Radford University
Transformational Graphing in the Real World: Building Bridges
No suspension here, the resource is good to go. Using graphing calculators, scholars explore how transformations affect the graphs of quadratic functions. They consider how the changes relate to the context of suspension bridges.
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 4: Polynomial Functions
Bridge the gap between graphical and algebraic representations. Learners complete six lessons that begin by pointing out connections between the key features of a polynomial graph and its algebraic function. Later, pupils use the...
CK-12 Foundation
Graphs of Quadratic Functions in Intercept Form: Architectural Bridge Challenge
There are architectural parabolas all around us! A creative lesson analyzes the architecture of a parabolic bridge. Learners must manipulate the bridge to satisfy given criteria and then answer questions about the dimensions of the...
Curated OER
The Math in the Design and Building of Bridges
Research various types of bridge designs. Your class will be asked to consider what it would be like without bridges while learning about how they work. They will construct a model bridge based on given parameters. They then calculate...
Mathalicious
The Fall of Javert
Falling off a bridge might not sound like your idea of a good math problem, but incorporating the final scene of Les Misérables is sure to spark interest. The goal is to use the time Javert fell off the bridge to determine how high he...
Curated OER
Modeling Natural Disaster with Mathematical Functions
Ninth graders investigate the functional relationship of different environmental phenomena. In this math lesson, 9th graders create models of various natural disasters. They use logarithmic and exponential functions to interpret...
Curated OER
Graphing Calculator Investigation - Second Degree Polynomial Functions
Students solve quadratic functions. In this solving quadratic functions lesson, students determine the height of an object at a given time. Students determine the time at which an object hits the ground. Students answer questions...
Curated OER
Rainbows, Bridges & Weather, Oh My!
Explore how real-world applications can be parabolic in nature and how to find quadratic functions that best fit data. A number of different examples of modeling parabolas are explored including a student scavenger hunt, the exploration...
Illustrative Mathematics
Two Wheels and a Belt
Geometry gets an engineering treatment in an exercise involving a belt wrapped around two wheels of different dimensions. Along with the wheels, this belt problem connects concepts of right triangles, tangent lines, arc length, and...
Illustrative Mathematics
Seven Circles III
A basic set-up leads to a surprisingly complex analysis in this variation on the question of surrounding a central circle with a ring of touching circles. Useful for putting trigonometric functions in a physical context, as well as...
Curated OER
The Random Walk II
Deep mathematical thinking is found with just a coin and a number line. Combining computing some probabilities in a discrete situation, and the interpretation of a function, this simple task gives learners a lot to think about on their...
Curated OER
Applications of Quadratic Functions
In this math activity, learners investigate the quadratic functions. They solve the word problems while writing the new algebra expressions.
Curated OER
Construction Technologies: Construct the Strongest Bridge
Students investigate how engineers use different types of bridges for different places. In small groups they design and construct bridges for three different scenarios, and answer a series of investigating questions applied to the...
Teach Engineering
Coordinates and the Cartesian Plane
The plot thickens to get a functional understanding. After a short review of plotting points on the coordinate plane, class members learn the difference between functions and relations in the second lesson in a series of nine. They show...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 1: Getting Ready Module
This fabulous resource is a must-have for any algebra teacher's arsenal of lessons. Developing the idea of equations and use of variables from basic physical scenarios, learners gain valuable intuition in the structure and meaning of...
Curated OER
Fair Haven Community and the Grand Avenue Bridge
Students use the internet to research the history of Fair Haven, Connecticut. In groups, they are introduced to the socio-economic developments and how the area has grown over time. They work together to create their own bridge design...
101 Questions
Falling Rocks
Can you determine how far down a rock drops without visual clues? Viewers observe a clip from a movie testing vertical distance only based on sound. They must determine if it is safe to drop down themselves or if it is farther than their...
PBL Pathways
Arch Project
Model real-life structures with mathematics. A project-based lesson presents a problem situation requiring classes to develop a function to model the St. Louis Arch and the Rainbow Bridge in Arizona. They create their models by...
Curated OER
Building a Bridge
Third graders discover architecture and functionality by constructing a bridge. In this bridge engineering lesson, 3rd graders utilize cardboard, straws, towel tubes and plastic bottles to create a model bridge similar to ones seen in...
Curated OER
Functioning as a Team
Students work as a team to build a freestanding bridge from newspapers and masking tape and analyze the effectiveness of their group. In this teamwork lesson, students view and summarize a video on Service Learning Projects. Students...
Curated OER
Bridging the Gap
Students explore the role that bridges play in our society. They conduct an investigation to examine the various shapes and functions of bridges. They determine which type of bridge would best suit a given scenario.
Curated OER
Bridges
Ninth graders use model-building to help comprehend the forces and phenomena at work in the world around them. They describe gravity as a universal force that pulls everything toward the center of the earth. Students distinguish between...
Curated OER
Stressed to the Breaking Point
High schoolers explore the relationship between the amount of weight that can be supported by a spaghetti bridge, the thickness of the bridge, and the length of the bridge to determine the algebraic equation that best represents that...
Curated OER
Built To Last
Students face the challenges of building big, functional structures, like bridges, domes and skyscrapers. They turn their talents to satisfying clients who have hired them to design their new home.