
Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding
Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available)
Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated
Lesson 6: Coordinate Moves (Part 1)Unit 1
Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available)
Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated
Lesson 7: Coordinate Moves (Part 2)Unit 1
Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available)
Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated
Lesson 6: Describing TransformationsUnit 1
Lesson 5: Getting Coordinated
Lesson 6: Connecting the Dots
Sub-Unit 2: Rigid Transformations and Congruence 
Lesson 9: No Bending or StretchingUnit 1
Lesson 7: No Bending, No Stretching
Lesson 10: What is the Same?Unit 1
Lesson 7: Are They the Same?
Lesson 9: Are They Congruent?
Lesson 11: Congruent PolygonsUnit 1
Lesson 7: Are They the Same?
Lesson 9: Are They Congruent?
Sub-Unit 4: Angles in a Triangle 
Lesson 13: Line Moves 
Lesson 14: Rotation Patterns 
Lesson 15: Alternate Interior AnglesUnit 1 
Lesson 11: Tearing It Up (Print available)
Lesson 16: Adding the Angles in a TriangleUnit 1
Lesson 11: Tearing It Up (Print available)
Lesson 17: Parallel Lines and the Angles in a TriangleUnit 1 
Lesson 10: Transforming Angles
Lesson 18: Creating a Border Pattern Using Transformations 

Unit 2: Dilations, Similarity, and Introducing Slope

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 2: Dilations and SimilarityUnit 2: Dilations and Similarity
Lesson 1: Projecting and Scaling 
Sub-Unit 1: Dilations
Lesson 2: Circular GridUnit 2
Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations
Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf
Lesson 3: Match My Dilation
Lesson 4: Dilations on a Plane
Lesson 3: Dilations on a Plane 
Lesson 4: Dilations on a Square GridUnit 2
Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations
Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf
Lesson 3: Match My Dilation
Lesson 4: Dilations on a Plane
Lesson 5: Dilations with CoordinatesUnit 2
Lesson 4: Dilations on a Plane
Sub-Unit 2: Similiarity
Lesson 6: SimilarityUnit 2
Lesson 5: Transformations Golf with Dilations
Lesson 6: Social Scavenger Hunt (Print available)
Lesson 7: Similar PolygonsUnit 2
Lesson 6: Social Scavenger Hunt (Print available)
Lesson 8: Similar TrianglesUnit 2
Lesson 7: Are Angles Enough?
Lesson 8: Shadows
Lesson 9: Ratios of Side Lengths in Similar Triangles
Lesson 12: Optical Illusions 

Unit 3: Linear Relationships

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 3: Proportional and Linear RelationshipsUnit 3: Proportional and Linear Relationships
Unit 4: Linear Equations and Linear Systems
Unit 5: Functions and Volume
Lesson 1: Visual Patterns 
Sub-Unit 1: Proportional Relationships 
Lesson 2: Proportional Relationships 
Lesson 3: Understanding Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 4: Graphs of Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 2: Water Tank 

Unit 5
Lesson 4: Window Frames
Lesson 5: Representing Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials 
Unit 5
Lesson 4: Window Frames
Lesson 6: Graphing Stories
Lesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available)
Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 6: Comparing Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 3: Posters
Sub-Unit 2: Linear Relationships
Lesson 7: Introduction to Linear RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 4: Stacking Cups

Unit 5
Lesson 6: Graphing Stories
Lesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available)
Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 8: Comparing Linear Relationships 
Lesson 9: More Linear RelationshipsUnit 5
Lesson 6: Graphing Stories
Lesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available)
Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 10: Representations of Linear RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 5: Flags
Lesson 6: Graphing Stories
Lesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available)
Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 11: Writing Equations for Lines Using Two Points 
Lesson 12: Translating mx + bUnit 3
Lesson 3: Posters
Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 13: Slopes Don’t Have to be PositiveUnit 3
Lesson 5: Flags
Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 7: Water Cooler
Lesson 8: Landing Planes
Lesson 10: Calculating SlopeUnit 3
Lesson 7: Water Cooler
Lesson 8: Landing Planes
Lesson 14: Writing Equations for Lines Using Two Points, Revisited 
Lesson 11: Equations of All Kinds of LinesUnit 3
Lesson 3: Posters
Lesson 4: Stacking Cups
Lesson 5: Flags
Lesson 6: Translations
Sub-Unit 3: Linear Equations 
Lesson 16: Solutions to Linear EquationsUnit 3
Lesson 3: Posters
Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 10: Solutions

 Unit 4
Lesson 3: Balanced Moves
Lesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)
Lesson 17: More Solutions to Linear EquationsUnit 3 
Lesson 4: Stacking Cups
Lesson 5: Flags
Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 7: Water Cooler
Lesson 10: Solutions
Lesson 18: Coordinating Linear Relationships 
Lesson 19: Rogue Planes 

Unit 4: Linear Equations and Linear Systems

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 4: Linear Equations and Systems of Linear EquationsUnit 4: Linear Equations and Systems of Linear Equations
Lesson 1: Number PuzzlesUnit 4
Lesson 1: Number machines
Sub-Unit 1: Linear Equations in One Variable 
Lesson 2: Writing Expressions and Equations
Lesson 3: Keeping the BalanceUnit 4
Lesson 2: Keep It Balanced
Lesson 4: Balanced Moves (Part 1)Unit 4
Lesson 3: Balanced Moves
Lesson 5: Balanced Moves (Part 2)Unit 4
Lesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)
Lesson 6: Solving Any Linear EquationsUnit 4
Lesson 4: More Balanced Moves (Print available)
Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable (Print available)
Lesson 6: Strategic Solving (Print available)
Lesson 7: How Many Solutions? (Part 1)Unit 4
Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable (Print available)
Lesson 8: How Many Solutions? (Part 2)Unit 4
Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable (Print available)
Lesson 9: Strategic Solving 
Lesson 10: When Are They the SameUnit 4
Lesson 8: When Are They the Same?
Sub-Unit 2: Systems of Linear Equations
Lesson 11: On or Off the Line?Unit 4
Lesson 9: On or Off the Line?
Lesson 12: On Both of the LinesUnit 4
Lesson 10: On Both Lines
Lesson 13: Systems of Linear EquationsUnit 4
Lesson 11: Make Them Balance
Lesson 14: Solving Systems of Equations (Part 1)Unit 4
Lesson 14: All, Some, or None? Part 2
Lesson 15: Solving Systems of Equations (Part 2)Unit 4
Lesson 12: All, Some, or None? Part 2
Lesson 16: Writing Systems of Linear EquationsUnit 4
Lesson 14: Strategic Solving, Part 2 (Print available)
Lesson 17: Pay Gaps 

Unit 5: Functions and Volume

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 5: Functions and VolumeUnit 2: Dilations, Similarity, and Introducing Slope
Unit 3:
Proportional and Linear Relationships
Unit 5:
Functions and Volume
Lesson 1: Pick a Pitch 
Sub-Unit 1: Representing and Interpreting Functions 
Lesson 2: Introduction to FunctionsUnit 5
Lesson 2: Guess My Rule
Lesson 3: Equations of FunctionsUnit 3
Lesson 4: Window Frames
Lesson 4: Graphs of Functions (Part 1)Unit 5
Lesson 3: Function or Not?
Lesson 5: Graphs of Functions (Part 2)Unit 5
Lesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare
Lesson 6: Graphs of Functions (Part 3)Unit 5
Lesson 6: Graphing Stories
Lesson 7: Connecting Representations of FunctionsUnit 5
Lesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available)Lesson 8: Charge! (Print available)
Lesson 8: Comparing Linear Functions 
Lesson 9: Modeling with Linear Functions 
Lesson 10: Piecewise Linear FunctionsUnit 5
Lesson 9: Piecing It Together
Sub-Unit 2: Cylinder, Cones, and Spheres 
Lesson 11: Filling Containers 
Lesson 12: The Volume of a CylinderUnit 5
Lesson 10: Volume LabLesson 11: Cylinders
Lesson 12: Scaling Cylinders
Lesson 13: Determining Dimensions of CylindersUnit 5
Lesson 14: Missing Dimensions (Print available)
Lesson 14: The Volume of a ConeUnit 5
Lesson 10: Volume LabLesson 13: Cones
Lesson 15: Determining Dimensions of ConesUnit 5
Lesson 12: Scaling Cylinders
Lesson 13: Cones
Lesson 14: Missing Dimensions (Print available)
Lesson 16: Estimating a Hemisphere 
Lesson 17: The Volume of a SphereUnit 5
Lesson 15: Spheres
Lesson 18: Cylinders, Cones and SpheresUnit 5
Lesson 15: Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 19: Scaling One Dimension 
Lesson 20: Scaling Two Dimensions 
Lesson 21: Packing Spheres 

Unit 6: Exponents and Scientific Notation

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 6: Exponents and Scientific NotationUnit 7: Exponents and Scienctific Notation
Lesson 1: Create a Sierpinski Triangle 
Sub-Unit 1: Exponent Rules 
Lesson 2: Reviewing ExponentsUnit 7
 Lesson 1: Circles
Lesson 2: Combining Exponents
Lesson 3: Multiplying PowersUnit 7 
Lesson 3: Power Pairs (Print available)
Lesson 4: Rewriting Powers
Lesson 4: Dividing PowersUnit 7 
Lesson 3: Power Pairs (Print available)
Lesson 4: Rewriting Powers
Lesson 5: Negative ExponentsUnit 7 
Lesson 5: Zero and Negative Exponents
Lesson 6: Powers of PowersUnit 7 
Lesson 3: Power Pairs (Print available)
Lesson 7: Different Bases, Same Exponent 
Lesson 8: Practice with Rational BasesUnit 7
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Sub-Unit 2: Scientific Notation 
Lesson 9: Representing Large Numbers on the Number LineUnit 7
Lesson 8: Point Zapper
Lesson 10: Representing Small Numbers on the Number LineUnit 7
Lesson 8: Point Zapper
Lesson 11: Applications of Arthithmetic with Powers of 10Unit 7
Lesson 8: Point Zapper
Lesson 9: Use Your Powers
Lesson 12: Definition of Scientific NotationUnit 7
Lesson 10: Solar System
Lesson 11: Balance the Scale
Lesson 13: Star Power
Lesson 13: Multiplying, Dividing, and Estimating with Scientific NotationUnit 7
Lesson 11: Balance the Scale
Lesson 13: Star Power
Lesson 14: Adding and Subtracting with Scientific NotationUnit 7
Lesson 11: Balance the Scale
Lesson 12: City Lights
Lesson 13: Star Power
Lesson 15: Is a Smartphone Smart Enough to Go to the Moon? 

Unit 7: Irrationals and the Pythagorean Theorem

Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 7: Irrationals and the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8: The Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers
Lesson 1: Sliced Bread
Sub-Unit 1: Rational and Irrational Numbers
Lesson 2: The Square RootUnit 8
Lesson 2: From Squares to Roots
Lesson 3: The Ares of Squares and Their Side LengthsUnit 8
Lesson 1: Tilted Squares
Lesson 3: Between Squares
Lesson 4: Estimating Square RootsUnit 8
Lesson 3: Between Squares
Lesson 4: Root Down
Lesson 5: The Cube RootUnit 8
Lesson 5: Filling Cubes
Lesson 6: Rational and Irrational NumbersUnit 8
Lesson 14: Hit the Target
Lesson 7: Decimal Representations of Rational NumbersUnit 8
Lesson 12: Fractions to Decimals
Lesson 8: Converting Repeating Decimals Into FractionsUnit 8
Lesson 13: Decimals to Fractions
Sub-Unit 2: The Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 9: Observing the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 6: The Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 10: Proving the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 7: Pictures to Prove It
Lesson 11: Determining Unknown Side LengthsUnit 8
Lesson 8: Triangle-Tracing Turtle
Lesson 12: Converse of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 9: Make it Right
Lesson 13: Distances on the Coordinate Plane (Part 1)Unit 8
Lesson 11: Pond Hopper
Lesson 13: Distances on the Coordinate Plane (Part 1)Unit 8
Lesson 11: Pond Hopper
Lesson 14: Distances on the Coordinate Plane (Part 2)Unit 8
Lesson 11: Pond Hopper
Lesson 15: Applications of the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 8: Triangle-Tracing Turtle
Lesson 10: Taco Truck
Lesson 16: Pythagorean Triples

Unit 8: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

Amplify MathDesmos Math 6–A1
Unit 8: Associations in DataUnit 6: Associations in Data
Lesson 1: Creating a Scatter PlotUnit 6
Lesson 1: Click Battle
Sub-Unit 1: Associations in Data
Lesson 2: Interpreting Points on a Scatter PlotUnit 6
Lesson 3: Robots
Lesson 3: Observing Patterns in a Scatter PlotUnit 6
Lesson 7: Scatter Plot City
Lesson 4: Fitting a Line to DataUnit 6
Lesson 4: Dapper Cats
Lesson 5: Fit Fights
Lesson 5: Using a Linear ModelUnit 6
Lesson 6: Interpreting Slopes
Lesson 6: Interpreting Slope and y-interceptUnit 6
Lesson 6: Interpreting Slopes
Lesson 7: Analyzing Bivariate DataUnit 6
Lesson 8: Animal Brains
Lesson 8: Looking for AssociationsUnit 6
Lesson 9: Tasty Fruit
Lesson 9: Using Data Displays to Find AssociationsUnit 6
Lesson 10: Finding Associations
Lesson 11: Federal Budgets

Buffalo Consultancy

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Grade 6

Unit 1: Area and Surface Area

Lesson 2: Finding Area by Decomposing and RearrangingShapes on a Plane
Lesson 3: Reasoning to Find AreaLetters
Lesson 4: ParallelogramsExploring Parallelograms, Part 2
Lesson 5: Bases and Heights of ParallelogramsExploring Parallelograms, Part 1
Lesson 6: Areas of ParallelogramsOff the Grid, Part 1
Lesson 7: From Parallelograms to TrianglesTriangles and Parallelograms
Lesson 8: Areas of TrianlgeExploring Triangles
Lesson 10: Bases and Heights of TrianglesOff the Grid, Part 2
Lesson 11: PolygonsPile of Polygons
Lesson 15: More Nets, More Surface AreaRenata’s Stickers

