MathematicsTenth, Eleventh & Twelfth Grade

Pre-Calculus or Calculus
Math Connections to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games

Description
This project will introduce, review, and apply mathematical principles students have learned, and those that they will learn, to other areas of interest particularly the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

Themes
Fairness, Honor, Respect and Cooperation

Core Curriculum
5500-00 Mathematics as Problem Solving
Mathematics as Communication
Mathematics as Reasoning
Mathematical Connections
Learning Outcomes
Students Will:
Explore, review and experience applications of mathematical principles they are learning
Communicate mathematical ideas and concepts using a variety of techniques
Gather, organize and display data in meaningful ways
Conduct research related to their project
Develop skills and techniques needed to work effectively in small groups

Activity 1:

Preparation
An inventory of materials (available at school, on the Internet, and other sources available to students) needs to be completed before beginning the project.

Tools and Resources
No special materials are needed for this project.

Instruction
Divide students randomly into teams of three students at least two months before the 2002 Olympic Winter Games begin.

Student groups may choose to study any aspect of the Winter Olympic Games that is related to mathematics. (If the areas of their projects are smaller or simpler in nature, students may select at least two simpler applications of mathematical concepts.)

Project examples might include: 1) finding an equation to describe the curve of the ski jump and landing area for the ski jump, 2) using logistical formulas to make sure that the correct amounts and types of food are available for the participants when and where it is needed.

Students are strongly encouraged to discuss their projects and the related mathematical principles with people who have worked on building or preparing facilities for the 2002 Winter Games. The project is to be assigned at least two months in advance of the 2002 Games to allow students time to do research on their projects. The project will involve a written report, pictures, videos, presentations by professionals who have worked with the students on their project, and an oral report summarizing the results of the study of the project.

A parent survey should be conducted to inventory the skills and backgrounds of parents and if they would be willing to work with a group of students at least one month before the beginning of the project.

A tentative rubric for scoring the projects needs to be created and then discussed with students. The following list contains some items that the teacher may want to consider in the tentative rubric.
  1. Length of project reports.
  2. Must all projects have an oral and written presentation?
  3. Inclusion of pictures.
    1. Required?
    2. How many?
    3. What size?
  4. Inclusion of videos.
    1. Required?
    2. Could students use a video to present the complete project?
  5. Guest speakers?
  6. Topics
  7. Same topics by two teams, but different approaches. Allowable on not?
  8. h. Scoring values for each portion of the project.

One class period should be set aside for the presentation of this project and the discussion for the scoring rubric. Students need to have clear definitions of the project and what is expected of them. Deadlines need to be established for progress reports and a completion date established. During each progress report the teacher needs to make notes and award points for the work completed. It is suggested that the completion dates be set to coincide with the Winter Games.

Assessment
Students will be assessed and graded on the projects according to the rubric established by the students and teacher.
Light the Fire Within TM © 2000 SLOC
© 2001 GIFT Foundation

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