Dr. Michael Kester-Haynes

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 19 (Grade 7 Math): Circles—Radius, Diameter, Circumference

7th graders explore the proportional relationship between a circle’s diameter and circumference to derive C = πd and C = 2πr. Through measurement, modeling, and error analysis, they apply formulas accurately with clear unit reasoning.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 18 (Grade 7 Math): Midyear Synthesis—Rates, Equations, and Geometry

7th graders engage in integrated performance tasks combining proportions, equations, inequalities, and geometry. They select appropriate models, apply unit reasoning, validate results with estimates, and communicate precise, well-justified mathematical conclusions.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 17 (Grade 7 Math): Angle Relationships—Build and Solve

7th graders use complementary, supplementary, vertical, and adjacent angle relationships to write and solve equations. They justify each algebraic step, check solutions for reasonableness, and express precise angle measures with correct degree units.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 16 (Grade 7 Math): Slicing Solids—Cross-Sections

7th graders explore cross-sections of right rectangular prisms and pyramids by slicing with planes in different orientations. They predict, construct, and justify resulting 2D shapes—rectangles, parallelograms, triangles, or trapezoids—using precise geometric reasoning and vocabulary.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 15 (Grade 7 Math): Constructing Triangles & Conditions

7th graders construct triangles from given sides and angles using tools and reasoning. They apply the triangle inequality, analyze SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS, and SSA cases, and determine when conditions create one, multiple, or no possible triangles.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 14 (Grade 7 Math): Scale Drawings & Maps

7th graders apply proportional reasoning to interpret and create scale drawings. They compute real measurements, convert units, and explain why perimeter scales by k and area by k², producing accurate, labeled diagrams that demonstrate mathematical precision.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 13 (Grade 7 Math): Proportional Problem Solving—Rates to Equations

7th graders connect ratios to algebra by writing equations of the form y = kx. They find and label unit rates with correct units, interpret graphs and key points like (1, k), test for proportionality, and apply equations to real-world rate and scaling problems.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 12 (Grade 7 Math): Inequalities—Model, Solve, and Graph

7th graders write, solve, and graph one-variable inequalities to model real-world constraints. They interpret solution sets, use correct symbols and boundary checks, and explain inclusive vs. strict conditions with precise, unit-based reasoning.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 11 (Grade 7 Math): Equations—Solve and Explain

7th graders master solving multistep equations with rational numbers by applying properties, distributing, and combining like terms. They justify each step, check with substitution and estimation, and interpret solutions clearly within real-world contexts.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 10 (Grade 7 Math): Expressions Workout—Properties & Structure

Grade 7 unit: Build fluency with linear expressions—combine like terms, use the distributive property with rational coefficients, and rewrite forms to reveal real-world meaning.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 9 (Grade 7 Math): Rational Number Problem Solving

7th graders apply all four operations with rational numbers to solve multistep real-world problems. They plan, estimate, and compute using fractions or decimals, track units and signs, and verify results with error checks and clear, context-based conclusions.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 8 (Grade 7 Math): Multiply & Divide Rational Numbers

7th graders gain fluency with multiplying and dividing signed fractions and decimals through sign rules, reciprocals, and real-world applications. They convert fractions to decimals, identify repeating or terminating forms, and check results for magnitude, sign, and reasonableness.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 7 (Grade 7 Math): Integer Operations—Adding and Subtracting Rational Numbers

7th graders build fluency with adding and subtracting signed numbers using number lines, additive inverse rules, and real-world contexts like elevation and money changes. They connect direction, distance, and sign to explain and justify results with clarity and precision.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 6 (Grade 7 Math): Percent Change & Multistep Problems

7th graders extend percent understanding to increases, decreases, commissions, and simple interest. They compare strategies—proportions, equations, and multipliers (1 ± r)—to solve multistep percent problems, justify method choices, and check results for accuracy and reasonableness.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 5 (Grade 7 Math): Percent Sense—Part, Whole, Percent

7th graders master percent reasoning by solving real-world problems involving discounts, markups, tips, and tax. They use proportions, equations, and benchmark percents for quick estimates, accuracy checks, and clear communication of multistep calculations.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 4 (Grade 7 Math): Writing and Using y = kx

7th graders represent proportional relationships using y = kx, interpret key points (0,0) and (1,k) as the origin and unit rate, and solve for missing values with correct units. They connect equations, tables, and graphs to model real-world proportional situations precisely.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 3 (Grade 7 Math): Proportional Relationships—Tables, Graphs, and k

7th graders learn to identify proportional relationships, compute and interpret the constant of proportionality (k) from tables and graphs, and represent them using y = kx. They connect multiple representations to explain meaning, units, and real-world applications with precision.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 2 (Grade 7 Math): Ratios to Unit Rates

7th graders master ratio reasoning by converting real-world comparisons into precise unit rates, including complex fractions and mixed units. They connect tables, double number lines, and y = kx equations to understand proportional relationships with accuracy and clarity.

Blog

The Math Lab Model: Flexible Math Workshops That Reach Every Learner

Transform math class with the Math Lab Model: station rotations, small-group conferencing, and adaptive tech for true differentiation.

Paid-members only

Grade 7 Math Units

Unit Plan 1 (Grade 7 Math): Building Our Math Community & Problem-Solving Norms

7th graders build a strong math culture through discourse routines, self-checking, and error analysis. Engaging ratio, rate, and integer tasks strengthen number sense while fostering precision, collaboration, and confidence in mathematical communication.

Paid-members only

Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 36 (Grade 8 Math): Cumulative Synthesis & Exhibition

8th graders demonstrate mastery through integrated performance tasks combining algebra, functions, geometry, and statistics. They model real situations, choose efficient methods, justify solutions with units and precision, and present evidence-based arguments with confidence and clarity.

Paid-members only

Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 35 (Grade 8 Math): Number System & Exponents Spiral—Fluency & Sense-Making

8th graders strengthen number sense by classifying rational and irrational numbers, applying exponent rules, and mastering scientific notation. They approximate square roots, simplify powers, and interpret real-world quantities with precise scale and unit reasoning.

Paid-members only

Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 34 (Grade 8 Math): Geometry Power-Up—Right Triangles & Volume Spiral

8th graders strengthen geometry mastery through targeted Pythagorean Theorem, distance, and volume word problems. They identify right triangles, apply formulas with correct units, and verify answers through conversions, rounding, and real-world reasonableness checks.

Paid-members only

Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 33 (Grade 8 Math): Algebra Power-Up—Equations, Functions, & Systems Spiral

8th graders review and apply key algebra and function skills—solving multi-step equations, comparing functions, and solving systems by graphing or algebraic methods. They model real situations, choose efficient strategies, and justify their reasoning with precision and clarity.

Paid-members only

Grade 8 Math Units

Unit Plan 32 (Grade 8 Math): Linear Modeling Project—From Data to Decision

8th graders design and carry out a complete data investigation—posing a question, collecting or curating data, building a scatter plot, fitting a line of best fit, and interpreting slope and intercept. They make predictions, evaluate model limits, and present clear, evidence-based findings.