Wile E. Coyote - Modeling with Quadratic Functions (Writing project)

This is a creative writing project (dealing with Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner) dealing with modeling falling bodies with quadratics and solving quadratic equations. An optional aspect is to have students estimate the instantaneous rate of change.

Creating an Exponential Model - The Salary Problem

This video is a short demonstration of how a constant percent change can be represented using an exponential function. The context is an individual is given a salary and gets a 5% annual raise.

Exploring the Function Definition and Notation

This worksheet will allow students to explore the function topic by answering questions about the definition, working with the notation, finding domain and range and performing some basic compositions.

Modeling with Exponential Functions

A worksheet involving exponential modeling.

Quadratic - Fence Problem

This is an activity designed to introduce a lot of concepts tied to quadratic functions. A piece of advice, make sure each group uses TWO pieces of pipe cleaners.

Powers of Ten - Number Sense

Students (and adults) have a difficult time trying to grasp very large (and very small) numbers. This activity uses an interesting context (astronomical objects0 to stimulate their interest in modeling enormous distances in a way that can help them understand relative distances. Students naturally arrive at the need for a different kind of number scale than linear and arrive at a "power of ten" (logarithmic) scale. The lesson includes an extension for advanced students ready to begin to investigate logarithms.

Rule Time: Salute to Brakes

This project involves a movie that was written by, directed by, and starring Scott Adamson and Trey Cox. The focus of the project is making sense of the idea of quadratic functions from a rate of change perspective. First, watch Part 1 with your class. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2huVGJXnH8 Then watch Part 2 after the problem has been resolved. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KStlLsmURcw

Rule Time: Salute to Sports!

The purpose of this module is to help students learn important applied mathematical concepts regarding exponential and logistic functions. Students will also learn how to graph and interpret exponential (and logistic, if desired) functions. The unique element of this lesson is the use of video to generate interest in the students and motivate the content through interactive technology, humor, and cooperative learning. Students are encouraged to work together and help each other “make sense” of the activities. You will need these video clips: Part 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUavijWEwaQ Part 2 (after the problem situation is resolved) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfGj7Ik7Zao

Shooting Hoops! - Dan Meyer Three Act Task

In this lesson, students learn to graph quadratic equations, translate between the vertex, standard, and factored forms, and recognize the impact of changing the parameters of a quadratic equation.

Paper-folding - Exponential Growth/Percentage Change

In this activity students are posed a simple question, "How tall will a paper be if it is folded 50 times?" and it is used as a fun way to introduce them to the concepts of growth factors, and percentage change. 

Is the Sine a Circular Function? How about a Star Sine?

Students are often challenged by seeing the conncection between the unit circle and the graph of the sine and cosine functions. This activity is designed to take students out of their comfort zone to experience what the "sine" function would look like if it were based upon other geometric figures. 

Wile E. Coyote - Modeling with Trigonometric Functions (Writing project)

This project requires students to mathematically model the design of a roller coaster using a sinusoidal function to estimate the total cost of construction.   *If an instructor would like a student solution just contact one of the authors. 

Cal Clulus: In Pursuit of Justice!

This project involves a movie that was written by, directed by, and starring Dr. Scott Adamson and Dr. Trey Cox. The focus of the project is making sense out of average rate of change, instantaneous rate of change, and the Mean Value Theorem. Watch this clip first with your class before doing the activity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBRwU9ubYQo After doing the activity, view the 2nd part of the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqy3VivFs9Y

Derivative of Trigonometric Functions

This is a project designed for a Calculus 1 course.

Covariation and the Finger Tool

The intended sequence is: Sprinter Skateboarder Bungee Jumper Jump start the car

Linear Function Model - Blood Alcohol Content

This is the PowerPoint version of the activity related to developing a linear function model for the context of BAC.

Quadratic Function Models - Fuel Efficiency Context

A PowerPoint presentation associated with the context of fuel efficiency as related to speed in miles per gallon. The intent of the task is for students to articulate the meaning of the parameters (coefficients) of a quadratic function model.

Motivating Function Notation

Pat Thompson, ASU Mathematics Educator, wrote an article titled "Why use f(x) when all we really mean is y?” (see below for a link to the article). This activity is designed to help motivate a need for function notation and uses desmos.com as a tool. http://pat-thompson.net/PDFversions/2013WhyF(x).pdf

Is a Super Ball REALLY Super?

Is a Super Ball REALLY "super?"  This activity allows students to collect data and to make an argument regarding this quetions. See the PowerPoint for details about the activity... Note: It is best to gain access to an authentic, Wham-O Super Ball made with Zectron! https://www.amazon.com/orginal-super-ball-wtih-zectron/dp/B0001ZN49I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1513808409&sr=8-2&keywords=whamo+super+ball

Knee surgery & Muscle weakness