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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Finding our top speed

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L254

A lesson plan for Grade 8 Mathematics

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

About this resource

Appropriate grades
8
Subjects
mathematics (algebra, measurement)
Provider
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics

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This lesson sets the stage for a discussion of travel in the solar system. By considering a real-world, hands-on activity, students develop their understanding of time and distance. Finally, students plot the data they have collected. Illuminations provides a grid paper template and detailed instructions for completing the lesson.

Students will:

  • Determine the length of time needed to walk or run or walk a given distance.
  • Plot the data on a graph.
  • Use results of data collection to develop the concept of slope.

NCTM Standards and Expectations:

  • Use graphs to analyze the nature of changes in quantities in linear relationships.
  • Explore relationships between symbolic expressions and graphs of lines, paying particular attention to the meaning of intercept and slope.
  • Select and apply techniques and tools to accurately find length, area, volume, and angle measures to appropriate levels of precision.
  • Solve simple problems involving rates and derived measurements for such attributes as velocity and density.
  • Understand, select, and use units of appropriate size and type to measure angles, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.
  • Use common benchmarks to select appropriate methods for estimating measurements.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Mathematics (2004)

Grade 8

  • Goal 2: Measurement - The learner will understand and use measurement concepts.
    • Objective 2.01: Determine the effect on perimeter, area or volume when one or more dimensions of two- and three-dimensional figures are changed.
    • Objective 2.02: Apply and use concepts of indirect measurement.
  • Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will understand and use linear relations and functions.
    • Objective 5.01: Develop an understanding of function.
      • Translate among verbal, tabular, graphic, and algebraic representations of functions.
      • Identify relations and functions as linear or nonlinear.
      • Find, identify, and interpret the slope (rate of change) and intercepts of a linear relation.
      • Interpret and compare properties of linear functions from tables, graphs, or equations.
    • Objective 5.02: Write an equation of a linear relationship given: two points, the slope and one point on the line, or the slope and y-intercept.
    • Objective 5.03: Solve problems using linear equations and inequalities; justify symbolically and graphically.
    • Objective 5.04: Solve equations using the inverse relationships of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, squares and square roots, and cubes and cube roots.