Unit 2: Introducing Rations

Lesson 3: RecipesPizza Maker
Lesson 5: Defining Equivalent RatiosFruit Lab
Lesson 12: Navagating a Table of Equivalent RationsDisaster Preparation

Unit 3: Unit Rates and Percentages

Lesson 1: Anchoring Units of MeasureMany Measurements
Lesson 4: Comparing Speeds and PriceWorld Records
Lesson 5: Interpreting RatesSoft Serve
Lesson 6: Equivalent Ratios Have the Same Unit RatesWelcome to the Robot Factory
Lesson 8: Solving Rate ProblemsMore Soft Serve
Lesson 9: More about Constant SpeedModel Trains
Lesson 11: Representing Percentages with Double Number Line DiagramsLucky Duckies

Unit 4: Dividing Fractions

Lesson 4: How Many Groups? (Part 1)Flour Planner
Lesson 6: Using Diagrams to Find the Number of GroupsFill the Gap
Lesson 13: Rectangles with Fractional Side LengthsPuzzling Areas

Unit 5: Arithmetic in Base 10

Lesson 1: Using Decimals in Shopping ContextDishing Out Decimals

Unit 5: Arithmetic in Base 11

Lesson 2: Using Diagrams to Represent Addition and SubtractionDecimal Diagrams and Algorithms

Unit 5: Arithmetic in Base 12

Lesson 15: Making and Measuring BoxesMovie Time

Unit 6: Expressions and Equations

Lesson 1: Tape Diagrams and EquationsFive Equations
Weight for It
Lesson 3: Staying in BalanceHanging Around
Lesson 4: Practice Solving EquationsHanging It Up
Lesson 5: Represent Situations with EquationsSwap and Solve
Lesson 9: The Distributive Property: Part 1Products and Sums
Lesson 17: Two Related Quantaties, Part 2Subway Fares

Unit 7: Rational Numbers

Lesson 3: Comparing Positive and Negative NumbersOrder in the Class
Lesson 5: Using Negative Numbers to Make Sense in ContextMinimum Wage
Lesson 8: Writing and Graphing InequalitiesTunnel Travels

Unit 8: Data Sets and Distributions

Lesson 5: Using Dot Plots to Answer Statistical QuestionsMinimum Wage
Lesson 6: Interpreting HistogramsThe Plot Thickens
Lesson 11: Variability and MADHoops
Lesson 13: MedianToy Cars

Grade 7

Unit 1: Scale Drawing

Lesson 1: What are scaled copies?Scaling Machines
Lesson 2: Correspond Parts and Scale FactorsMake it Scale
Lesson 3: Making Scaled CopiesScaling Robots
Lesson 5: The Size of the Scale FactorScale Factor Challenges
Lesson 6: Scaling AreaTiles
Lesson 6: Scaling AreaWill It Fit

Unit 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships

Lesson 1: One of These Things is Not Like the OtherPaint
Lesson 5: Two Equations for Each RelationshipTwo and Two
Lesson 10: Introducing Graphs of Proportional RelationshipsDinoPops

Unit 3: Measuring Circles

Lesson 2: Exploring CirclesMeasuring Around
Lesson 7: Exploring the Area of a CircleWhy Pi?
Lesson 9: Applying Area of a CircleArea Challenges

Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages

Lesson 6: Increasing and DecreasingMosaics
100%
Lesson 7: One Hundred PercentMore and Less
Back in My Day
Lesson 8: Percent Increase and Decrease with EquationsAll the Equations
Lesson 11: Percentage ContextsPercent Machines

Unit 5: Rational Number Arithmetic

Lesson 3: Changing ElevationFloats and Anchors
Lesson 5: Representing SubtractionMore Floats and Anchors
Lesson 6: Finding DifferencesDraw Your Own
Lesson 13: Expressions with Rational NumbersInteger Puzzles

Unit 6: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Lesson 9: Dealing with Negative NumbersKeeping it True
Lesson 13: Reintroducing InequalitiesI Saw the Signs
Lesson 14: Finding Solutions to Inequalities in ContextUnbalanced Hangers
Lesson 15: Efficiently Solving InequalitiesShira the Sheep
Lesson 16: Interpreting InequalitiesBudgeting
Lesson 17: Modeling with InequalitiesWrite Them and Solve Them
Lesson 20: Combining Like Terms (Part 1)Collect the Squares

Unit 7: Angles, Triangles, and Prisms

Lesson 2: Adjacent AnglesFriendly Angles
Lesson 5: Using Equations to Solve For Unknown AnglesMissing Measures
Lesson 7: Building Polygons (Part 2)Can You Build It

Unit 8: Probability and Sampling

Lesson 1: Mystery BagsHow Likely
Lesson 3: What are Probabilities?Prob-bear-bilities
Lesson 4: Estimating Probabilities through Repeated ExperimentsIs It Fair?
Lesson 13: What Make a Good Sample?Crab Island

Grade 8

Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

Lesson 1: Moving the PlaneTransformers
Lesson 2: Naming the MovesSpinning, Flipping, Sliding
Lesson 3: Grid MovesMoving Day
Lesson 4: Making MovesTransformation Golf
Lesson 5: Coordinate MovesGetting Coordinated, Part 1
Lesson 6: Describing TransformationsGetting Coordinated, Part 2
Lesson 16: Parallel Lines and Angles in a TrianglePuzzling It Out
Lesson 17: Rotate and TesselateTessellate

Unit 2: Dilations, Similarity, and Introducing Slope

Lesson 1: Projecting and ScalingSketchy Dilations
Lesson 3: Dilations with No GridDilation Mini Golf
Lesson 7: Similar PolygonsSocial Scavenger Hunt

Unit 3: Linear Relationships

Lesson 1: Understanding Proportional RelationshipsTurtle Time Trials
Lesson 5: Introductions to Linear RelationshipsFlags
Lesson 6: More Linear RelationshipsStacking Cups (Optional)
Lesson 8: Translating y=mx+bTranslations
Lesson 9: Slopes Don’t Have to Be PositiveWater Cooler
Lesson 10: Calculating SlopeUps and Downs

Unit 4: Linear Equations and Systems

Lesson 5: Solve Any Linear EquationEquation Roundtable
Lesson 12: Systems of EquationsMake Them Balance
Lesson 13: Solving Systems of EquationsLine Zapper

Unit 5: Functions and Volume

Lesson 1: Inputs and OutputsGuess My Rule
Lesson 5: More graphs of FunctionsTurtle Crossing
Lesson 6: Even More Graphs of FunctionsThe Tortoise and the Hare
Lesson 13: The Volume of a CylinderCylinders
Lesson 15: The Volume of a ConeCones

Unit 6: Associations and Data

Lesson 3: What a Point on a Scatter Plot MeansRobots
Lesson 4: Fitting a Line to DataDapper Cats
Lesson 5: Describing Trends in Scatter PlotsInterpreting Scatter Plots
Lesson 6: Slope of a Fitted LineFind the FIt (called Fit Fights in Desmos Math)
Lesson 7: Observing More Patterns in Scatter PlotsScatter Plot City
Lesson 8: Analyzing Bivariate DataInterpreting Slopes
Lesson 9: Looking for AssociationAnimal Brains
Lesson 10: Using Data Displays to Find AssociationFinding Associations

Unit 7: Exponents and Scientific Notation

Lesson 1: Exponent ReviewCircles
Lesson 6: What about Other Bases?Power Pairs
Lesson 12: Applicatios of Arithmetic with Powers of 10Balance the Scale
Lesson 13: Definition of Scientific NotationSpecific and Scientific (formerly Solar System)

Unit 8: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

Lesson 5: Square Roots on the Number LineRoot Down
Lesson 7: Finding Side Lengths of TrianglesTriangle Tracing Turtle
Lesson 11: Applications of the Pythagorean TheoremTaco Truck

Algebra 1

Intro/Launch

Unit 1: One Variable Statistics

Lesson 12: Standard DeviationFinding Desmo

Unit 2: Linear Equations and Systems

Lesson 4: Equations and Their SolutionsWorking Backwards
Solving Strategies
Same Position
Lesson 5: Equations and Their GraphsShelley the Snail
Five Representations
Lesson 6: Equivalent EquationsSubway Seats
Lesson 7: Explaining Steps for Rewriting EquationsVarious Variables
Lesson 12: Writing and Graphing Systems of Linear EquationsLizard Lines
Lesson 13: Solving Systems by SubstitutionShape It Up

Unit 3: Two Variable Statistics

Lesson 5: Fitting LinesCity Slopes
Penguin Populations
Lesson 6: ResidualsResidual Fruit
Lesson 7: Correlation CoefficientCorrelation Coefficient
City Data
Lesson 8: Using the Correlation CoefficientHow Hot Is It?
Lesson 9: Causal RelationshipsBehind the Headlines

Unit 4: Linear Inequalities and Systems

Lessons 4-6: Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two VariablesPizza Delivery
Lesson 7: Solutions to Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two VariablesQuilts
Seeking Solutions
Lesson 8: Solving Problems with Systems of Linear Inequalities in Two VariablesCarlos’s Fish

Unit 5: Functions

Lesson 1: Describing and Graphing SituationsCraft-a-Graph
Lesson 7: Using Graphs to Find Average Rate of ChangePlane, Train, and Automobile
Lesson 12: Piecewise FunctionsPumpkin Prices
Lesson 15: Inverse FunctionsChip the Robot

Unit 6: Introduction to Exponential Functions

Unit 7: Introduction to Quadratic Functions

Lesson 1: A Different Kind of ChangeRevisiting Visual Patterns, Part 1
Quadratic Visual Patterns
Lesson 10: Graphs of Quadratic Functions in Standard and Factored FormsOn the Fence
Stomp Rockets
Plenty of Parabolas
Two for One
Lesson 11: Graphing Quadratics from the Factored FormParabola Zapper
Shooting Stars
Lesson 14: Quadratic Graphs that Represent SituationsRobot Launch

Unit 8: Quadratic Equations

Lesson 2: When and Why Do We Write Quadratic Equations?Sorting Relationships
Lesson 12-14: Completing the SquareSquare Tactic
Lesson 24: Using Quadratic Equations to Model Situation and Solve ProblemsStomp Rockets in Space

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Grade K

Unit 1: Position, Length, Height, and Sorting

Lesson 2: Describe and Compare Length and Height, Session 3Connecting Cubes

Unit 2: Numbers to 5, Shapes and Weight

Lesson 4: Count, Show and Write Numbers to 5, Session 2Skye’s Style
Lesson 5: Compare Numbers to 5, Session 4Matching Groups
Lesson 5: Compare Numbers to 5, Session 5Designing Shoes With Skye
Lesson 6: Three-Dimensional Shapes and Weight, Session 1What’s That Shape?
Lesson 6: Three-Dimensional Shapes and Weight, Session 2Building Solid Shapes
Lesson 6: Three-Dimensional Shapes and Weight, Session 5Putting Solid Shapes Together

Unit 3: Addition and Subtractions with 5 and Shapes,

Lesson 8: Two-Dimensional Shapes,
Session 1
So Much Sorting
Lesson 8: Two-Dimensional Shapes,
Session 2
What’s That Shape Called?
Another Shape

Unit 4: Numbers to 10 and Shapes

Lesson 11: Count, Show, and Write Numbers to 10, Session 1Investigate: Cafeteria Math
Fingers as Math Tools
Lesson 12: Compare Numbers to 10, Session 1Moving and Grooving
Fingers and Counters
Lesson 12: Compare Numbers to 10, Session 2More, Fewer, or the Same
Comparing Words
Lesson 12: Compare Numbers to 10, Session 5Forest Friends
Lesson 14: Compose and Decompose 10, Session 2Harry’s Hamster Wheel
Lesson 14: Compose and Decompose 10, Session 3Harry Explores Space
Lesson 14: Compose and Decompose 10, Session 4Showing What We Know About 10
Lesson 14: Compose and Decompose 10, Session 5Harry Explores the Ocean

Unit 6: Addition and Subtraction Within 10

Lesson 20: Add Within 10, Session 1Investigate: Casey’s Town
What Does It Mean to Add?
Lesson 20: Add Within 10, Session 2How Many Objects?
Lesson 20: Add Within 10, Session 3How Many Objects in Pictures?
How Will You Count?
Lesson 21: Subtract Within 10, Session 1What Does It Mean to Subtract?
Lesson 22: Add and Subtract to Solve Wold Problems, Session 1The Bus Depot

Unit 7: Teen Numbers and Shapes

Lesson 23: Compose and Decompose Teen Numbers with Tools and Drawings, Session 2Investigate: Packing Snacks
Getting Ready for the Game
Pass, Shoot, Score
Lesson 23: Compose and Decompose Teen Numbers with Tools and Drawings, Session 3How Many on the Field?
Lesson 25: Compose and Decompose Teen Numbers with Symbols, Session 2Jersey Jam!
People at the Park

Grade 1

Unit 1: Relating Addition and Subtraction

Lesson 2: Add and Subtract Within 10, Session 1What’s the Difference?
Leaping Lily Pads!
Investigate: Let’s Grow!
Lesson 2: Add and Subtract Within 10, Session 3Packing a Picnic
Lesson 5: Solve Word Problems to 10, Session 2Tutu’s Garden in Maui
Lesson 5: Solve Word Problems to 10, Session 2Replanting Huli
Lesson 5: Solve Word Problems to 10, Session 3The Kalo Plants
Lesson 5: Solve Word Problems to 10, Session 4A Community Working Together
Lesson 5: Solve Word Problems to 10, Session 5Helping Others

Unit 2: Addition and Subtraction Within 20

Lesson 6: Teen Numbers, Session 2Same Number, Different Ways
Lesson 7: Add Three Numbers, Session 2Making 10
Kitten Coaster

