Project-Based Math Curriculum

Pier Sun Ho ConnectEdJuly 11, 2013

8:30AM – 9:45 AM

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Is this session right for me?

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Who’s still here?

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Why Project-Based Algebra?

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What Does Project-Based MathLook Like?

Access Ramp Activity

List math concept as you work!

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Access Ramp: Math Concepts

• Measurement• Fractions• Proportional Reasoning:

scale drawings• Proportional Reasoning:

slope, linear growth• Unit conversions• Problem solving strategies

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Wind Power Unit

• Measurement• Fractions• Percentages• Inequalities• Constraints

What are efficient wind turbine designs?

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Wind Power Unit

Use rulers, add and subtract fractions to build a tower for the wind turbine.

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Wind Power Unit

Multiply fractions to build rotor blades of a given area.Calculate percentages when analyzing quantity of

scrap materials.

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Wind Power Unit

Test designs and record results as inequalities.Make and interpret graphs of results.

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Blueprints and Models Unit Part I

Review proportions, scale, and slope by building a model wheelchair ramp that meets ADA guidelines.

Practice unit conversions by creating a materials list and cost chart.

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• Calculate space allocation of buildings and present in pie charts.

• Solve construction-related problems involving ratios and proportional reasoning.

• Design and cost a remodeling plan under space and structural constraints

Blueprints and Models Unit Part II

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How do you engineer an effective funicular system?

People Movers Unit

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• Solving problems involving proportions and ratios, including gear ratios

• Interpreting the meaning of linear and non-linear graphs

• Understanding the slope of distance vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs

Arithmetic with negative numbers

Understanding and solving problems using the Pythagorean Theorem

Simplifying square roots

People Movers Unit

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Use the Pythagorean theorem to construct a ramp for the funicular.

Apply the concept of similarity and parallel line relationships to build a platform for the funicular car to ride on.

People Movers Unit

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Use integer operations to calculate and describe position and velocity.

Determine the travel time by applying knowledge of gear ratios.Graph and interpret linear and non-linear results.

People Movers Unit

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How safe is a combination lock?

Cardboard fence

Safe Combinations Unit

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• Tree diagrams and permutations

• Definition of exponents, graphing exponential growth

• Rules of exponents• Order of operations• Inverse operations

Equivalent equations and solving 1–5 step equations

Translating sentences into algebraic equations

Building and analyzing a working safe with a combination lock to specifications

Safe Combinations Unit

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• Calculate the total possible number of combinations for a lock.

• Use the rules of exponents to analyze changes to the number of lock combinations.

• Practice solving equations by “coding” and “decoding” lock combinations.

Safe Combinations Unit

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• Initial Cost: $200 - $500

• Consumable Materials: $10-$25 per unit

• Many materials can be borrowed from the school science department.

• None of the units require power tools, lab space, or special engineering knowledge.

• ~70 total hours of instruction

Practical Considerations

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Engineering Integrated Units

Biomedical Health Sciences Integrated Units

Algebra I Drop-In Units

• Can be used as either supplemental or replacement material during the year

• Expands and reinforces the engineering theme and practice of problem solving skills in math class

• Covers major Algebra I standards (linear and quadratic equations, rational expressions, exponents, polynomials)

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Algebra Drop-In Units

Solve single-variable linear equations as students build the pieces of a puzzle cube

Solve quadratic equations to design and play a game with projectile machines

Graph linear equations to chart the progress of multiple planes and direct them to land safely

Air Traffic Control Unit

Puzzle Cube Unit

Solve rational expressions to calculate the total resistance in circuits

Electrical Resistance Unit

Catapult Game Unit

25

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Download math units at the AOE library

http://naf.org/mynaf

http://www.naf-curriculum.org/index.html