Lesson Title: The Perfect Pour – Related Rates Lab
Submitted By: Jonathan Perry
School: Varina High School
Target Grade/Subject: 11-12/Calculus
Length: 90 minutes
Summary
Related rates are one of those topics in mathematics where the math should come alive but when you read the word problems it doesn’t. In the following lab, students film a cone (martini glass) filling with colored water and then analyze the video using Logger Pro in order to learn about related rates. Students use Logger Pro to create graphs of the rates of change taking place in their videos and they can even graph derivatives of their graphs so you can discuss velocity and acceleration.
TIPC Ratings
Entry – Research is done through the collection of data and video resources for LoggerPro for analysis. Teacher provides resources, states topic and questions to be researched.
Developing – This lesson promotes collaboration purposefully without direct supervision. Students can work together in pairs or larger groups to video tape the pouring exercise and to compare evidence using LoggerPro. The structure of the lesson is teacher-designed for communication within the classroom and using specific digital tools.
Approaching – Students have to analyze data, generate graphs, and interpret derivatives. Students use Logger Pro to create graphs of the rates of change taking place in their videos and they can even graph derivatives of their graphs so they can discuss velocity and acceleration. The lesson supports students as they engage challenges and problems purposefully and generate and respond to purposeful lessons.
Approaching – Students film and construct their own related rates word problem instead of just reading a problem out of a book or using teacher-provided videos to analyze. The students can see for themselves if their rate of pour is consistent every time, analyzing trends and make predictions.
Student Artifact
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Contents:
- LESSON PLAN
- LESSON MATERIALS
- STUDENT ARTIFACTS
