Modeling Orbital Debris Problems
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L376
A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Mathematics
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In this lesson from Illuminations, students examine the problem of space pollution caused by human-made debris in orbit to develop an understanding of functions and modeling. The lesson gives students an opportunity to use spreadsheets, graphing calculators, or computer graphing utilities.
This is an interesting topic and a great introduction to mathematical modeling in the real world. Experience with calculator or computer regression capabilities is helpful. Some or all of this multi-day lesson could be used in Algebra 2 and in more advanced mathematics classes.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
