Modeling

This unit, Go Figure!, focuses on the geometric concepts of perimeter, area, surface area and volume.  Students begin by working on the coordinate plane to find the perimeter and area of rectangles.  The formula for the area of a rectangle is then built upon to create a formula for the area of...

Students will create an accurate graph of a real life scenario, as well as a model for how the graph will change as a real life variable is increased or decreased. The final product will include the 15-second video, the graph, and a detailed explanation of that graph.

Students will model the data with both a linear function and an exponential function and use it to predict the CO2 concentration in the year 2050 and also when the CO2 concentration will be above 500 parts per million. Students will discuss and document which model makes a better prediction and...

Chemical reactions can be described as endothermic or exothermic depending on whether energy is used or given off during a reaction. Practically, these types of reactions can be used as instant hot or cold packs at times when we need them, such as in hand warmers. In this task, students will be...

Students will work independently to design a theme park and determine a variety of measurements using both algebra and geometric skills.

They will construct viable arguments concerning their design of a theme park and model with mathematics while using appropriate tools strategically....

This NGSS-aligned common analytic rubric assesses students' ability to design an experiment, develop and use models, and analyze and interpret data within the discpline of science. 

Amusement park rides all involve physics of motion, especially concepts of potential energy and kinetic energy. Engineers need to analyze and understand how physics will affect a rider throughout the course of a ride. This task will allow students to explore physics concepts while designing a...

For this project, students will first build and study a functioning, semi-closed ecosystem. They will model this ecosystem using diagrams. They will collect, organize, and interpret data about how the ecosystem changes over time. Lastly, they will develop a testable question, hypothesis, and...

In this task, students develop and communicate a conceptual visual model of the conservation of energy for their scientific community.

To achieve this, students will:

• As a group, define what a model is and discuss its purpose.
• Analyze the energy flow through a
...

In this task, students will design, build, and evaluate a model house that demonstrates their mastery of electric circuits.

Student teams will research and define the terms “efficiency” and “energy efficient.” Based on their research, teams will design and build a vehicle. Then they will experimentally test the vehicle’s efficiency.

After analyzing the initial data of the vehicle’s performance, teams will re-...

In this task, students will write an estimate for a potential client who is interested in installing solar energy panels. They will provide figures on the initial purchase of the solar energy panels along with the charge per kilowatt-hour. They also will estimate when the potential client will...

In this project, students will use calculus to optimize a product or design. They will have to carefully characterize the variables and constraints of their system to form an equation to be optimized, and then take the derivative to find the maximum or minimum of that function. They must include...

In this task, students imagine that they are joining an expedition to explore one of the Egyptian pyramids. As the physicists in the group, they have been tasked with the job of getting a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) unit up the side of a pyramid.

After choosing a pyramid to explore,...

In this task, students are given a simulation about a family concerned with saving money and energy by better insulating their house. Students are given a set of information regarding heating bill costs over time, costs of insulation investments, and additional constraints, and are asked to...

The context for this task immerses students in the mathematics of supply and demand. Accordingly, the work involves applying their understanding of demand, revenue, profit, and price. Students learn about how to model the relationships among these quantities using Internet resources provided for...

Students gather real-world data and then analyze the data using kinematics equations.

Students need to review video footage of a selected college quarterback and NFL quarterback. Students evaluate this data to determine how far the ball is thrown. Students make approximations of the...

Students will create a math model to predict the path of a projectile. They will be required to complete and submit a formal paper of their problem solving process and solution for their scenario.

In this task, students respond to a geometry problem in which a girl is attempting to find the optimal location to tether her dog so that the dog doesn't dig in the garden, but without reducing the play area for the animal.

Students are given a number of measurements and constraints and...

In this task, students are given a problem about maximizing volume. Students are given a set of construction paper squares with predetermined side lengths. They are asked to determine the length of the side of the square that they must cut out from the corners in order to maximize the volume of...