Help me give my students a virtual reality experience with polynomials and roller coasters!
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Hill's classroom raised $726
This project is fully funded
My Students
Over the years, I have taught Quantitative Modeling, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, and Statistics. Before distant learning, my classroom was set up with flexible seating. I have different tables, rolling chairs, egg chairs, and regular desks. I want students to feel welcome and comfortable in my classroom so I allow them to choose where they want to sit even if it is a different place every day. For this proposal, I am asking for virtual reality glasses that I can use for my Algebra 2 class, which is about 60 of my students. My Algebra 2 class is an on-level course with eleventh and twelfth graders. Most of my students are African American as well as Latino, Asian, and White. I always have an amazing group of students. They are eager to learn and strive to challenge themselves. They want to have fun while learning! I love the diversity in my classroom every year. It is great that not only students learn content from one another, but they also learn a lot about each other on a personal level. Many of these students come from low-income and do not always have access to the resources they need to be successful.
My Project
For my project-based lesson, students will be using their knowledge of polynomial functions to create a model of a roller coaster. By the end of the project, students will be able to identify polynomial functions in the real world and describe their key features in a real-world problem that they created on their own. Students will also learn how to manipulate polynomial functions by restricting their domain to create their own roller coaster model. In addition, they will create their own real world problem involving their roller coaster. On day one of my lesson, I would like to hook my student’s attention for their project by giving them a virtual reality experience. Due to students creating their own model of a roller coaster, it would be great for students to experience a roller coaster! I would like to have about 15 pairs of virtual reality glasses for my students to experience a roller coaster ride (they will share). When students experience the ride, they will first just focus on enjoying the ride. I am sure many students love roller coasters while others may not go on the real thing. The second time they will use the virtual reality glasses, they will focus on the motions they go through on the roller coaster, in hope to connect it to polynomial functions. Their final summative project does not include using the virtual reality glasses, however, with further research I would like to provide an extension to the project where students can use their roller coaster model and create a virtual reality experience of their own!
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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