ERIC Number: EJ1101105
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-May
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1072-0839
EISSN: N/A
Spaghetti Bridges: Modeling Linear Relationships
Kroon, Cindy D.
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, v21 n9 p563-568 May 2016
Mathematics and science are natural partners. One of many examples of this partnership occurs when scientific observations are made, thus providing data that can be used for mathematical modeling. Developing mathematical relationships elucidates such scientific principles. This activity describes a data-collection activity in which students employ the scientific method to explore the relationship between the number of spaghetti strands making a "bridge" and the weight that the bridge can support. Students will make qualitative predictions about relationships between variables and write linear equations to represent their data. This lesson actively engages students in the collection and analysis of data. The opening demonstration creates a "hook" for students at the beginning of the lesson as well as modeling the method of data collection A bibliography and two activity sheets are included.
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Middle Schools, Secondary School Mathematics, Teaching Methods, Interdisciplinary Approach, Scientific Principles, Data Collection, Scientific Methodology, Concept Formation, Scientific Concepts, Mathematical Concepts, Equations (Mathematics), Manipulative Materials
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-9840; Fax: 703-476-2570; e-mail: NCTM@nctm.org; Web site: http://www.nctm.org/publications/mathematics-teaching-in-the-middle-school/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A