Math+Lessons

toc In May, 2008 Virginia Beach City Public Schools approved the Modeling and Simulation (MODSIM) Demonstration School Project at Ocean Lakes High School. The purpose of this project is to use MODSIM as an instructional strategy within math and science instruction and to demonstrate ways to integrate math and science instruction through the use of MODSIM. This project was undertaken based on the recommendation of the Hampton Roads Modeling and Simulation Initiative. Below are some lessons that have been developed as part of the Demonstration School project. If you have lessons incorporating modeling and simulation that you would like to share, please post them here. The lessons featured in the video on the home page are: In this lesson, students use an [|Excelet] to explore the concept of curve fitting and r values. They also use a graphing calculator to analyze a set of data about alligators and make predictions based on the model generated by the data. - Excelet for curve fitting - Student handout to accompany curve fitting Excelet - Graphing calculator exercise on curve fitting - Additional curve fitting problems This lesson uses the [|ExploreLearning] Gizmo "Element Builder" to investigate the structure of the atom. Student handouts are designed to be able to use the Element Builder Gizmo as a part of a differentiated lesson.
 * Curve Fitting**
 * Atomic Structure**

**Absoulte Value of a Quadratic**
This lesson uses the [|ExploreLearning] Gizmo "The Absolute Value of a Quadratic" to investigate transformations. Questions to accompany the Gizmo

**Curve Fitting**
In this lesson, students use an [|Excelet] to explore the concept of curve fitting and r values. They also use a graphing calculator to analyze a set of data about alligators and make predictions based on the model generated by the data. - Excelet for curve fitting - Student handout to accompany curve fitting Excelet - Graphing calculator exercise on curve fitting - Additional curve fitting problems

**Exponential Decay**
In this lesson, students use a graphing calculator and candy to model exponential decay. Student directions for exponential decay activity Additional questions for students on exponential decay.

**Geometric Sequence**
This Algebra II/Trig lesson uses a Texas Instruments CBR to collect data on a bouncing ball. The data demonstrates the graph of a geometric sequence. Student directions and questions for the geometric Sequence activity.

**Line of Best Fit**
In this lesson, students use an [|Excelet] to learn about linear regression and line of best fit by measuring stacks of Oreo® cookies. This handout contains student directions, notes to the instructor, and a link to the Excelet.

**Polynomials**
This lesson uses the [|ExploreLearning] Gizmo "4th Degree Polynomials - Activity A" to compare the equation of a fourth‑degree polynomial to its graph. Student directions and questions to accompany the Gizmo.

**Polynomials and Maximum Volume**
In this lesson students are asked to build a box with the largest possible volume from an 8x14 sheet of paper. The are then directed to a calculus applet that allows them to build multiple boxes to solve the same problem. A link to the applet is in the student handout. Student directions for maximum volume activity. Extension of The Box Problem.

**Radical Functions**
This lesson uses the [|ExploreLearning] Gizmo "Radical Functions" to investigate radical functions. Student directions and questions to accompany the Gizmo. Extension activity for the Radical Functions Gizmo.

**Sequences**
In this lesson, students use Interactive Physics to model a bouncing ball. They then export the data to a spreadsheet and analyze the data to determine the type of sequence a bouncing ball follows. Student directions for Modeling a Sequence.

**Sinusoidal Motion**
In this lesson, students use a motion detector to collect data and generate equations for sinusoidal motion. Although the directions are written for a TI CBR, the lesson can be done using any motion detector. Student directions and questions for Pendulum activity

**Sinusoidal Modeling**
In this lesson, students used a website containing weather data to capture the average high temperature for 4 cities over 12 months. Student directions and questions for Sinusoidal Modeling activity

**Slope/Intercept**
In this lesson, students use a motion detector to collect and analyze motion, direction, and speed data to gain an understanding of slope (velocity) and vertical intercept. Although the directions are written for a TI CBR, the lesson can be done using any motion detecor. Teacher and student directions for Slope/Intercept activity

**Vectors**
This lesson uses [|Interactive Physics] to model vectors in a precalculus class. Student handout contains directions and questions for students. Directions and questions for exploring vectors using Interactive Physics.