Unit 4: Using Tens and Ones to Organize and Count

Lesson 15: Tens and Ones, Session 1Investigate: Game Points
Lesson 15: Tens and Ones, Session 3Meeting Yara
It’s a Match
Lesson 16: Numbers to 120, Session 1How Many Cubes?
Boris’s Thimbles
Lesson 21: Add Two-Digit Numbers, Session 1How Many Tens?
Investigate: Squashes at the Playground
Lesson 21: Add Two-Digit Numbers,
Session 2
Town Helpers
Lesson 21: Add Two-Digit Numbers,
Session 3
Making Squash Butter

Unit 5: Operations with Tens and Ones

Lesson 19: Addition with Two-Digit Numbers, Session 2From Park to Table

Unit 6: Geometry and Measurement

Lesson 22: Shapes, Session 1Shapes Ying Saw
Lesson 23: Break Shapes Into Equal Parts, Session 2Fair and Square
One of the Parts, All of the Parts
Lesson 23: Break Shapes Into Equal Parts, Session 5A Bigger Part

Grade 1 (ADM G2)

Unit 1: Relating Addition and Subtraction

Lesson 1: Partner Pairs for 10, Session 3Ways to Make 10
Lesson 2: Add and Subtract Within 10, Session 3Exploring Within 10

Grade 2

Unit 1: Numbers Within 20

Lesson 2: Using Mental Math Strategies to Subtract, Session 1Awesome Aquariums

Unit 2: Numbers Within 100

Lesson 10: Solve Word Problems Involving Money, Session 1Investigate
Lesson 10: Solve Word Problems Involving Money, Session 2Discovering Coins (Part 1)
The Toy Stand
Lesson 10: Solve Word Problems Involving Money, Session 3How Much Money?
Discovering Coins (Part 2)
Lesson 10: Solve Word Problems Involving Money, Session 4The Craft Stand at the Block Party

Unit 3: Numbers Within 1000

Lesson 12: Three-Digit Numbers, Session 1Investigate: A Mistake in Mom’s Office
What Makes a Hundred?
Lesson 12: Three-Digit Numbers, Session 2Looking for Patterns
Lesson 13: Read and Write Three-Digit Numbers, Session 1What’s the Value?
Lesson 13: Read and Write Three-Digit Numbers, Session 2Mail Call!
Lesson 13: Read and Write Three-Digit Numbers, Session 3A New Representation
What’s Your Name?
All the Ways!
Lesson 15: Mental Addition and Subtraction, Session 2Turtle Hurdle
Lesson 16: Add Three-Digit Numbers, Session 2There’s Something About Berries
Lesson 18: Using Addition and Subtraction Strategies with Three-Digit Numbers, Session 2Baking With Skunk

Unit 4: Length

Lesson 25: Solving Problems About Length, Session 2Lengths of Jungle Animals
Lesson 27: Sorting and Organizing Data, Session 1Messy Measurements
Lesson 27: Sorting and Organizing Data, Session 3Bracelets and Wristbands
Lesson 26: Add and Subtract on the Number Line, Session 1Investigate
Time to Line Up!
In Full Bloom
Lesson 26: Add and Subtract on the Number Line, Session 2What’s That Number?
Lesson 26: Add and Subtract on the Number Line, Session 3Greater Than, Less Than, or Equal to

Unit 5: Shapes and Arrays

Lesson 28: Recognize and Draw Shapes, Session 2Frame It!
Lesson 28: Recognize and Draw Shapes, Session 3Measure It, Draw It
Lesson 32: Even and Odd Numbers,
Session 1
Can You Share?
Lesson 32: Even and Odd Numbers,
Session 2
Everybody, Find A Partner!
Lesson 32: Even and Odd Numbers,
Session 3
Is It Even or Odd?

Grade 2 (ADM G3)

Unit 2: Numbers Within 100

Lesson 6: Adding Two-Digit Numbers, Session 1Panda Patterns
Lesson 12: Understand Three-Digit Numbers, Session 2Investigate: Creating a Photo Gallery
Lesson 16: Add Three-Digit Numbers, Session 2How Would You Solve It?
Adding Your Way
What Is an Algorithm?
Lesson 16: Add Three-Digit Numbers, Session 3Using Fewer Digits
Determining Sums of 2 or More Addends
Lesson 16: Add Three-Digit Numbers, Session 3Adding Strategically

Unit 4: Length

Lesson 27: Read and Make Line Plots, Session 2The Plot Chickens
Let’s Make a Line Plot

Grade 3

Unit 2: Multiplication and Division

Lesson 4: Understand the Meaning of Multiplication, Session 1Equal Groups
Lesson 6: Multiply with 3, 4, and 6, Session 2Rectangles and Arrays
Lesson 8: Use Order and Grouping to Multiply, Session 2Arrays of Flavor
Lesson 11: Understand How Multiplication and Division Are Connected, Session 1It’s Chili in Here!
Lesson 12: Multiplication and Division Facts, Session 3Relating Quotients to Familiar Products

Unit 3: Multiplication

Lesson 19: Scaled Graphs, Session 1Puppy Pile
Lesson 19: Scaled Graphs, Session 42, 5, or 10?
Lesson 14: Understand Area, Session 1Tiling Figures
Lesson 14: Understand Area, Session 2Which Covers More Space?
Lesson 15: Multiply to Find Area, Session 3Area Hunt
Lesson 17: Solve One-Step Word Problems Using Multiplication and Division, Session 2Division and Multiplication Equations

Unit 4: Fractions

Lesson 21: Understand Fractions on a Number Line, Session 1Cat Crossing
Lesson 21: Understand Fractions on a Number Line, Session 2Fractions on the Number Line
Lesson 21: Understand Fractions on a Number Line, Session 3Location, Location, Location

Unit 6: Shapes

Performance TaskInvestigate: Comparing Rugs
Lesson 30: Understand Categories of Shapes, Session 1Piho’s Shapes
Lesson 31: Classify Quadrilaterals, Session 1Rectangles, Squares, and Rhombuses
Lesson 31: Classify Quadrilaterals, Session 3More Quadrilaterals

Grade 4

Unit 2: Operations

Lesson 6: Understand Multiplication as a Comparison, Session 1Sticker Mania
Lesson 6: Understand Multiplication as a Comparison, Session 2Representing “Times as Many”
Going Swimming
Lesson 8: Multiples and Factors, Session 1Hamster Homes
Lesson 8: Multiples and Factors, Session 3Factor or Multiple?
Lesson 8: Multiples and Factors, Session 4A Number Game
Lesson 9: Number and Shape Patterns, Session 1How Does It Grow?

Unit 3: Multi-Digit Operations and Measurement

Lesson 11: Multiply by One-Digit Numbers, Session 1Investigate: Packing Lei
Counting Flowers for Lei
Lesson 11: Multiply by One-Digit Numbers, Session 3A Lei Making Workshop
A Reasonable Answer
Three of a Kind
Lesson 12: Multiply by Two-Digit Numbers, Session 2Growing Flowers for the Lei
Double Decomposition
Lesson 12: Multiply by Two-Digit Numbers, Session 3Revisiting Strategies
How Many Supplies?

Unit 4: Fractions, Decimals, and Measurement

Lesson 17: Understand Equivalent Fractions, Session 1Investigate: Building Your Own Number Line
Fraction Strips
Lesson 18: Understand Equivalent Fractions, Session 3Chop It
All Kinds of Fractions
Lesson 19: Fraction Addition and Subtraction, Session 1Pizza Problems
Lesson 20: Add and Subtract Fractions, Session 4Math Pizzeria
Lesson 24: Multiply Fractions by Whole Numbers, Session 2Equal Groups of Fractions
Lesson 25: Fractions as Tenths and Hundredths, Session 3Investigate: Different Units
Lesson 26: Relate Decimals and Fractions, Session 2A New Way to Write Tenths
A New Way to Write Hundredths
Lesson 26: Relate Decimals and Fractions, Session 4Are They Equivalent?
Lesson 27: Compare Decimals, Session 2How Can You Compare?
Lesson 27: Compare Decimals, Session 3Robot Factory
Lesson 27: Compare Decimals, Session 4What’s the Order

Unit 5: Geometry and Measurement

Lesson 30: Points, Lines, Rays, and Angles, Session 3Angle Adventures
Lesson 31: Angles, Session 1The Spin on Angles
Lesson 32: Add and Subtract with Angles, Session 3Angles in Motion

Grade 5

Unit 1: Whole Number Operations and Applications

Lesson 2: Find Volume Using Unit Cubes, Session 1Which is Largest
Lesson 2: Find Volume Using Unit Cubes, Session 2Packing the Barge
Lesson 3: Find Volume Using Formulas, Session 3Putting it Together
Figures Made of Prisms
Lesson 4: Multiply Multi-Digit Numbers, Session 1Partial Products Everywhere
Lesson 4: Multiply Multi-Digit Numbers, Session 4How Do They Compare?
Lesson 5: Divide Multi-Digit Numbers, Session 4Emptying the Water Tank

Unit 2: Decimals and Fractions

Lesson 6: Understand Decimal Place Value, Session 1Investigate: Numbers Between Numbers
Lesson 6: Understand Decimal Place Value, Session 2What Is One Thousandth?
Lesson 8: Read and Write Decimals,
Session 1
Say What?
Place Value Patterns
Lesson 9: Compare and Round Decimals, Session 2Selling Collectibles
Lesson 9: Compare and Round Decimals, Session 3The Claw
Which Way Down the Mountain?
Lesson 9: Compare and Round Decimals, Session 4Rounding Races
Lesson 7: Understand Powers of 10, Session 1Monarch Butterflies
All About That Base
Powers of 10 Parade

Unit 3: More Decimals & Fractions

Lesson 18: Fractions as Division, Session 1Investigate: Sharing Sandwiches
Division Story Problems
Making Generalizations
Investigate: Folding Paper
Lesson 18: Fractions as Division, Session 2Sharing More Sandwiches
Dance Breaks
Lesson 19: Multiplication by a Fraction, Session 2Parts of Parts
Lesson 20: Multiply Fractions to Find Area, Session 2One Part of One Part
Lesson 20: Multiply Fractions to Find Area, Session 3Making Food
Lesson 22: Multiply Fractions in Word Problems, Session 3Installing Turf
Rows and Columns
Lesson 22: Multiply Fractions in Word Problems, Session 4Messy Multiplication
Applying Fraction Multiplication
Lesson 21: Exploring Multiplication as Scaling, Session 1Chores at Animal Haven
The Re-size-inator

Unit 5: Algebraic Thinking and the Coordinate Plane

Lesson 31: Understand the Coordinate Plane, Session 1Bullseye!
Lesson 31: Understand the Coordinate Plane, Session 2Creating a Coordinate System
Coordinating Satellite Repairs

Grade 6

Unit 1: Expressions and Equations: Area, Algebraic Expressions, and Exponents

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Lesson 1: Find the Area of a ParallelogramUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms
Exploring Parallelograms, Part 2

Unit 2: Decimals and Fractions: Base-Ten Operations, Division with Fractions, and Volume

Lesson 7: Add, Subtract, and Multiply Multi-Digit DecimalsUnit 4
Lesson 1: Dishing Out Decimals
Lesson 8: Divide Whole Numbers and Multi-Digit DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 13: Movie Time
Lesson 9: Understand Division with FractionsUnit 4
Lesson 3: Flour Planner
Lesson 10: Divide FractionsUnit 4
Lesson 6: Fill the Gap

Unit 3: Ratio Reasoning: Ratio Concepts and Equivalent Ratios

Lesson 12: Understand Ratio ConceptsUnit 2
Lesson 1: Pizza Maker
Lesson 13: Find Equivalent RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 4: Fruit Lab
Lesson 10: Disaster Preparation

Unit 4: Ratio Reasoning: Unit Rates and Percent

Lesson 15: Understand Rate ConceptsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Many Measurements
Lesson 16: Use Unit Rates to Solve ProblemsUnit 3
Lesson 6: Soft Serve
Lesson 17: Understand PercentsUnit 3
Lesson 9: Lucky Duckies

Unit 5: Algebraic Thinking: Equivalent Expressions and Equations with Variables

Lesson 19: Write and Identify Equivalent ExpressionsUnit 6
Lesson 8: Products and Sums
Take Away (coming soon!)
Lesson 22: Analyze Two-Variable RelationshipsUnit 6
Lesson 16: Subway Fares
Take Away (coming soon!)

