Expect the Unexpected With Math
Expect the Unexpected With Math
Grades 6–8 (Middle School Math)
The dynamic lessons and activities in the Expect the Unexpected with Math series use story‑driven scenarios that grab students’ attention, showing the excitement and everyday importance of real‑world math problems. These middle school math lessons support both classroom success and practical applications beyond school. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Getting Started With Expect the Unexpected With Math
Format: The lesson plans are hosted by Scholastic. Each interactive math lesson includes pre‑instruction planning, materials, printable worksheets, and teaching notes aligned to Common Core math middle school and NCTM standards. These math resources for middle school cover a broad math curriculum middle school, from graphing and data analysis for kids to middle school geometry lessons.
Objectives
Materials
Set Up + Printables
Lesson Directions + Post Instructional Notes
Probability
Shake, Rattle & Roll
Students build scatterplots and histograms, perform cost‑benefit and probability analyses, and use tree diagrams to explore probability lessons in engaging, story‑based activities. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Geometry
Setting the Stage with Geometry
Reinforces measuring perimeter, area (2D), surface area, and volume (3D) through hands‑on middle school geometry lessons. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Financial Literacy
Plan, Save, Succeed
Introduces financial literacy for students via budgeting activities. Students practice teaching decimals and fractions, percentages, and explore how saving affects financial planning—rich real‑world math problems centered on money. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Graphing
Bars, Lines, Pies
Covers how to create and analyze pie charts, bar graphs, and line graphs—ideal graphing and data analysis for kids. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Algebra
Solving the Unknown with Algebra
Strengthens skills in solving equations, manipulating algebraic expressions, and using formulas with algebra lessons for middle school. Covers proportions, radicals, and exponents. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Probability
The Power of Probability
Deepens understanding of simple vs compound events, sampling, and how probability can solve real‑world math problems. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Data & Statistics
Cultivating Data
Students craft and interpret data tables, line plots, box‑and‑whisker plots, stem‑and‑leaf displays, and scatterplots with lines of best fit. Advanced students tackle expected value.
Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Algebra
Exploring Expressions & Equations
Adventure‑themed lessons emphasize variables and formulas, including scientific notation. Ideal for algebra lessons for middle school. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Functions & Graphing
Think FUNCTIONally
Students model scenarios using tables, graphs, and equations—building a strong foundation in functional thinking, algebraic reasoning, and data sampling. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Patterns & Functions
Designing RATIOnally
Explores ratio and proportional reasoning, again highlighting real‑world math problems and careers. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Fractions, Decimals & Percents
Conversions Rock!
Students convert between fractions, decimals, and percents—reinforcing core teaching decimals and fractions skills. Resource hosted by Scholastic.
Algebra
Adventures in Expressions & Equations
Designed around adventure sports, this lesson deepens algebraic thinking with expressions and equations in exciting, real‑life scenarios. Resource hosted by Scholastic.