Mathematical Cross Country Trip

Unit Plan

 

 

By

Eileen Laramie

Sister Mary Grace, SCMC

Susan DuBois

EDU 546

Dr. Hari Koirala

Table of Contents

 

 

Concept Map.. 3

Assumptions.. 4

Topics to Be Covered.. 4

Required Resources.. 4

Unit Features.. 4

Unit Objectives and the Standards Alignment.. 5

Tentative Timeline. 7

Lesson #1 - Introduction.. 7

Lesson #2: Plan Trip.. 7

Lesson #3 - Food and Lodging Lesson.. 8

Lesson #4 – Amish Country.. 8

Lesson #5 – Great Lakes – Get rid of Pollution.. 8

Lesson #6 – Indiana - Logic Puzzle. 8

Lesson #7 – St. Louis, Missouri - Arches and Arcs.. 8

Lesson #8 – The FBI Needs Our Help.. 9

Lesson #9– Climb that Mountain - Colorado.. 9

Lesson #10 – Mt. Rushmore, Montana.. 9

Lesson #11 – Seattle, WA - It’s Raining, It’s Pouring.. 9

Lesson #12 – Viva Las Vegas, Here We Come!! 9

Lesson #13 – Nevada - Oh no, We Left Someone Behind.. 10

Lesson #14 – California, Here We Come. 10

Lesson #15 – We Made It!!  Class Presentations.. 10

Lesson #9 - Colorado.. 11

Unit Extension and Modification.. 14

Unit Assessment.. 16

Appendix A.. 17

Appendix B.. 19

Appendix C.. 21

Appendix D.. 24

Appendix E. 25

Appendix F. 27

Appendix G.. 29

Bibliography.. 31

Concept Map

 

 

 

Unifying Theme

The theme for this unit is to explore mathematics using a trip across the United States. The unit is designed to engage students in mathematics topics as they plan their own small group trips across the U.S.

Assumptions

It is assumed that students have some previous knowledge of algebra and measurement as well as practice using the Internet as a resource.  It is also assumed that students are familiar with Microsoft Excel.  This is a mid-semester unit, so it is likely that many concepts have already been taught, namely, the four quadrants of a coordinate plane, x and y coordinates, and plotting points on a graph. It is also assumed that the students are proficient in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and percents.

 

Grade Level: 9

This unit is designed for 9^th grade students. However, it could be used with advanced 7^th and 8^th grade students as well. Grades 10-12 could also benefit from using this unit for review of concepts, extra practice, motivation, etc. It could be modified by adjusting the math topics to fit any grade level.

Topics to Be Covered

Ø      Estimation and rounding

Ø      Decimals, fractions, and percentage

Ø      Slope

Ø      Variables and equations

Ø      Probability

Ø      Circumference, diameter

Ø      Ratios

 

Required Resources

US Map, Calculator, Atlas or map books, several computers with Internet access, Popsicle sticks, straws, matchbox cars.

 Unit Features

Ø      A realistic application

Ø      Involves problem solving and planning

Ø      Links to geography and demography

Ø      Use of calculators and mental estimation

Ø      Use of computers

Ø      Cooperative learning

Ø      Encourages the use of students’ personal experience

Ø      Active assessment

Ø      Use of technology

Ø      Links to Science

Ø      Use of presentation skills

Ø      Logging information and reflections into a math journal

Unit Objectives and the Standards Alignment

           

Unit Objectives	Alignment
	NCTM Standards	Connecticut Standards
By the end of the unit students will:
1. Budget time and money for a long trip.	Number and Operations   Representation   Connections	Number sense Operations
2. Estimate distance, mileage and cost.	Number and Operations   Geometry	Estimation and Approximation   Spatial Relationships and Geometry
3. Work cooperatively in groups.	Communication
4. Determine the best route and probability of reaching destination on time and within budget.	Data Analysis and Probability	Probability and Statistics
5. Determine the slope of a line.	Geometry   Measurement   Problem Solving	Spatial Relationships and Geometry Measurement
6. Find the boiling point of water at a high altitude.	Algebra   Problem Solving	Algebra and Functions
7. Find the circumference, diameter and radius of a circle.	Geometry   Problem Solving   Connections	Spatial Relationships and Geometry
8. Find Mean of rainfall and temperature of 2 states.  Graph results.	Data Analysis & Probability   Algebra   Connections Representation	Probability & Statistics     Algebra and Functions

 

9. Find the number of revolutions of a wheel.	Geometry   Numbers and Operations	Spatial Relationships and Geometry   Number Sense   Operations Ratios, Proportions, and Percent
10.  Design an Excel Spreadsheet.	Algebra   Data Analysis & Probability	Algebra and Functions   Probability & Statistics
11.  Monitor bacterial populations growth as function of time.	Numbers & Operations   Algebra   Data Analysis & Probability   Problem Solving   Connections	Number Sense   Operations   Ratios, Proportions, and Percent   Algebra and Functions   Probability & Statistics
12.  Calculate duration of medicine effects given half life.	Numbers & Operations   Algebra   Problem Solving   Connections	Number Sense   Operations   Ratios, Proportions, and Percent   Algebra and Functions
13.  Solve Logic Puzzle.	Numbers & Operations   Data Analysis & Probability   Problem Solving Reasoning & Proof	Number Sense     Probability & Statistics     Patterns
14.  Design bridge and ski slope.	Algebra Geometry Measurement Problem Solving Connections Representation	Algebra and Functions   Spatial Relationships and Geometry Measurement

Tentative Timeline

This unit will span 3- 4 weeks with 15 lesson plans of 45-50 minutes each.   Much of the work will be collaborative with a culminating presentation at the end of the unit.  If possible, this unit will be taught with the Social Studies, Computer, and Science classes.

 

 

Lessons	Number of Days	Description
1	1	Introduction of a Cross Country road trip
2	2	Planning the trip