Unit 6: Positive and Negative Numbers: Absolute Value, Inequalities, and the Coordinate Plane

Lesson 23: Understand Positive and Negative NumbersUnit 7
Lesson 1: Can You Dig It?
Lesson 24: Order Positive and Negative NumbersUnit 7
Lesson 4: Order in the Class
Lesson 26: Write and Graph One-Variable InequalitiesUnit 7
Lesson 7: Tunnel Travels

Unit 7: Statistical Thinking: Data Distributions and Measures of Center and Variability

Lesson 30: Use Dot Plots and Histograms to Describe Data DistributionsUnit 8
Lesson 3: Minimum Wage
Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens
Lesson 31: Interpret Median and Interquartile Range in Box PlotsUnit 8
Lesson 11: Toy Cars

Grade 7

Unit 1: Proportional Relationships: Ratios, Rates, and Circles

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Lesson 2: Find Unit Rates Involving Ratios and FractionsUnit 2
Lesson 1: Paint
Lesson 4: Represent Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2
Lesson 6: Two and Two
Lesson 5: Solve Proportional Relationship Problems
Lesson 6: Solve Area and Circumference Problems Involving CirclesUnit 3
Lesson 3: Measuring Around
Lesson 9: Area Challenges

Unit 2: Numbers and Operations: Add and Subtract Rational Numbers

Lesson 7: Understand Addition with Negative NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 1: Floats and Anchors
Lesson 8: Add with Negative NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 1: Floats and Anchors
Lesson 9: Understand Subtraction with Negative IntegersUnit 5
Lesson 1: Floats and Anchors
Lesson 10: Add and Subtract Positive and Negative NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 1: Floats and Anchors

Unit 3: Numbers and Operations: Multiply and Divide Rational Numbers

Lesson 14: Use the Four Operations with Negative NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles

Unit 4: Algebraic Thinking: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Lesson 19: Write and Solve InequalitiesUnit 6
Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep

Unit 5: Proportional Reasoning: Percents and Statistical Samples

Lesson 20: Solve Problems Involving Percents Unit 4
Lesson 5: Percent Machines
Lesson 12: Posing Percent Problems (coming soon!)
Lesson 22: Understand Random SamplingUnit 8
Lesson 2: Prob-bear-bilities
Lesson 24: Compare PopulationsUnit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island

Unit 6: Geometry: Solids, Triangles, and Angles

Lesson 28: Find Unknown Angle MeasuresUnit 7
Lesson 2: Friendly Angles
Lesson 4: Missing Measures

Unit 7: Probability: Theoretical Probability, Experimental Probability, and Compound Events

Lesson 30: Understand ProbabilityUnit 8
Lesson 1: How Likely?
Lesson 2: Prob-bear-bilities

Grade 8

Unit 1: Geometric Figures: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

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Lesson 1: Understand Rigid Transformations and Their PropertiesUnit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers
Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding
Lesson 2: Work with Single Rigid Transformations in the Coordinate PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 4: Moving Day

Unit 2: Geometric Figures: Transformations, Similarity, and Angle Relationships

Lesson 4: Understand Dilations and SimilarityUnit 2
Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf
Lesson 6: Describe Angle RelationshipsUnit 2
Lesson 6: Social Scavenger Hunt
Lesson 7: Describe Angle Relationships in TrianglesUnit 1
Lesson 12: Puzzling It Out

Unit 3: Linear Relationships: Slope, Linear Equations, and Systems

Lesson 8: Graph Proportional Relationships and Define SlopeUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 13: Solve Systems of Linear Equations AlgebraicallyUnit 4
Lesson 11: Make Them Balance
Lesson 12: Line Zapper

Unit 4: Functions: Linear and Nonlinear Relationships

Lesson 15: Understand FunctionsUnit 5
Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing
Lesson 2: Guess My Rule
Lesson 16: Use Functions to Model Linear RelationshipsUnit 5
Lesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare

Unit 5: Integer Exponents: Properties and Scientific Notation

Lesson 19: Apply Exponent Properties for Positive Integer ExponentsUnit 7
Lesson 1: Circles
Lesson 3: Power Pairs
Lesson 22: Work with Scientific NotationUnit 7
Lesson 9: Specific and Scientific
Lesson 11: Balance the Scale

Unit 6: Real Numbers: Rational Numbers, Irrational Numbers, and the Pythagorean Theorem

Lesson 23: Find Square Roots and Cube Roots to Solve ProblemsUnit 8
Lesson 4: Root Down
Lesson 25: Find Rational Approximations of Irrational NumbersUnit 8
Lesson 10: Taco Truck
Lesson 27: Apply the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 8: Triangle-Tracing Turtle
Lesson 28: Solve Problems with Volumes of Cylinders, Cones, and SpheresUnit 8
Lesson 11: Cylinders
Lesson 13: Cones

Unit 7: Statistics: Two-Variable Data and Fitting a Linear Model

Lesson 29: Analyze Scatter Plots and Fit a Linear Model to DataUnit 6
Lesson 3: Robots
Lesson 4: Dapper Cats
Lesson 6: Find the Fit

Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only; references to third-party programs do not imply endorsement or affiliation, and all trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Grade 6

Chapter 1: Use Positive Rational Numbers

enVision MathDesmos Classroom
Lesson 1: Fluently Add, Subtract, and Multiply DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 1: Dishing Out Decimals
Lesson 2: Decimal Diagrams and Algorithms
Lesson 2: Fluently Divide Whole Numbers and DecimalsUnit 5
Lesson 13: Movie Time
Lesson 4: Understand Division with FractionsUnit 4
Lesson 13: Movie Time
Lesson 6: Divide Mixed NumbersUnit 4
Lesson 6 Fill the Gap
Lesson 7: Solve Problems with Rational NumbersUnit 4
Lesson 3: Flour Planner

Chapter 2: Integers and Rational Numbers

Lesson 1: Understand IntegersUnit 7
Lesson 1: Can You Dig It?
Lesson 2: Represent Rational Numbers on the Number LineUnit 7
Lesson 4: Order in the Class

Chapter 3: Numeric and Algebraic Expressions

Lesson 4: Write Algebraic ExpressionsUnit 6
Lesson 8: Products and SumsTake Away (coming soon!)
Lesson 6: Generate Equivalent Expressions Unit 6
Lesson 8: Products and SumsTake Away (coming soon!)

Chapter 4: Represent and Solve Equations and Inequalities

Lesson 1: Understand Equations and SolutionsUnit 6
Lesson 1: Weight for It
Lesson 6: Understand and Write InequalitiesUnit 7
Lesson 7: Tunnel Travels
Lesson 9: Use Patterns to Write and Solve Equations
Lesson 10: Relate Tables, Graphs, and Equations
Unit 6
Lesson 16: Subway FaresTake Away (coming soon!)

Chapter 5: Understand and Use Ratio and Rate

Lesson 1: Understand RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 1: Pizza Maker
Lesson 2: Generate Equivalent RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 4: Fruit Lab
Lesson 4: Represent and Graph RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 10: Disaster Preparation
Lesson 5: Understand Rates and Unit RatesUnit 3
Lesson 6: Soft Serve
Lesson 6: Compare Unit RatesUnit 3
Lesson 6: Soft Serve

Chapter 6: Understand and Use Percent

Lesson 1: Understand PercentUnit 3
Lesson 9: Lucky Duckies

Chapter 7: Solve Area, Surface Area, and Volume Problems

Lesson 1: Find Areas of Parallelograms and RhombusesUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms, Part 1
Exploring Parallelograms, Part 2
Lesson 5: Represent Solid Figures Using NetsUnit 1
Lesson 10: Renata’s Stickers

Chapter 8: Display, Describe, and Summarize data

Lesson 2: Summarize data Using Mean, Median, and ModeUnit 8 
Lesson 11: Toy Cars
Lesson 4: Display Data in Frequency Tables and HistogramsUnit 8 
Lesson 5: The Plot Thickens
Lesson 7: Summarize Data DistributionsUnit 8 
Lesson 3: Minimum Wage

Grade 7

Chapter 1: Rational Number Operations

enVision MathDesmos Classroom
Lesson 1: Relate Integers and Their OppositesUnit 5
Lesson 1: Floats and Anchors
Lesson 3: Add Integers
Lesson 4: Subtract Integers
Unit 5
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles
Lesson 5: Add and Subtract Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 4: Draw Your Own
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles
Lesson 6: Multiply IntegersUnit 5
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles
Lesson 7: Multiply Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles
Lesson 9: Divide Rational NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles

Chapter 2: Analyze and Use Proportional Relationships

Lesson 3: Understand Proportional Relationships: Equivalent RatiosUnit 2
Lesson 1: Paint
Lesson 4: Describe Proportional Relationships: Constant of ProportionalityUnit 2
Lesson 6: Two and Two
Lesson 5: Graph Proportional RelationshipsUnit 2
Lesson 8: Dino Pops

Chapter 3: Analyze and Solve Percent Problems

Lesson 1: Analyze Percents of Numbers
Lesson 2: Connect Percent and Proportion
Unit 4
Lesson 1: Mosaics
Lesson 4: Solve Percent Change and Percent Error ProblemsUnit 4
Lesson 5: Percent Machines
Lesson 12: Posing Percent Problems (coming soon!)
Lesson 5: Solve Markup and Markdown ProblemsUnit 4
Lesson 5: Percent Machines
Lesson 12: Posing Percent Problems (coming soon!)

Chapter 4: Generate Equivalent Expressions

Lesson 3: Simplify ExpressionsUnit 6
Lesson 10: Collect the Squares
Lesson 4: Expand ExpressionsUnit 6
Lesson 10: Collect the Squares
Lesson 6: Add Expressions
Lesson 7: Subtract Expressions
Unit 6
Lesson 10: Collect the Squares

Chapter 5: Solve Problems Using Equations and Inequalities

Lesson 4: Solve Inequalities Using Addition or Subtraction
Lesson 5: Solve Inequalities Using Multiplication or Division
Unit 6
Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep
Lesson 6: Solve Two-Step Inequalities
Lesson 7: Solve Multi-Step Problems
Unit 6
Lesson 16: Shira the Sheep

Chapter 6: Use Sampling to Draw Inferences About Populations

Lesson 1: Populations and SamplesUnit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 2: Draw Inferences from DataUnit 8 
Lesson 10: Crab Island
Lesson 3: Make Comparative Inferences About Populations
Lesson 4: Make More Comparative Inferences About Populations
Unit 8
Lesson 10: Crab Island

Chapter 7: Probability

Lesson 1: Understand Likelihood and ProbabilityUnit 8
Lesson 1: How Likely?
Lesson 2: Prob-bear-bilities

Chapter 8: Solve Problems Involving Geometry

Lesson 1: Solve Problems Involving Scale DrawingsUnit 1 Lesson 1: Scaling Machines Lesson 7: Will It Fit?
Lesson 3: Draw Triangles with Given ConditionsUnit 7
Lesson 5: Can You Build It?
Lesson 4: Solve Problems Using Angle RelationshipsUnit 7
Lesson 2: Friendly Angles
Lesson 4: Missing Measures
Lesson 5: Solve Problems Involving Circumference of a CircleUnit 7
Lesson 3: Measuring Around
Lesson 6: Solve Problems Involving Area of a CircleUnit 3
Lesson 9: Area Challenges

Grade 8

Chapter 1: Real Numbers

enVision MathDesmos Classroom
Lesson 4: Evaluate Square Roots and Cube RootsUnit 8
Lesson 4: Root Down
Lesson 6: Use Properties of Integer ExponentsUnit 7  
Lesson 3: Power Pairs
Lesson 9: Understand Scientific NotationUnit 7  
Lesson 9: Specific and Scientific
Lesson 11: Balance the Scale

Chapter 2: Analyze and Solve Linear Equations

Lesson 3: Solve Multi-Step EquationsUnit 4
Lesson 5: Equation Roundtable
Lesson 5: Compare Proportional RelationshipsUnit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials
Lesson 6: Connect proportional Relationships and SlopeUnit 3
Lesson 4: Flags
Lesson 8: Understand the y-intercept of a LineUnit 3
Lesson 4: Flags

Chapter 3: Use Functions to Model Relationships

Lesson 1: Understand Relations and FunctionsUnit 5
Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing
Lesson 2: Guess My Rule
Lesson 2: Connect Representations of FunctionsUnit 5
Lesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare
Lesson 5: Intervals of Increase and DecreaseUnit 5
Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing

Chapter 4: Investigate Bivariate Data

Lesson 1: Construct and Interpret Scatter PlotsUnit 6  
Lesson 3: Robots
Lesson 2: Analyze Linear AssociationUnit 6  
Lesson 4: Dapper Cats
Lesson 6: Find the Fit
Lesson 5: Interpret Two-Way Relative Frequency TablesUnit 6  
Lesson 11: Finding Associations

Chapter 5: Analyze and Solve Systems of Linear Equations

Lesson 2: Solve Systems by GraphingUnit 4  
Lesson 11: Make Them Balance
Lesson 12: Line Zapper

Chapter 6: Congruence and Similarity

Lesson 1: Analyze TranslationsUnit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers
Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding
Lesson 4: Moving Day
Lesson 2: Analyze Reflections
Lesson 3: Analyze Rotations
Unit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers
Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding
Lesson 4: Moving Day
Lesson 6: Describe DilationsUnit 2
Lesson 1: Sketchy Dilations
Lesson 2: Dilation Mini Golf
Lesson 7: Understand Similar FiguresUnit 2
Lesson 6: Social Scavenger Hunt
Lesson 9: Interior and Exterior Angles of TrianglesUnit 1
Lesson 12: Puzzling It Out

Chapter 7: Understand and Apply the Pythagorean Theorem

Lesson 1: Understand the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 8: Triangle-Tracing Turtle
Lesson 3: Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to Solve ProblemsUnit 8
Lesson 10: Taco Truck

Chapter 8: Solve Problems Involving Surface Area and Volume

Lesson 2: Find Volume of CylindersUnit 5
Lesson 11: Cylinders
Lesson 3: Find Volume of ConesUnit 5
Lesson 13: Cones

Algebra 1

Topic 1: Solving Equations and Inequalities

Lesson 1-2: Solving Linear EquationsWorking Backwards
Lesson 1-3: Solving Equations with Variables on Both SidesSolving Strategies
Same Position
Lesson 1-4: Literal Equations and FormulasSubway Seats
Various Variables
Lesson 1-5: Solving Inequalities in One VariablePizza Delivery

Topic 2: Linear Functions

Lessons 2-1 to 2-3 Forms of Linear EquationsSubway Seats
Five Representations

Topic 3: Linear Functions

Topic 4: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

Lesson 4-1: Solving Systems of Equations by GraphingLizard Lines
Lesson 4-2: Solving Systems of Equations by SubstitutionShape It Up
Lesson 4-5: Systems of Linear InequalitiesQuilts
Seeking Solutions

Topic 5: Piecewise Functions

Lesson 5-2: Piecewise-Defined FunctionsPumpkin Prices

Topic 6: Exponents and Exponential Functions

Lesson 6-2: Exponential FunctionsCarlos’s Fish
Revisiting Visual Patterns, Part 1
Lesson 6-4: Geometric SequencesSequence Carnival
More Visual Patterns

Topic 8: Quadratic Functions

Lesson 8-1: Key Features of a Quadratic FunctionQuadratic Visual Patterns
Lesson 8-2: Quadratic Functions in Vertex FormOn the Fence
Plenty of Parabolas
Lesson 8-5: Linear, Exponential and Quadratic ModelsDetroit’s Population, Part 1
Detroit’s Population, Part 2
Sorting Relationships
Lesson 8-3: Quadratic Functions in Standard FormRobot Launch
Lesson 8-4: Modeling with Quadratic FunctionsStomp Rockets

