Radford University
Is Fall Normal?
Fine the normality of fall measurements. Pairs collect measurements of fall leaves and one other fall object. Using the measurements, the groups determine the descriptive statistics for the object and using the Empirical Rule, figure out...
Radford University
Is it Really a Small World After All?
Working in groups, learners research four countries' populations over the past 30 years. Using the data collected, the teams find regression equations that best fit the data. Taking the regression equations, they then make predictions...
Radford University
How to Calculate and Analyze the Equation for a Parabolic Path
Working in groups, pupils plot three points on the coordinate plane representing three different parabolic paths. Using a calculator, they determine the quadratic regression equation for their models. Each team then figures out the...
Radford University
Skate Ramp
Going up and down makes a more exciting ride. Pupils recall what they know about continuity and limits of functions. Working in groups, classmates design a skateboard ramp that meets a given set of criteria, using at least three...
Radford University
Animal Decline
Where did they all go? Small groups collect data on different animal species that are on a decline. Teams develop equations to model the populations over time and then create presentations about the decline of their animals. Classmates...
Radford University
Discovering Quadratics
Get to know quadratics from a couple of different perspectives. Classmates work in small groups to determine the optimal cooking time for microwave popcorn. Group members pop bags of popcorn for different times and collect data on the...
Radford University
Population Project
How fast does it grow? Scholars work on two tasks dealing with exponential growth, one on population growth and the second on investments. Learners research a country's population over the past century and make predictions of the current...
Radford University
Saving the US from a Missile Crisis
Mathematically shoot down an incoming missile. Given information about the Cuban Missile Crises, learners calculate the equation of the trajectory of an imaginary missile launched from Cuba toward Washington, D.C. Scholars determine the...
Radford University
Modeling Quadratics Basketball Video Project
Will he make it? After watching a video of part of a basketball shot, groups create their own videos. Teams record a video of shooting a ball at a hoop and edit it to show only a portion of the shot. Group members determine the equation...
Radford University
Connecting Scatter Plots and Correlation Coefficients Activity
Collect a variety of bivariate data. Groups determine sets of data that would provide a positive, negative, and no correlation. Team members gather their data through out the week. Scholars plot the data and determine the relationship...
Radford University
Snappy Stair Sprints
Let's go for a run. Small groups determine a way to collect data to determine the time it would take to run a set of stairs. After creating a plan, teams collect data and graph their results, calculating the equation of best fit and...
Radford University
At the Gas Pump
Given the price of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel for the past several years, pupils plot the data to determine whether a correlation exists. Learners determine a regression line and predict the price of gasoline and diesel in the...
Radford University
Box-and-Whisker Activity
Think inside the box. Working in small groups, pupils design a study to answer comparing two data sets. Team members collect data and construct box-and-whisker plots and analyze them to prove or disprove their hypothesis. They develop...
Radford University
The Normal Distribution Activity
For whom does the bell fit? Pupils begin by working in groups gather data on three different variables. They then determine the mean and standard deviation of each data set and create bell curves. To finish, they answer guiding questions...
Radford University
Are We Normal?
Develop a sense of normal. Learners develop two questions to ask classmates to gather numerical data before creating a box and whisker plot and a histogram to display their data. Class members make inferences and investigate the data...
Radford University
I Want to Rock!
Find the best deal on music. Small groups create playlists of music and determine the cost based on different pricing structures. They determine whether the pricing structure represents a direct or inverse variation relationship by...
Radford University
Tuition Cost Activity
Can I afford to go to college? Small groups design a method to research college tuition for several years and make a prediction of costs in 2025. Classmates plot the the data on a scatter plot and graph the line of best fit to make their...
Teaching Tolerance
Community Arts Showcase
An art showcase encourages class members to explore the themes of social justice and tolerance. They create an original artwork, engage in group discussions, and journal writing. The art gallery also provides a chance for families and...
Teaching Tolerance
Be the Change...
An engaging lesson empowers individuals to make a difference in the community. Pupils work together to identify problems within the community and draft possible solutions. Scholars then take it to the next level by volunteering their...
Teaching Tolerance
Act Up! Drama for Justice
A lesson turns young historians into playwrights to understand and speak out against social injustice. Pupils work individually or in groups to write and perform monologues that deliver personal messages on social justice. Writers then...
Teaching Tolerance
My Voice, My Voter's Guide
Class members may be too young to vote, but that doesn't mean their voices are silent! After researching key information, such as policies for registering to what to expect at the polls, young scholars create and present election guides...
Teaching Tolerance
Listen Up! PSA for Change
Challenge scholars to speak up about a topic by creating a public service announcement or social media blitz about an issue they feel passionate about. Have them research their issues, then decide the best way to take their messages to...
Teaching Tolerance
Inventing a Better World
From play pumps that provide clean water to shoes made from trash, innovators change the world one invention at a time. After researching various inventions, young entrepreneurs develop their own. Extension opportunities include prompts...
Teaching Tolerance
Consuming and Creating Political Art
A picture is worth a thousand words, but political art may be worth even more! After examining examples of political cartoons, murals, and other forms of public art, class members create their own pieces to reflect their ideals and...