Personal trainers: Working with slope

In this lesson, students make calculations based on slope and answer questions about slope (rate of change).

A lesson plan for grades 8–9 Mathematics

By Debbie Brooks, Peggy Dickey, and Jan Sullivan

Provided by CareerStart

View this page in context

CareerStart lessons: Grade eight

This collection of lessons aligns the eighth grade curriculum in math, science, English language arts, and social studies with potential career opportunities.

Page 2.2

Learn more

Related pages

• Postal polynomials: In this lesson, students use polynomials to solve problems, and discuss how polynomials are relevant in some careers.
• Careers in banking: Working with exponential growth: In this lesson, students use exponential growth to solve problems related to careers in banking.
• Percent of change: What's the deal?: In this lesson, students calculate percent of change and discuss how percent of change is used in retail careers.

Related topics

• Learn more about algebra, careers, mathematics, and slope.

Help

Please read our disclaimer for lesson plans.

Legal

Essential question: How might a personal trainer use slope to analyze a workout and plan for future training sessions?

Learning outcomes

Students will gain experience finding the slope of a line and will using the rate of change to solve problems.

Teacher planning

Materials needed

• Worksheet: “Finding Slope” (Includes answer key)
• Calculator

Time required for lesson

Approximately 45 minutes

Activities

1. As a class, read the problem on the worksheet “Finding Slope.” Remind students to find points that are corner points of the grid (lattice points) for accuracy. (5 minutes)
2. Have students work with a partner to complete the worksheet. (15-20 minutes)
3. When students have completed the worksheet, review the questions as a class. (15 minutes)
4. Conclude the lesson by brainstorming other possible careers that may use a linear model/line graph in order to find the constant rate of change (slope). For example: advertisers/journalists showing consumers graphs in the newspaper or magazine, ski resorts reporting the grades of their ski slopes, builders and architects determining the type of roof incline based on heating and air conditioning needs. For more details about these careers, see “Career Information” below. If students have questions about other careers, you may want to look them up using the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. (5 minutes)

Career information

Career information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Advertising executives

Advertising executives in smaller companies are usually responsible for the advertising. They handle promotions, contact with the public, and marketing the company’s products. In larger companies they can be in charge of personnel that handle these responsibilities. Advertising executives analyze trends or rates of change in sales as they make decisions in advertising.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in advertising
• Pay: $54,500 - $119,900
• Growth: Average growth; 12% increase over the next 10 years

Construction workers

There are many types of construction workers. Construction workers may work in carpentry, painting, electrical, or plumbing. Most are paid by the number of hours they work each week. The more specialized construction workers are, the higher their salary. Many jobs require work outside which is dependent on the weather. Bad weather can stop construction for a period of time which can stop or decrease income. Carpenters set the slant or pitch of a roof before adding the shingles or other roofing material.

• Education: High-school diploma
• Pay: $30,000 - $41,000
• Growth: Average growth; 10% increase in the next 10 years

Architects

Architects create the overall aesthetic and look of buildings and other structures, but the design of a building involves far more than its appearance. Buildings also must be functional, safe, and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use them. Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and other structures.

• Education: 5-year bachelor’s degree or a 4-year bachelor’s degree and a 2-year master’s degree
• Pay: $39,420 - $104,970
• Growth: Faster than average; 18% increase in the next 10 years