Topic 9: Solving Quadratic Equations

Lesson 9-2: Solving Quadratic Equations by FactoringTwo for One
Parabola Zapper
Shooting Stars
Lesson 9-5: Completing the SquareSquare Tactic
Lesson 9-6: The Quadratic Formula and the DiscriminantStomp Rockets in Space

Topic 10: Working with Functions

Lesson 10-1: The Square Root functionPlane, Train, and Automobile
Lesson 10-3: Analyzing Functions GraphicallyCraft-a-Graph
Lesson 10-7: Inverse FunctionsChip the Robot

Topic 11: Statistics

Lesson 11-4: Standard DeviationFinding Desmo

Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only; references to third-party programs do not imply endorsement or affiliation, and all trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Algebra 1

Chapter 1: Solving Linear Equations

Lesson 1.2: Solving Multi-Step EquationsWorking Backwards
Lesson 1.4: Solving Equations with Variables on Both SidesSolving Strategies
Same Position
Lesson 1.6: Rewriting Equations and FormulasSubway Seats
Various Variables

Chapter 2: Solving Linear Inequalities

Lesson 2.1: Writing and Graphing InequalitiesPizza Delivery

Chapter 3: Graphing Linear Functions

Lesson 3.2: Characteristics of FunctionsCraft-a-Graph
Lesson 3.5: Graphing Linear Equations in Standard FormShelley the Snail
Five Representations

Chapter 4: Writing Linear Functions

Lesson 4.4: Scatter Plots and Lines of FitCorrelation Coefficient
How Hot Is It?
City Slopes
Residual Fruit
Penguin Populations
Lesson 4.5: Analyzing Lines of FitBehind the Headlines
City Data
Lesson 4.6: Arithmetic SequencesSequence Carnival
More Visual Patterns
Lesson 4.7: Piecewise Defined FunctionsPumpkin Prices

Chapter 5: Solving Systems of Linear Equations

Lesson 5.1: Solve Systems of Linear Equations by GraphingLizard Lines
Lesson 5.2: Solving Systems of Linear Equations by SubstitutionShape It Up
Lesson 5.4: Solving Special Systems of Linear EquationsLizard Lines
Lesson 5.6: Graphing Linear Inequalities in Two VariablesQuilts
Lesson 5.7: Systems of Linear InequalitiesSeeking Solutions

Chapter 6: Exponential Functions and Sequences

Lesson 6.3: Exponential FunctionsCarlos’s Fish
Lesson 6.6 Geometric SequencesSequence Carnival
More Visual Patterns

Chapter 6 Performance Task

Chapter 8: Graphing Quadratic Functions

Lesson 8.1: Graphing f(x)=Ax^2Revisiting Visual Patterns, Part 1
Quadratic Visual Patterns
On the Fence
Lesson 8.2: Graphing f(x)=Ax^2+CPlenty of Parabolas
Lesson 8.3: Graphing f(x)=Ax^2+Bx+CStomp Rockets
Lesson 8.4: Graphing f(x)=A(x-h)^2+kRobot Launch
Lesson 8.5: Using Intercept FormTwo for One
Parabola Zapper
Shooting Stars
Lesson 8.6: Comparing Linear, Exponential, and Quadratic FunctionsPlane, Train, and Automobile
Sorting Relationships

Chapter 9: Solving Quadratic Equations

Lesson 9.4: Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the SquareSquare Tactic
Lesson 9.5: Solving Quadratic Equations using the Quadratic FormulaStomp Rockets in Space

Chapter 10: Radical Functions and Equations

Lesson 10.4: Inverse of a FunctionChip the Robot

Chapter 11: Data Analysis and Displays

Chapter 11: Data Analysis and DisplaysFinding Desmo

Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only; references to third-party programs do not imply endorsement or affiliation, and all trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Families and caregivers, welcome to Amplify Desmos Math 6–12!

Welcome to the Amplify Desmos Math Grade 6–Algebra 2 Caregiver Hub. We’ve designed this space to help you support your student at every stage of their math journey. 

In class, your student engages with digital lessons using devices as well as write-in Student Edition books. They also may be assigned digital or print practice outside of class. Below, you’ll find some suggestions and resources for how you can support their learning at home.

Learn more about Amplify Desmos Math.

Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.

Person wearing a construction hat and safety vest in a wheelchair, discussing with a phone and controlling the placement of a large triangular piece in a construction setting, with math symbols around.

Caregiver Unit Resources

For every unit of the program, we’ve created a Caregiver Resource that provides a summary of each lesson, plus a problem to try with your student (and an answer key). These resources are available in both English and Spanish, as well as a glossary of key terms in both languages.

Unit 1: Area and Surface Area

Unit 2: Introducing Ratios

Unit 3: Rates and Percentages

Unit 4: Dividing Fractions

Unit 5: Decimal Arithmetic

Unit 6: Expressions and Equations

Unit 7: Positive and Negative Numbers

Unit 8: Describing Data

Unit 1: Scale Drawings

Unit 2: Introducing Proportional Relationships

Unit 3: Measuring Circles

Unit 4: Proportional Relationships and Percentages

Unit 5: Operations With Positive and Negative Numbers

Unit 6: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Unit 7: Angles, Triangles, and Prisms

Unit 8: Probability and Sampling

Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

Unit 2: Dilations, Similarity, and Slope

Unit 3: Proportional and Linear Relationships

Unit 4: Linear Equations and Linear Systems

Unit 5: Functions and Volume

Unit 6: Associations in Data

Unit 7: Exponents and Scientific Notation

Unit 8: The Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

Unit 1: Area and Surface Area

Unit 2: Introducing Ratios and Rates

Unit 3: Fractions and Decimals

Unit 4: Expressions and Equations

Unit 5: Proportional Relationships

Unit 6: Percentages

Unit 7: Positive and Negative Numbers

Unit 8: Data Sets and Distributions

Course Glossary

Unit 1: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

Unit 2: Scale Drawings, Dilations, and Similarity

Unit 3: Equations and Inequalities

Unit 4: Linear Relationships and Systems of Linear Equations

Unit 5: Functions

Unit 6: Associations in Data

Unit 7: Volume and Surface Area

Unit 8: Exponents and Scientific Notation

Unit 9: Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers

Course Glossary

Unit 1: Patterns and Sequences

Unit 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities

Unit 3: Describing Data

Unit 4: Describing Functions

Unit 5: Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

Unit 6: Exponential Functions

Unit 7: Quadratic Functions

Unit 8: Quadratic Equations

Unit refresh videos

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1a – Calculating the Area of Parallelograms
  • Sub-Unit 1b – Calculating the Area of Triangles
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Determining the Surface Area of Rectangular Prisms

Unit 2

Unit 3

Unit 4

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Dividing Fractions Using Tape Diagrams
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Dividing Fractions Using Common Denominators
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Determining the Volume of Prisms With Fractional Dimensions

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Adding and Subtracting Decimals
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Multiplying Decimals Using Area Models
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Dividing Decimals Using Fractions
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Converting Between Fractions, Percents, and Decimals

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing and Solving Equations
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Writing Equivalent Expressions Using the Area Model
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Evaluating Expressions With Exponents
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Interpreting Graphs

Unit 7

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Ordering and Comparing Positive and Negative Numbers
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Identifying Solutions to Inequalities
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Plotting Points on the Coordinate Plane

Unit 8

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Creating Dot Plots
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Mean Absolute Deviation
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Interpreting Box Plots
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Predicting Population Using Sample Data (For use with Amplify Desmos Math New York)
  • Sub-Unit 5 – Predicting Sample Spaces Using Proportional Relationship (For use with Amplify Desmos Math New York)

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Using Ratios to Determine the Scale Factor Between Scaled Copies
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Ratios to Determine Unknown Scales in Scale Drawings

Unit 2

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining the Constant of Proportionality
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Writing Equations for Proportional Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Comparing Proportional Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Representing Proportional Relationships with Multiple Representations

Unit 3

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining the Circumference of a Circle
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Areas of Complex Shapes

Unit 4

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Adding and Subtracting Positive and Negative Number
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Dividing Integers
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Solving Real-World Problems Involving Positive and Negative Numbers

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing Equations from Descriptions and Tape Diagrams
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Equations With Positive and Negative Numbers
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Solving Inequalities

Unit 7

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining Unknown Angle Measures
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Determining If Three Segments Form a Triangle
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating the Surface Area of Prisms

Unit 8

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Predicting Sample Spaces Using Proportional Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Predicting Population Using Sample Data

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining Coordinates After a Rotation
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Rigid Transformations to Determine if Two Figures on the Grid are Congruent
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Determining Unknown Interior and Exterior Angles

Unit 2

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Performing Dilations on a Square Grid
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Determining Missing Side Lengths in Similar Triangles
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating Slope By Drawing Similar Triangles on a Coordinate Plane

Unit 3

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing Equations to Represent Proportional Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Interpreting Slope and Intercepts of Linear Relationships
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating Slope Given Two Points

Unit 4

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Solve Single-Variable Equations with Parentheses
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Graphing

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Justifying Whether a Graph Represents a Function
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Comparing Properties of Linear Functions
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating Volumes of Cylinders

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Interpreting Points on a Scatter Plot
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Lines of Fit to Make Predictions
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Calculating Missing Values in Two-Way Tables

Unit 7

Unit 8

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Approximating Square Roots
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Unknown Side Lengths
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Identifying Rational and Irrational Numbers

Unit 1

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Determining If a Sequence is Arithmetic, Geometric or Neither
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Using Visual Patterns or Terms in the Sequence to Write Explicit Expressions for Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

Unit 2

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Solving Linear Equations
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Multi-Variable Linear Equations
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Graphing Solutions of Two-Variable Linear Inequalities

Unit 3

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Calculating Values in Two-Way and Relative Frequency Tables
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Comparing Data Using Mean and Standard Deviation
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Interpreting Slope and y-intercept in Context

Unit 4

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Evaluating Function Notation
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Writing Domain and Range with Inequalities
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Graphing Piecewise-Defined Functions
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Writing Recursive Definitions in Function Notation

Unit 5

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Solving Systems of Linear Equations by Substitution
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Graphing Solutions to Systems of Inequalities

Unit 6

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Writing Exponential Functions from Graphs
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Calculating Percent Change in Exponential Functions
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Writing Equivalent Expressions Using Radicals and Rational Exponents
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Writing Exponential Functions Involving Compound Interest

Unit 7

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Describing Key Features of Parabolas
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Graphing Quadratic Functions in Factored Form
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Writing Quadratic Functions in Vertex Form

Unit 8

  • Sub-Unit 1 – Rewriting Factored-Form Expressions in Standard Form
  • Sub-Unit 2 – Solving Quadratic Equations by Graphing
  • Sub-Unit 3 – Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square
  • Sub-Unit 4 – Solving Quadratic Equations Using the Quadratic Formula

Access Amplify Desmos Math at home.

Your student will have access to all learning, practice, and assessment materials through the Amplify platform. Students can access the digital curriculum in school and at home by following these simple instructions.

  • Click the Amplify Desmos Math button.
  • Select Log in with Amplify.
  • Enter the username and password provided by your student’s teacher.
  • Select the desired grade level.

Once logged in, you and your student can view work by opening previous assignments.

Learn how to navigate the student home page.

Support math learning at home.

You can support your student’s math learning outside of school in many ways:

Relate math to daily activities at home, whether you’re baking, grocery shopping, or planning a trip. Your student can help you calculate the prices when you use a coupon, figure out how to cut a recipe in half, or determine the amount of gas you’ll need to make it to your destination.

Invite your student to walk you through how they solved each problem or talk about any parts that were challenging for them. To encourage the use of math language, consider asking, “How do you know?,” “How can you show your thinking?,” or “How would you describe that?” If students get stuck, consider asking questions like, “What information do you know here?” or “How could you represent this problem?”

Remind your student that getting stuck is part of the process and a necessary—beneficial, even!—part of learning. Many students (and adults) fear making mistakes. But research shows that making mistakes helps our brains grow. When your student gets stuck on a problem, encourage them to keep trying different strategies, even if they’re not sure they’re right.

We hope your student enjoys exploring math, working with friends to solve problems, and learning new and interesting concepts. And we hope you enjoy this exciting math journey with them!

Get more information.

Have a question about Amplify Desmos Math? Visit our help library to search for articles with answers to your program questions. For additional support, please contact your student’s teacher.

