Pedal power
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L586
A lesson plan for grades 9–12 Mathematics
In this lesson, students investigate slope as a rate of change. Students compare, contrast, and make conjectures based on distance-time graphs for three bicyclists climbing to the top of a mountain. Illuminations provides links to helpful web resources, an activity sheet, and detailed instructions for completing the lesson.
Students will:
- Determine the slope for a distance-time graph.
- Interpret a graph in the context of the situation.
NCTM Standards and Expectations:
- Analyze functions of one variable by investigating rates of change, intercepts, zeros, asymptotes, and local and global behavior.
- Draw reasonable conclusions about a situation being modeled.
- Approximate and interpret rates of change from graphical and numerical data.



