Do you love math? For many, including most of my students, they cringe when they hear that four letter word. However, through investigative lessons and hands on projects my students not only learn the math skills they need but learn that math is not that bad. In fact, by the end of the year some of them even like math!
In Algebra 2 we dive deep into functions, where quadratics can come to life with catapults and polynomials represent roller coasters, inertia and physics.
There are many ways to help kids “see” the skills that they are learning, it just takes time, materials, and a little creativity!
My Project
Creating real life representations of high level math concepts can help students not only understand but help them remember important skills that they need to know. Students will build mini catapults and use them to calculate the projectile of an M&M in order to accurately hit their target. This reenforces quadratic skills and helps students understand some of the uses of projectile motion. Many students do not understand what the key features of a quadratic function actually represent until they see it’s meaning in their catapult. This activity is highly engaging and helps bring quadratics to life. Applying math to the real world can be fun!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Schneider and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