Grade 6

Unit 1: Expressions and Equations: Area, Algebraic Expressions, and Exponents

iReady ClassroomDesmos Math 6–A1
Lesson 1: Find the Area of a ParallelogramUnit 1
Lesson 3: Exploring Parallelograms (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 4: Off the Grid
Lesson 2: Find the Area of Triangles and Other PolygonsUnit 1
Lesson 7: Off the Grid, Part 2
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 3: Use Nets to Find Surface AreaUnit 1
Lesson 11: Nothing But Nets (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 4: Work with Algebraic ExpressionsUnit 6
Lesson 6: Vari-apples
Lesson 5: Write and Evaluate Expressions with ExponentsUnit 6
Lesson 4: Hanging it Up
Lesson 5: Swap and Solve (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 6: Find Greatest Common Factor and Least Common MultipleUnit 5
Lesson 14: Common Multiples
Lesson 15: Common Factors
Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Unit 2: Decimals and Fractions: Base-Ten Operations, Division with Fractions, and Volume

Unit 3: Ratio Reasoning: Ratio Concepts and Equivalent Ratios

Unit 4: Ratio Reasoning: Unit Rates and Percent

Unit 5: Algebraic Thinking: Equivalent Expressions and Equations with Variables

Unit 6: Positive and Negative Numbers: Absolute Value, Inequalities, and the Coordinate Plane

Lesson 23: Understand Positive and Negative NumbersUnit 7
Lesson 1: Can You Dig It [Free lesson]
Lesson 4: Sub-Zero
Lesson 24: Order Positive and Negative NumbersUnit 7
Lesson 2: Digging Deeper
Lesson 3: Order in the Class (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 25: Understand Absolute ValueUnit 7
Lesson 5: Distance on the Number Line
Practice Day 1 (Print available)
Lesson 26: Write and Graph One-Variable InequalitiesUnit 7
Lesson 6: Tunnel Travels [Free lesson]
Lesson 7: Comparing Weights
Lesson 8: Shira’s Solutions
Lesson 27: Understand the Four-Quadrant Coordinate PlaneUnit 7
Lesson 9: Sand Dollar Search
Lesson 10: The A-maze-ing Coordinate Plane
Lesson 11: Polygon Maker
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 28: Solve Problems in the Coordinate PlaneUnit 7
Lesson 12: Graph Telephone
Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Unit 7: Statistical Thinking: Data Distributions and Measures of Center and Variability

Grade 7

Unit 1: Proportional Relationships: Ratios, Rates, and Circles

Unit 2: Numbers and Operations: Add and Subtract Rational Numbers

Unit 3: Numbers and Operations: Multiply and Divide Rational Numbers

Lesson 11: Understand Multiplication with Negative IntegersUnit 5
Lesson 6: Floating in Groups
Lesson 7: Back in Time
Lesson 12: Multiply and Divide with Negative NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 8: Speeding Turtles
Lesson 13: Express Rational Numbers as Terminating or Repeating DecimalsUnit 4
Lesson 13: Decimal Deep Dive (Print available)
Lesson 14: Use the Four Operations with Negative NumbersUnit 5
Lesson 10: Integer Puzzles [Free lesson]
Lesson 13: Solar Panels and More (Print available)
Practice Day 2  (Print available)

Unit 4: Algebraic Thinking: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Unit 5: Proportional Reasoning: Percents and Statistical Samples

Unit 6: Geometry: Solids, Triangles, and Angles

Lesson 25: Solve Problems Involving Area and Surface AreaUnit 7
Lesson 12: Surface Area Strategies (Print available)
Lesson 26: Solve Problems Involving VolumeUnit 7
Lesson 10: Simple Prisms
Lesson 11: More Complicated Prisms
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 27: Describe Plane Sections of Three-Dimensional FiguresUnit 7
Lesson 9: Slicing Solids
Lesson 28: Find Unknown Angle MeasuresUnit 7
Lesson 1: Pinwheels
Lesson 2: Friendly Angles [Free lesson]
Lesson 4: Missing Measures (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 29: Draw Plane Figures with Given ConditionsUnit 7
Lesson 6: Is It Enough
Lesson 7: More Than One?
Lesson 8: Can You Draw It? (Print available)
Practice Day 1 (Print available)

Unit 7: Probability: Theoretical Probability, Experimental Probability, and Compound Events

Lesson 30: Understand ProbabilityUnit 8
Lesson 1: How Likely? (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Prob-bear-bilities [Free lesson]
Lesson 31: Solve Problems Involving Experimental ProbabilityUnit 8
Lesson 4: Spin Class
Lesson 5: Is It Fair?
Lesson 32: Solve Problems Involving Probability ModelsUnit 8
Lesson 6: Fair Games
Lesson 33: Solve Problems Involving Compound EventsUnit 8
Lesson 7: Weather or Not
Lesson 8: Simulate It! (Print available)
Practice Day 1 (Print available)

Grade 8

Unit 1: Geometric Figures: Rigid Transformations and Congruence

iReady ClassroomDesmos Math 6–A1
Lesson 1: Understand Rigid Transformations and Their PropertiesUnit 1
Lesson 1: Transformers [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Spinning, Flipping, Sliding [Free lesson]
Lesson 3: Transformation Golf
Lesson 2: Work with Single Rigid Transformations in the Coordinate PlaneUnit 1
Lesson 4: Moving Day (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 8: No Bending, No Stretching
Lesson 9: Are They Congruent?
Practice Day (Print available)
Lesson 3: Work with Sequences of Transformations and CongruenceUnit 1
Lesson 3: Transformation Golf

Unit 2: Geometric Figures: Transformations, Similarity, and Angle Relationships

Unit 3: Linear Relationships: Slope, Linear Equations, and Systems

Lesson 8: Graph Proportional Relationships and Define SlopeUnit 2
Lesson 9: Water Slide

Unit 3
Lesson 1: Turtle Time Trials [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Water Tank
Lesson 3: Posters
Lesson 7: Water Cooler
Lesson 8: Landing Planes
Lesson 9: Derive and Graph Linear Equations of the Form y = mx + bUnit 3
Lesson 6: Translations
Lesson 9: Coin Capture
Lesson 10: Solve Linear Equations in One VariableUnit 4
Lesson 1: Number Machines
Lesson 2: Keep It Balanced
Lesson 11: Determine the Number of Solutions to One-Variable EquationsUnit 4
Lesson 7: All, Some, or None
Lesson 8: When Are They the Same?
Lesson 12: Understand Systems of Linear Equations in Two VariablesUnit 4
Lesson 9: On or Off the Line?
Lesson 10: On Both Lines
Lesson 13: Solve Systems of Linear Equations AlgebraicallyUnit 4
Lesson 11: Make Them Balance [Free lesson]
Lesson 12: Line Zapper [Free lesson]
Lesson 14: Represent and Solve Problems with Systems of Linear EquationsUnit 4
Lesson 13: All, Some, or None? Part 2
Lesson 14: Strategic Solving, Part 2 (Print available)
Practice Day 2 (Print available)

Unit 4: Functions: Linear and Nonlinear Relationships

Lesson 15: Understand FunctionsUnit 5
Lesson 1: Turtle Crossing [Free lesson]
Lesson 2: Guess My Rule [Free lesson]
Lesson 3: Function or Not?
Lesson 16: Use Functions to Model Linear RelationshipsUnit 5
Lesson 4: Window Frames
Lesson 5: The Tortoise and the Hare [Free lesson]
Lesson 6: Graphing Stories
Lesson 17: Compare Different Representations of Functions
Lesson 18: Analyze Functional Relationships Qualitatively
Unit 5
Lesson 7: Feel the Burn (Print available) [Free lesson]

Unit 5: Integer Exponents: Properties and Scientific Notation

Unit 6: Real Numbers: Rational Numbers, Irrational Numbers, and the Pythagorean Theorem

Lesson 23: Find Square Roots and Cube Roots to Solve ProblemsUnit 8
Lesson 2: From Squares to Roots
Lesson 3: Between Squares
Lesson 4: Root Down [Free lesson]
Lesson 5: Filling Cubes
Lesson 24: Express Rational Numbers as Fractions and DecimalsUnit 8
Lesson 12: Fractions to Decimals
Lesson 13: Decimals to Fractions
Lesson 25: Find Rational Approximations of Irrational NumbersUnit 8
Lesson 10: Taco Truck [Free lesson]
Lesson 26: Understand the Pythagorean Theorem and its ConverseUnit 8
Lesson 6: The Pythagorean Theorem
Lesson 27: Apply the Pythagorean TheoremUnit 8
Lesson 7: Pictures to Prove It
Lesson 8: Triangle-Tracing Turtle [Free lesson]
Lesson 9: Make It Right
Lesson 11: Pond Hopper
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 28: Solve Problems with Volumes of Cylinders, Cones, and SpheresLesson 10: Volume Lab
Lesson 11: Cylinders [Free lesson]
Lesson 12: Scaling Cylinders
Lesson 13: Cones [Free lesson]
Lesson 14: Missing Dimensions (Print available)
Lesson 15: Spheres

Unit 7: Statistics: Two-Variable Data and Fitting a Linear Model

Lesson 29: Analyze Scatter Plots and Fit a Linear Model to DataUnit 6
Lesson 3: Robots [Free lesson]
Lesson 4: Dapper Cats [Free lesson]
Practice Day 1 (Print available) [Free lesson]
Lesson 5: Fit Fight [Free lesson]
Lesson 30: Write and Analyze an Equation for Fitting a Linear Model to DataUnit 6
Lesson 6: Interpreting Slopes
Lesson 7: Scatter Plot CityLesson 8: Animal Brains
Practice Day 2 (Print available)
Lesson 31: Understand Two-Way TablesUnit 6
Lesson 9: Tasty Fruit
Lesson 10: Finding Associations [Free lesson]
Lesson 32: Construct and Interpret Two-Way TablesUnit 6
Lesson 11: Federal Budgets
Practice Day 3

Welcome, North Carolina educators!

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The High-Impact Tutoring Implementation Workshop Series

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About mCLASS in NC

DPI is committed to providing literacy instruction for all by:

  • Aligning core curriculum, instruction, and assessments with Science of Reading.
  • Providing appropriate literacy interventions to address difficulty with reading development.
  • Implementing practices based on the Science of Reading in every classroom every day.
  • Providing aligned resources to parents, guardians and family members.

mCLASS is built on decades of research at the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon, a national center for early childhood assessment and instruction. The measures are already in use in many districts in North Carolina. With the additional mCLASS suite including reporting, grouping, lessons and caregiver support, DPI’s early literacy goals for North Carolina students will be met.

North Carolina mCLASS DIBELS 8 requirements

DIBELS 8th Edition fulfills legislative requirements for K-3 students with sub test measures for:

  • Phonemic awareness
  • Phonics
  • Fluency
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension

For the above reasons, the state will begin using DIBELS 8 data for EVAAS purposes effective 2021-22 from MOY-EOY for Kindergarten, BOY-EOY for all 1-2 teachers, and BOG-EOG for grade 3.

DIBELS measures at each grade level
Measure Grade K Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3
Letter naming fluency    
Phonemic segmentation fluency    
Nonsense word fluency
Word reading fluency
Oral reading fluency  
Maze (basic comprehension)    
Required additional measures at each grade level below 
Oral language
Vocabulary

Amplify assessment invalidation process

  1. Teacher requests approval for an invalidation from a school-level administrator and provides a valid reason for requesting the invalidation.
  2. School-level administrators reach out to the district Read to Achieve (RtA) contact to approve the invalidation.
  3. District RtA contact approves the request and notifies the school-level administrator who notifies the teacher.
  4. Teacher invalidates assessment.

Professional Learning

Stay tuned for new registration links!

Stay tuned for new registration links!

Preparing for EOY (Administrators and Enrollment)

North Carolina Online Course

All of our monthly webinars will be linked in the online course. You will access the North Carolina Online Course to view previous webinars.

  1. When you open your course you will see a navigation panel along the left hand side. 
  2. At the top of this panel, you will see a small back arrow by the title mCLASS in North Carolina Initial Training. 
  3. Click on that back arrow to be taken to the beginning of the course with the introduction.
  4. When you land on that Introduction page along the left panel, you will see the welcome to the course. 
  5. Scroll down that left panel to the section titled Monthly Recorded Webinars, within that section you will see a link to the page where we are posting the webinars, click on the “this page” link.

mCLASS DIBELS 8th Edition online course

As part of the implementation of mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition for the 2023-24 school year, all North Carolina educators will have access to a self-paced online course as a support for a successful implementation and to serve as a resource throughout the school year.

Learn how to:

  • Administer and score mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition Interpret student data Identify students’ instructional need Access skills-focused lessons.
  • Plan differentiated instruction.
  • Please contact your district for access information to the online course. Districts received the link for the course in the DPI memo. Please reach out to your DPI consultant for assistance.

Monthly Webinar recordings will be placed on the Online Course site upon the completion of each session.

In addition, PSUs may purchase additional remote or in-person training sessions. Amplify offers in-person training options pending:

  • agreement to Amplify’s Covid safety guidelines, and
  • confirmation of availability for the requested training date.

Contact us for more information on additional PD.

Reading Camp

Overview

The Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021 defines “Reading camp” as an additional educational program outside the instructional calendar that the local school administrative unit offers as a literacy intervention to:

  1. any third-grade student who does not demonstrate reading proficiency and
  2. any second-grade student who demonstrates difficulty with reading development. Local school administrative units may offer a reading camp as a literacy intervention to any first-grade student who demonstrates difficulty with reading development.

Resources

The resources below review the Summer Benchmark assessment, Reading Camp data, and explain enrollment for Reading Camp. 

Please Note: Do not make any manual changes in the Amplify platform prior to June 1st, 2026. Any changes made before this date will be overwritten. 

Additional support:

We will be hosting office hours each Wednesday from 2:00 pm-2:30 pm EDT starting May 20th, 2026 and continuing through July 15th, 2026. This is a time for you to chat directly with us so we can help answer any questions you may have regarding reading camp.

Click here to join the office hours.

Office hours will occur on the following dates:

  • May 20th
  • May 27th
  • June 3rd
  • June 10th
  • June 17th
  • June 24th
  • July 1st
  • July 8th
  • July 15th

Please note that this is not a presentation, but a chance to ask questions and receive specific support. 

Enrollment resources

Each night, DPI extracts rostering files from Infinite Campus and sends them to Amplify. Changes in the enrollment system are captured in mCLASS the next day. As a reminder, no manual changes can take place in mCLASS.

In order to be included in the staff file sent to mCLASS from Infinite Campus, staff members must have a Read to Achieve role assigned to them. It is also important to ensure staff members are active, have a district assignment (Navigation to verify district assignment: Search Staff > Census > Staff > District Assignments), and an email address associated with NCEdCloud; If a staff member receives a “user not found” message when attempting to log in to mCLASS via NCEdCloud, this means they do not have a staff record enrolled in mCLASS.

Additional troubleshooting documents around enrollment can be found here.

Infinite Campus Resources:

mCLASS reporting

mCLASS gives you instant results and clear next steps for each student. Quick and actionable reports provide detailed insight into students’ reading development across foundational literacy skills for teachers, specialists, administrators, and caregivers.

View the mCLASS Reporting Guide to learn more.

Charter Schools

More information coming soon!

Remote assessment

We at Amplify and the team at the University of Oregon are here to provide continued guidance and support around collecting and using DIBELS® 8th Edition data.

