The question is common. Although it can be frustrating, it can also be a wonderful opportunity for a teacher.

The famous "box problem" is a classic that never gets old. It's often taught in Algebra I or Calculus, but can be extended to every level.

Student understanding of mathematical content is central to the classroom. Key components that makes this possible, however, are happy students and positive relationships.

Students chose a quote, created a fairly complex spreadsheet, and then spent several days in the STEAM lab using the laser cutter and miter saw to create a beautiful 3d graph.

Pattern and order is beneath all (well, almost all) that seems random in mathematics. This is especially true of the fact that (-4)(-4) = +16.

Spreadsheets quite naturally lend themselves to exploration, iterations, and the concept of infinity. This discovery based lesson elicits a deep understanding of infinity and the beauty of irrational numbers.