Barbie bungee
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L646
A lesson plan for grades 6–12 Mathematics
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In this lesson, students model a bungee jump using a Barbie doll and rubber bands. The distance to which the doll will fall is directly proportional to the number of rubber bands, so this context is used to examine linear functions. Illuminations provides links to helpful websites, a handout, and detailed instructions for completing the lesson. After engaging students in a discussion about the mathematics involved in bungee jumping, the teacher demonstrates how students will use rubber bands, measurement devices, and a Barbie doll to determine the formula for a safe bungee jump.
Students will:
- Collect data using a rubber band bungee cord and a Barbie doll.
- Use the data collected to construct a scatterplot and generate a line of best fit.
- Predict how many rubber bands are needed for Barbie to safely jump from a given distance.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Mathematics (2004)
Grade 6
- Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and determine probabilities.
- Objective 4.03: Conduct experiments involving simple and compound events.
- Objective 4.05: Determine and compare experimental and theoretical probabilities for independent and dependent events.
- Objective 4.06: Design and conduct experiments or surveys to solve problems; report and analyze results
- Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of simple algebraic expressions.
- Objective 5.01: Simplify algebraic expressions and verify the results using the basic properties of rational numbers.
- Identity.
- Commutative.
- Associative.
- Distributive.
- Order of operations.
- Objective 5.02: Use and evaluate algebraic expressions.
- Objective 5.01: Simplify algebraic expressions and verify the results using the basic properties of rational numbers.
Grade 7
- Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.
- Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including box plots and histograms) to solve problems.
- Objective 4.01: Collect, organize, analyze, and display data (including box plots and histograms) to solve problems.
- Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of linear relations and fundamental algebraic concepts.
- Objective 5.01: Identify, analyze, and create linear relations, sequences, and functions using symbols, graphs, tables, diagrams, and written descriptions.
- Objective 5.02: Translate among different representations of algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities.
- Objective 5.03: Use and evaluate algebraic expressions, linear equations or inequalities to solve problems.
Grade 8
- Goal 4: Data Analysis and Probability - The learner will understand and use graphs and data analysis.
- Objective 4.02: Approximate a line of best fit for a given scatterplot; explain the meaning of the line as it relates to the problem and make predictions.
- 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 5.01: Develop an understanding of function.