This guide offers recommendations for benchmark assessment with DIBELS as well as tips for interpreting benchmark data during our unpredictable school disruptions.

North Carolina remote assessment guidance

Service Hub

Amplify Service Hub Now Live:
The Service Hub is an online portal which allows district- and school-level administrators to create support tickets, check on ticket status, and view reports related to support cases. Educators who have an RtA Admin role have access to the Service Hub. You can access the Service Hub here. Log in with the SSO Login icon and search for North Carolina Public Schools. Your NCEdCloud credentials will enable you to access the Service Hub.

Learn about navigating, viewing insights, and more in the

Amplify Service Hub Overview.

Spanish in NC

mCLASS Lectura is available for all students enrolled in a Dual Language program. When mCLASS Lectura is used with D8 teachers have access to the dual language report. This report provides side-by-side data of the student’s performance in Spanish and English. 

Then mCLASS suggests actual strategies and specific activities to promote cross-linguistic transfer for bilingual students.

If you have students that would benefit from this assessment but are not enrolled in a dual language program, individual licenses can be purchased. Please reach out to your CSM and Jennifer Eason, your Account Executive, for more information.

Science of Reading resources

To continue your own professional learning around the Science of Reading, subscribe and join with your colleagues.

Science of Reading: The Podcast delivers the latest insights from researchers and practitioners in early reading. Further your professional development with each episode by subscribing and downloading them now.

Science of Reading: The Community is built for those committed to fostering conversation around the Science of Reading and implementing best practices in the classroom (including the virtual classroom).

What does classroom instruction look like when it is based on Science of Reading practices? We’ve outlined a Science of Reading action plan to guide your evaluation in our new FREE ebook, Science of Reading: Making the shift.

Caregiver supports

The mCLASS Home Connect website houses literacy resources for parents and caregivers, including at-home lessons organized by skill to help students at home during remote learning. Our mCLASS parent/caregiver letters in English and Spanish ensure that families know how to best support their child.

Screenshot of the mclass home connect website showing educational activities in three categories: word race, count the ways, and mystery game, with navigation options at the top.

Support

NCDPI has been provided with its own dedicated support line: +1 (888) 890-2505
The current national support line will remain available and include the North Carolina option on the phone tree throughout the fall.

FAQs

Interested in learning more?

Amplify and NC DPI are collaborating on this FAQ. Please continue to check back, as we are updating this based on questions we receive about mCLASS and the current NC implementation.

FAQ Link

Additional Amplify products

Get in touch with us to learn more about bringing other high-quality Amplify programs to your school or district.

Frequently asked questions

The following FAQ contains the answers to some of the most common questions that we receive from pilot teachers like you.

Still have questions? Your dedicated pilot support coordinator would be happy to help. His or her contact information can be found in the pilot support brochure you received during your pilot implementation training. If you prefer, request that your pilot support coordinator gets in touch with you by completing this form.

A teacher discusses educational content in front of a whiteboard while students in the classroom raise their hands eagerly.

Program questions

It’s true. Our teacher’s guide does not look like the typical guide that comes with a traditional textbook. Here’s why: we aren’t a traditional textbook program. Rather, we’re a next generation curriculum designed to support a shift to a whole new way of teaching science.

With this shift, your district will be faced with supporting a wide-variety of needs from a wide-variety of teachers. For that reason, the resources required to successfully implement a new program will vary considerably from teacher to teacher. That’s precisely why our Teacher’s Reference Guide is chock full of so many rich and varied resources. From scientific background knowledge to suggested teacher talk, standards maps to materials lists, and lesson preparation notes and classroom management tips to strategies for differentiating instruction, this guide is truly meant to serve as an instructional reference.

For everyday instructional use, we recommend that busy classroom teachers use Classroom Slides, which are now available for most K–5 units and will be coming soon for grades 6–8.

Also known as our hands-free TG, Classroom Slides are a brand-new teaching resource that makes delivering daily instruction easy and fun. With a fully customizable PPT available for every lesson of the program, teachers can put down the Teacher’s Guide and focus on what matters most—their students.

Classroom Slides are:

  • Available offline, which means no more sweating unreliable internet connections.
  • Streamlined for easy lesson delivery, including lesson visuals, activity instructions and transitions, animations, investigation setup videos, technology support, and more.
  • Fully editable, allowing teachers to incorporate their own flavor, flair, and favorite resources.

Our development team is working as quickly as possible to make Classroom Slides available to all teachers. That said, at this time they are only available for the first and second units of each grade K–5, with the remaining units being released over the next few months. Due to the popularity of Classroom Slides at the elementary level, development for grades 6–8 is now underway, with all units scheduled for completion by the 2020-2021 school year.

Not to worry. Amplify Science California was developed with plenty of wiggle room built right into the program. This means that you can relax knowing that there’s ample time to get it all done.
 
Most curricula provide 180 days of lessons despite knowing that the typical classroom can’t possibly complete everything in a given school year. Rather than asking you to wade through unnecessary content, we designed a program that addresses 100 percent of the California NGSS in just 66 days at grades K–2 and 88 days at grades 3–5, and 146 days at grades 6–8.

While we took great care in ensuring cohesiveness across units and grade levels, we also know that the ability level of your students changes from year to year. As a result, you need a program that provides adaptable and flexible pacing, and that empowers you to make instructional decisions in the moment.

As you evaluate how well Amplify Science California can accommodate your pacing needs, consider the following:

Progress Builds: Our Progress Builds describe the way in which students’ understanding of the central phenomenon should develop and deepen over the course of a unit. Each Progress Build defines several levels of understanding, with each level integrating and building upon the knowledge and skills from lower levels. Because these Progress Builds are directly tied to the program’s system of assessments, teachers are armed with the data they need to make informed decisions about when to move on, when to slow down, and when to revisit a concept and dive deeper.

A chart titled Animal and Plant Defenses Progress Build outlines three levels of understanding about survival strategies in animals and plants.

Multiple at-bats: Rather than introducing a concept on Monday, testing for mastery on Friday, and knowing students will forget everything by the next Tuesday, we set out to help students build meaningful and lasting knowledge that they can retain and transfer over the course of the entire unit. We accomplish this by giving students multiple opportunities (a.k.a. “at-bats”) to encounter, explore, and experience a concept. Said another way, Amplify Science California is actually made up of a series of multi-modal “mini-lessons”. This intentional cyclical and iterative design mirrors the 5Es, allows teachers the flexibility to speed up or skip ahead once students have demonstrated mastery, and empowers students to learn concepts more deeply than any other program. 

Graphic showing a research process with four steps: spark intrigue with a real-world problem, explore evidence, explain and elaborate, and evaluate claims, connected in a cycle with arrows.

Extension activities: When some students are ready to move on and others are not, our unit extension activities can be a big help. Found in the Lesson Brief section of both the digital and printed Teacher’s Guide, these activities ensure that advanced learners remain engaged and challenged while teachers help the rest of the class build the foundational knowledge they need to be successful later in the unit.

What’s important to remember is that more hands-on doesn’t necessarily mean better, at least according to the California NGSS. That’s because only two of the eight Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) are directly related to hands-on learning. 

Just as scientists gather evidence from many types of sources, so do students in the Amplify Science California program. Like scientists, students gather evidence from physical models, digital models, texts, videos, photographs, maps, and data sets. By doing so, we provide students more opportunities than any other program to practice using all of the practices called out in the California NGSS Framework.

NGSS 8 Science Practices

  1. Asking questions
  2. Developing and using models
  3. Planning and carrying out investigations
  4. Analyzing and interpreting data
  5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
  6. Constructing explanations
  7. Engaging in arguments from evidence
  8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

While all of our units engage students in gathering evidence from a rich collection of sources, the reliance on different types of evidence (and evidence sources) varies according to unit. For instance, some units lend themselves to meaningful hands-on experiences, while in other units the phenomena students are investigating are too slow, too dangerous, or too big to be observed directly. In those units, students rely more heavily on other evidence sources such a physical models or simulations.

Unit types in grades K–5
In each K–5 grade, there is one unit that emphasizes investigation, one that emphasizes modeling, and one that emphasizes design. In addition, in grades 3–5, there is also one unit that emphasizes argumentation.

Unit types in grades 6–8
Each 6–8 grade features three types of units: LaunchCore, and Engineering Internships. Each year has one Launch unit, six Core units, and two Engineering Internships.

For teachers who wish to supplement the lessons with even more hands-on activities, optional “flextension” activities are included in many units.

As a blended curriculum, districts who adopt Amplify Science California are outfitted with a variety of print and digital resources as well as hands-on materials kits. To explore the specific components of the program, visit our What’s Included page.

As our customers will tell you, when you adopt Amplify Science California, you aren’t just buying a science curriculum, you’re joining a family. As such, along with materials, your adoption of Amplify Science California also includes care and support through a variety of staff and resources, including: customer support specialists, pedagogical support specialist, implementation specialists, professional learning specialists, educational partnership managers, and more.

Technical questions

To ensure that your hardware and network meet the minimum technical requirements for optimal performance and support of your digital curriculum products please see Amplify’s customer requirements page.

Absolutely! While 1:1 scenarios are great, they aren’t required. That’s because all Amplify Science California lessons were designed with device sharing in mind, and never assume that every student has a separate device. 

When the use of practice apps is called for in a lesson, you have several options:

  • If internet access is unavailable—“Preload” the digital tool on your device or devices for use offline.
  • If limited student devices are available—Have students do the activities in pairs or small groups.
  • If no student devices are available—Project the digital tool to the class and either “drive” the digital tool yourself or invite students to “drive” by using your device.

learning.amplify.com gives you access to the digital Teacher’s Guide and also gives your students (grades 68) access to the digital student experience.

apps.learning.amplify.com/elementary gives your students (grades 25) access to any practice apps referenced in the instruction. The teacher will either need to log in using their credentials, or have student accounts set up.

Tech headaches are never fun. However, implementing the following tips can help you keep the tech gremlins away.

  • Display the student URLs near the classroom display materials.
  • Before you start a unit, download all unit and lesson resources using the Offline Guide found in the Unit Guide of your digital Teacher’s Guide. In the event that connectivity issues strike, you will still be able to conduct your lessons without interruption.
  • Use Chrome or Safari if possible as these are our preferred browsers.
  • Disable pop-up blockers on all devices being used to support lessons.
  • Be prepared for some webpages to open in a new tab and for PDF files to download automatically.
  • Check and test your connections to any projection devices that you might be using throughout the lesson.
  • Display the student URLs near the classroom display materials.

The science behind our skills instruction

Every day in the Amplify CKLA K–2 classrooms, students practice their existing reading skills while stretching themselves toward new goals.

Regardless their grade level, all students will experience Skills instruction that is:

  • Reserach-based: The program is built out of an exhaustive review of reading research, with special emphasis on the findings of the National Reading Panel, Diane McGuinness, Marilyn Jager Adams, and Louisa Moats.
  • Explicit: All 44 sounds and their 150 spellings in the English language are taught, practiced, and mastered in diverse settings.
  • Sequential: An intentional sequence of instruction that gradually builds in complexity ensures students master concepts and gain independence before moving forward.
  • Rewarding: Decodable chapter-books and engaging stories featuring dynamic plots and characters inspire kids to read more.

In addition, Skills instruction within the program reflects four key principles.

All Amplify CKLA skills instruction starts with phonological awareness, which research shows benefits the greatest number of students. Students begin by learning to recognize sounds, as well as to articulate them.

Una guía detallada sobre la integración de habilidades, con aspectos destacados que incluyen oportunidades de evaluación, enfoque en la interacción profesor-alumno, sesiones de práctica y pasos para involucrar a los estudiantes en el aprendizaje.

Sound Library
The Sound Library provides additional digital support and practice. Sound videos show mouth movements to help students practice articulating new sounds, while sound songs have fun, catchy lyrics that help kids learn to recognize the sounds they’ve just learned.

Once students are familiar with a sound, they’ll learn to analyze it in terms of phonemes, which begins to build the bridge between sounds and letter codes. We support you and your students with a variety of techniques and remediations designed to integrate well into your existing classroom.

Once students can recognize sounds, they learn to form the corresponding letter codes. Amplify CKLA starts by teaching the sound-spellings that appear most frequently in English, which lets your students read and write as many words as possible, as soon as possible.

Amplify CKLA lessons continue to challenge students as they progress, introducing complications like multisyllabic words, “tricky words,” and homophones. In each case, students encounter complications as they become ready for them.

Una página de texto educativo con secciones sobre escritura, gestos multimodales y práctica de morfología. El cuadro "Verificar comprensión" y las páginas de actividades 6.2 y 5.4 están resaltados.

In addition, as students progress through the grades, skills practice continues but becomes integrated with the overall curriculum.

Proven resources for practicing skills

Great reading instruction starts with helping kids develop great reading skills.

In addition to separating skill development lessons from lessons that emphasize comprehension, Amplify CKLA utilizes carefully crafted resources that give kids confidence. As a result, the program helps student develop the foundational skills they need without delaying them from learning key vocabulary and critical thinking skills.

As students move through the curriculum, their understanding of the code becomes more sophisticated. That’s in large part due to Amplify CKLA’s decodable readers that grow more advanced along with students’ skills.

Un hombre sostiene un perro amarillo mientras una mula mira por la ventana. El texto narra los sentimientos de la mula al ser excluida porque el hombre trata mejor al perro.

Throughout the K–2 Skills units, we ask students to practice their writing skills along with their reading. Student book reports on the readers and other reflective assignments help build good writing habits early and prepare students for the challenges ahead.

Skills scopes and sequences by grade

Download scopes and sequences for each grade below.

Dyslexia supports within Amplify CKLA

Amplify CKLA is based on decades of cognitive science and classroom-based research and includes phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency as central literacy components.

The International Dyslexia Association defines Structured Literacy as an approach that focuses on systematic and explicit instruction in word identification and decoding, and includes the following elements: phonology, sound-symbol association, syllables, morphology, syntax, semantics. Further, Structured Literacy calls for evidence-based teaching principles such as:

  • Systematic and cumulative instruction.
  • Explicit instruction that includes multisensory teaching.
  • diagnostic element so teachers can use evidence from formal and informal assessments to make adjustments in the classroom.

