Two runners
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L293
A lesson plan for grades 3–5 Mathematics
In this lesson, one of a two-part unit from Illuminations titled “Understanding Distance, Speed, and Time Relationships Using Simulation Software,” students physically demonstrate two scenarios involving rate of change, and then use software to simulate two runners along a track. While moving runners along a line, changing their step size and starting positions, students identify, describe, and compare situations with a constant rate of change.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Mathematics (2004)
Grade 3
- Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will model, identify, and compute with whole numbers through 9,999.
- Objective 1.03: Develop fluency with multiplication from 1x1 to 12x12 and division up to two-digit by one-digit numbers using:
- Strategies for multiplying and dividing numbers.
- Estimation of products and quotients in appropriate situations.
- Relationships between operations.
- Objective 1.03: Develop fluency with multiplication from 1x1 to 12x12 and division up to two-digit by one-digit numbers using:
- Goal 3: Geometry - The learner will recognize and use basic geometric properties of two- and three-dimensional figures.
- Objective 3.02: Use a rectangular coordinate system to solve problems.
- Graph and identify points with whole number and/or letter coordinates.
- Describe the path between given points on the plane.
- Objective 3.02: Use a rectangular coordinate system to solve problems.
Grade 4
- Goal 1: Number and Operations - The learner will read, write, model, and compute with non-negative rational numbers.
- Objective 1.02: Develop fluency with multiplication and division:
- Two-digit by two-digit multiplication (larger numbers with calculator).
- Up to three-digit by two-digit division (larger numbers with calculator).
- Strategies for multiplying and dividing numbers.
- Estimation of products and quotients in appropriate situations.
- Relationships between operations.
- Objective 1.02: Develop fluency with multiplication and division:
- Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of mathematical relationships.
- Objective 5.01: Identify, describe, and generalize relationships in which:
- Quantities change proportionally.
- Change in one quantity relates to change in a second quantity.
- Objective 5.01: Identify, describe, and generalize relationships in which:
Grade 5
- Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of patterns, relationships, and elementary algebraic representation.
- Objective 5.03: Identify, describe, and analyze situations with constant or varying rates of change.
