MP4 – Model with mathematics.

Grade Optimization

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Topic(s):

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At the beginning of each term we decide on the weights we assign to components of our courses. But there are other weights that we might consider to be just as reasonable -some students’ grades will increase with them but others’ may decrease. Why not give students the benefit of...

Hungry for Change: Food Deserts in CT

By:

Brian McDermott, John Maruda

Topic(s):

Mathematical Modeling, Social Justice Mathematics

Supporting Resources:

Handouts, Lesson Plan, References, Virtual Tools

In this lesson, we are tasked with determining a location for a new supermarket to address a possible “food desert” problem in Glastonbury. You will use these diagram to guide your analysis along with tools in Desmos and Geogebra. To qualify as “low access” in urban areas, at least 500...

Mural Mathematics

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Topic(s):

Geometry, Mathematical Modeling, Social Justice Mathematics

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts, Photos & Videos

Students will explore existing equity themed murals to identify themes, and the mathematics necessary to plan/create a city mural. Students will utilize Google maps tools to begin connecting Mathematical representations to precisely interpret circle properties and apply them to the mural design.

Racial Profiling

By:

Scott Kapralos

Topic(s):

Mathematical Modeling, Social Justice Mathematics

Supporting Resources:

Handouts, Lesson Plan, References, Virtual Tools

To investigate situations in the real world, we sometimes create a mathematical model. A mathematical model is a simplified version of the real world that allows us to understand the real world a little better. Over time we can change this model so that it gets closer and closer to...

Modeling a Pandemic

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Topic(s):

Mathematical Modeling, Social Justice Mathematics

Supporting Resources:

Handouts, Lesson Plan, References, Virtual Tools

How can mathematics help us understand the phenomenon of a pandemic? What factors impact the spread of a disease like Covid-19? Which of these factors can we influence? (society, in schools) How can mathematics help us act during a pandemic toward better outcomes?

Making Connections Between Forms of Quadratic Equations

By:

Mary Beth Richey

Topic(s):

Geometry

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts, Virtual Tools

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, the goal of this module is to help students in Algebra II become fluent in the various forms of a parabola equation based on the information that they are given. Students sometimes fail to understand that there are multiple ways...

Percents

By:

Alexandra Edwards, Dyan Palmer

Topic(s):

Algebra / Arithmetic

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, this module has students grapple with different representations of percents in various contexts in order to solve real life problems. Students need fluency in percentages for real world applications such as shopping, eating at restaurants, commission based careers, etc. Understanding...

Rational Numbers

By:

Elizabeth Livorsi, Maureen Aguglia, Sara MacKenzie

Topic(s):

Algebra / Arithmetic, Number Theory

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, this module is an introductory activity for rational numbers, likely aligned with Grade 7. Students will be given five points on a number line and will be asked to estimate the values of each in a 3-part task and explain...

Solving Linear Equations: An M&M Mystery

By:

Caitlin Colburn, Mary Losito

Topic(s):

Algebra / Arithmetic

Supporting Resources:

Handouts, Photos & Videos

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, this session is aimed at grades 7 or 8, but may be useful for high school algebra. It consists of worksheets and series of videos meant to get students to develop an understanding of solving linear equations, using the real...

Systems of Linear Equations

By:

Alexandra Edwards, Dyan Palmer, Ryan Gantner

Topic(s):

Algebra / Arithmetic, Geometry

Supporting Resources:

Facilitator Guides, Handouts

Developed as part of the Math Circles of Inquiry project, this short module explores a graphical solution to a system of equations. Students answer questions about lemonade sales and physically stand on the coordinates of a giant grid in order to see that plotting two equations on the same set...

MathCircles.org

Mathematical Practice: MP4 - Model with mathematics.

Grade Optimization

Hungry for Change: Food Deserts in CT

Mural Mathematics

Racial Profiling

Modeling a Pandemic

Making Connections Between Forms of Quadratic Equations

Percents

Rational Numbers

Solving Linear Equations: An M&M Mystery

Systems of Linear Equations