Amplify CKLA not only includes all of these elements, it was built on them.

In Grades K–2, the program uses a unique two-strand instructional approach to target knowledge and skills. The scope and sequence intentionally builds foundational skills by:

  • Beginning with critical phonological awareness and phonemic awareness instruction before moving into letter-sound knowledge and basic and advanced decoding and encoding.
  • Giving students opportunities to practice decoding and word recognition skills both in isolation and in connected text using 100% decodable readers.
  • Ensuring new skills are taught explicitly, practiced and reviewed regularly, and assessed frequently with checks for understanding, formative assessments, and formal assessments, including diagnostic/placement assessments and benchmark assessments.

For students who need more help with decoding and encoding words Amplify CKLA provides activities and materials for targeted reinforcement and intervention by way of two online resources:

  • Assessment and Remediation Guides for K-3
  • Intervention Toolkit

Contact us

Have a question about the program? Your Account Executive, Tommy Gearhart, is happy to help.

Tommy Gearhart
Senior Account Executive
505-206-7661
tgearhart@amplify.com

Utah – USBE Data Analysis for K-3 Reading Assessment Program – New

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Introduction

Amplify’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Benchmark Assessments are designed to help teachers measure student progress toward the three dimensions—Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs),  Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts(CCCs)—and performance expectations (PEs) of the NGSS. The assessments provide important insight into how students are progressing toward mastery of different standards ahead of high-stakes, end-of-year assessments.

The NGSS Benchmark assessments are built to be delivered after specific units in the recommended Amplify Science scope and sequence*. They are given 3–4 times per year, depending on the grade level. The benchmarks are intended to show progress at various points in time across a school year, and are therefore not summative in nature. Digital items and item clusters are also tagged to specific NGSS standards, allowing customization to align with other course sequences. The assessments are available via the following platforms:

Print

  • PDF files: For administering Benchmark Assessments on paper

Digital

  • Illuminate
  • SchoolCity
  • Otus
  • QTI (“Question and Test Interoperability”) files
    • Not sure whether QTI files are compatible with your assessment platform? Contact your school IT or assessment platform representative for more information. 
    • Please note that Amplify is able to provide access to the QTI files themselves, but is not able to support the integration process. Your assessment platform provider should be able to assist with  QTI file integration.

*The Amplify NGSS Benchmark Assessments are separate from the Amplify Science program. They were not created by the Lawrence Hall of Science.

Current customers

If you are a current NGSS Benchmark assessment customer looking for information about the assessments, see this help page.

Assessment structure and scoring

Structure
Each assessment is structured in two segments, and designed to be administered in a 90 minute session.

  • Segment A: a sequence of multiple choice questions
  • Segment B: a series of performance tasks, short responses, and multiple choice questions

Grades 3–5 have 4 benchmark assessments per grade, with 14–15 items per assessment.

Grades 6–8 have 3 benchmark assessments per grade, with 25–26 items per assessment. Grades 6–8 can be structured to follow either an integrated or a discipline/domain model.

Scoring
Each NGSS dimension is tested by a minimum of 3 items per grade level. Reporting categories are defined at multiple levels, including individual NGSS dimensions and Performance Expectations.

Each item carries a recommended value of 1–3 points, and each assessment is accompanied by a teacher Scoring Guide that details for each item:

  • NGSS standards alignment
  • Depth of Knowledge (DOK)
  • Answer Key
  • Item Type
  • Recommended score

Sample Assessment Items

Grade 3 Benchmark Assessment Form D

Grade 5 Benchmark Assessment Form D

Earth and Space Science Benchmark Assessment Form A

Frequently asked questions

Question Answer

Are the Benchmarks aligned with Amplify Science unit content?

Not exactly. Amplify provides a recommended placement for Benchmark assessments after particular sets of units in the Amplify Science sequence, based on general standards coverage in those units. The content of the Benchmarks is more broadly tied to the NGSS dimensions and performance expectations, rather than the specific content/phenomena of the Amplify Science units. These recommendations are visible on the Benchmark Assessments page for current customers.

Can the Benchmarks replace the Amplify Science curriculum assessments?

Definitely not! The pre-unit, critical juncture, and post-unit assessments embedded in the Amplify Science curriculum are designed to assess students’ progress toward the learning goals (the progress builds and phenomena) specific to each unit.

In contrast, the Benchmark assessments were designed to measure student progress toward the NGSS dimensions and performance expectations ahead of end-of-year tests. Benchmarks should NOT be graded, or used in place of the unit assessments.

How can I access the Benchmarks?

If your school or school district has purchased Amplify Science, the app will be linked in your Global Navigation Menu (see screenshot below). That page contains information on administering the Benchmarks on all available platforms, as well as links to download any files you might need, such as printable PDFs.

Screenshot of an educational website for 3rd grade science featuring menu icons for various modules like "library", "gradebook", and sections on "inheritance", "weather and climate".

The High Impact Tutoring Implementation Workshop Series

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Amplifying Your District Award winner

This Amplifying Your District Award honored two district leaders who are driving change using the Science of Reading in 2021. Motivated by low literacy rates in her school district, Alli Rice dug into the research behind the Science of Reading because she was determined to increase equity. Through various events and Knowledge Builders for the teachers in her care, she then effectively led the shift to a research-based curriculum in her district. Read on for our conversation with Alli about her work with the Science of Reading!

What does the Science of Reading mean to you?

For me, it’s really about equity. Thousands of kids are already a step behind because of their skin color, their neighborhood, or their zip code,  all of these things that really shouldn’t define their academic ability or their opportunity in life. I’ve looked at statistics around prison populations and illiteracy rates. Some, so many adults are functionally illiterate and they can’t fully understand. They can’t even read their prescriptions.

I also work for a district where most of our kids are on the lower end for socioeconomic status. We have a very high ELL population and 63 home languages spoken in my district. And we are the urban center of our area. Historically, we have been a balanced literacy district, but we have watched our test scores decline.

Since discovering the Science of Reading and this completely different approach to teaching literacy, I feel like I have unlocked Pandora’s box of potential. By addressing our core and aligning our teaching practices, our students can feel success and our teachers will, too. My teachers here have the biggest hearts of any educators I have ever worked with, and they work tirelessly day in and day out to support our students. We try to provide as many enrichment opportunities to all of our kids and to expose them to the greatest and the best. The ability to read, to me, is the greatest civil right. If we’re not providing them that, I can’t sleep at night.

What news, materials, or information do you consume to help you teach?

We use Amplify CKLA and Amplify Reading and those programs are just wonderful. I am also an avid listener of Science of Reading: The Podcast. We arranged for Natalie Wexler and Susan Lambert to do a live professional development session in our district, which was so fantastic, especially for our most reluctant coaches and administrators. Our district-wide LETRS training has also been life-changing. We currently have 800 people who are completing the training, which has helped to align the district and put us all on this path to success.

One particularly impactful thing, and that I rely heavily on for support, is my teacher cadre. Each cadre is about 14 teachers in the district and they represent all of our clusters. We’ve partnered up with our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department to do text bias reviews on materials, which has been important for our adaptations for cultural responsiveness. Our selection cadre came from that as well, when we landed on Amplify CKLA for K–3. The teacher input and camaraderie I get from my cadre is so instrumental and I am so grateful for them.

What advice do you have for teachers starting out with the Science of Reading?

Find your people, find your community. I remember Margaret Goldberg’s presentation during last spring’s Science of Reading symposium, and how she said you need to find your dots,  you need to seek out like-minded people and go where they are. Find those people who are ready to make the change like you are, or perhaps have already done it, and can be that positive support system you need to make a difference. Don’t be afraid to message people on Twitter or Facebook or LinkedIn, ask about their experiences, and build that community around you. Find the ones who are going to partner with you, who will lead you the right way, who will take your calls. And read all the books!

Watch the Science of Reading awards show!

MTSS vs. RTI in literacy instruction: What’s the difference?

MTSS, RTI, SoR—it seems that teaching students to read requires educators to be literate in an ever-growing number of frameworks, approaches, systems, and types of developmental reading assessment and educational intervention.

It’s understandable, then, that not all educators know the differences and nuances among these terms, or that they may use them interchangeably or to mean one thing, when they actually mean another.

So, what is MTSS? What is RTI? What is MTSS vs. RTI? That is: What is the difference between an MTSS framework and RTI? What roles do they play in structured literacy? How are they informed by the Science of Reading (SoR)?

We’re here to help you sort it all out.

First, the core definitions

Science of Reading: As we described in an earlier post, the Science of Reading refers to the pedagogy and practices that extensive research has found to be most effective for teaching children to read.

And it’s not just optimism—it’s science. With explicit, systematic instruction, all students can learn to read at or near grade level.

When implemented in a classroom, the Science of Reading is part of a system—one that aligns with a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports): The Center on Multi-Tiered System of Supports offers this go-to definition: “A multi-tiered system of supports is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student achievement and support students’ social, emotional, and behavior needs from a strengths-based perspective.”

Its four defining components are as follows:

  1. Screening
  2. Progress monitoring
  3. Establishing a multi-level prevention system
  4. Making data-based decisions

RTI (Response to Intervention): The very name of RTI shows that it’s a response to an identified problem. Actually, it’s a process and series of academic responses that use data to pinpoint and address the specific challenges of struggling students.

MTSS and RTI are similar in that “they are both problem-solving models,” notes Dr. Brittney Bills, curriculum coordinator at Grand Island Public Schools, speaking with host Susan Lambert on a recent episode of Amplify’s Science of Reading: The Podcast.

Now, the fundamental differences

MTSS and RTI are similar, and can be related—even intertwined. But they are not interchangeable.

  1. RTI is part of an MTSS framework—not the other way around. “MTSS is that broader umbrella,” says Nancy Nelson, assistant professor of special education at Boston University, in our webinar Data-driven Instruction Within an MTSS Framework: The key to implementing the Science of Reading.
  2. MTSS starts with all students. “With the MTSS model, the thought is that the universal tier is the first intervention for all students,” says Dr. Bills, referring to the curriculum, instruction, and assessments provided to all students at a given grade level. We can ask: “What does our data demonstrate that our students need within that universal tier? And how can we apply evidence-based practices, as they relate to the Science of Reading, to beef up opportunities for our students there first? Then it’s a layering-on of supports and problem-solving at those other layers, the targeted and intensive tiers, after that.”
  3. MTSS supports prevention. This distinction goes hand in hand with those already mentioned. We start universal, then identify issues. Though RTI is necessary and effective, MTSS has the aim, and the capacity, to both get at-risk readers back on track and prevent the need for intervention down the line. “It’s proactive and preventative,” says Dr. Bills.

Putting it all together

Amplify’s early literacy suite aligns instruction using the Science of Reading. Blending instruction and knowledge-building (Amplify CKLA and Boost Reading, formerly Amplify Reading) with assessment and intervention as needed (mCLASS®), the system works with both MTSS and RTI models.

Where you can learn more

Amplify’s Science of Reading: The Podcast’s MTSS playlist

Webinars:

Integrating literacy in the science classroom

What do science classrooms and ELA classrooms have in common?

Literacy.

As science students build their scientific literacy, they also build their literacy literacy—as in,their capacity to read, write, and think across all disciplines. In a sense, all teachers are teachers of literacy, as students read to learn in essentially every subject.

An ELA teacher can help students learn to read and interpret certain types of non-fiction and science-related texts, while a science teacher is uniquely positioned to integrate a science curriculum with a focus on literacy goals. ELA teachers are the experts on what the average person considers literacy; however, science teachers are the true experts on science literacy.

In this post, we’ll take a look at what it means for science teachers to support literacy growth in their students.

Scientific literacy vs. literacy in science

First, let’s define our terms.

Scientific literacy refers to a student’s understanding of scientific concepts, inside and outside the classroom.

Literacy in science refers to the literacy skills that students use to acquire and share scientific knowledge. These skills include reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Developing students’ literacy in science helps them develop scientific literacy. Science literacy allows students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and strategic questioners.

 Insights on integrating science and literacy

Integrating literacy into science is more than making sure students read articles and write lab reports—but the two are still a natural fit.

The standards that guide instruction in grades 6–8 make this integration concrete. Certain Common Core ELA standards intersect with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

To cite just a few examples, the Common Core requires students to be able to:

  • Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts. RST.6-8.1
  • Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions. RST.6-8.2
  • Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements, or performing technical tasks. RST.6-8.3
  • Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table). RST.6-8.7
  • Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text. RST.6-8.8

What’s required of students is what’s often called disciplinary literacy. That means literacy through the lens of inquiry in a given field. Science has its own set of vocabulary and reading/writing styles students need to learn to understand, decode, and write in.

And when they do, the academic benefits go both ways.

 Integrating literacy into science encourages both science and ELA growth

The scientific method requires students to ask questions, listen to explanations, and present conclusions. And when science teachers use targeted literacy teaching strategies, they can help students understand challenging scientific vocabulary. For example, they can learn the difference between the two meanings of the word “culture.” Those are the same approaches students will use when analyzing with and communicating about texts in ELA.

Also, reading in science can be more than just reading a science textbook or science-related article—teachers can help students learn to read through a scientific lens by encouraging even the youngest students to articulate their questions about a text and understand where they might find answers.

And then there’s writing: “Science and writing standards are really in service of each other,” writes educator Gina Flynn in Literacy Today. “When we present authentic writing opportunities in science, we are not only developing students’ understanding of science concepts but also providing an authentic context for developing writing skills.”

Integrating science into ELA also encourages both science and ELA growth. When students grapple with science-related texts in ELA, they can develop ways of thinking and communicating that support the scientific approach, refine sense-making skills that are key to both disciplines, and get inspired to keep up with the latest scientific discoveries—yet another great reason to read.

More to explore

Science and literacy: You don’t have to choose

Amplify K–5 integrated literacy and science instruction

6–8 literacy elements in Amplify Science