The kids had a fantastic time with the Bungee Jumping Barbie activity. We have been learning about rates, tables, graphs, and algebraic expressions the past couple weeks. In this activity we fist started by collecting data and creating a table and a line graph. We measured how far Barbie fell when she had one rubber band attached to her feet. We then measured again with two, three, four, and five rubber bands. Each time we selected a new jumping point to give Barbie a more thrilling experience.
Once we had five data points we came up with a rule that for each rubber band she would fall about 4 inches more. Our data was not exact, but we talked about how in science and math experiments in the real world things are not always going to come out perfect on the first try. From this rule we developed an algebraic expression that would allow us to estimate how far Barbie would fall with a given number of rubber bands, or how many rubber bands Barbie would need for a given height of a jumping point. We also figured out that Barbie's height needs to be accounted for in our expression. She measured at 11.5 inches tall.
The algebraic expression we came up with was D = 4*R + 11.5 in
We were able to accurately figure out the distance she fell with six rubber bands, but now it was time to take this to the extreme.
We then went out to the playground, and each group had to choose a jumping point and measure the distance to the ground. They then had to figure out how many rubber bands they would need to use to give her the most exciting jump, without crashing into the ground. Below are some photos of the students creating and testing their bungee jumps for Barbie.
We all had a great time, and hopefully this helped in their understanding of how rates function and how we can use tables, graphs, rules, and algebraic expressions to solve for unknown values.
Once we had five data points we came up with a rule that for each rubber band she would fall about 4 inches more. Our data was not exact, but we talked about how in science and math experiments in the real world things are not always going to come out perfect on the first try. From this rule we developed an algebraic expression that would allow us to estimate how far Barbie would fall with a given number of rubber bands, or how many rubber bands Barbie would need for a given height of a jumping point. We also figured out that Barbie's height needs to be accounted for in our expression. She measured at 11.5 inches tall.
The algebraic expression we came up with was D = 4*R + 11.5 in
We were able to accurately figure out the distance she fell with six rubber bands, but now it was time to take this to the extreme.
We then went out to the playground, and each group had to choose a jumping point and measure the distance to the ground. They then had to figure out how many rubber bands they would need to use to give her the most exciting jump, without crashing into the ground. Below are some photos of the students creating and testing their bungee jumps for Barbie.
We all had a great time, and hopefully this helped in their understanding of how rates function and how we can use tables, graphs, rules, and algebraic expressions to solve for unknown values.
I was in one of those!
ReplyDeleteEmma had to leave early so we didn't finish.
lol! i made a face at the camera! he he he!
ReplyDeleteThat was a creepy face.
ReplyDeleteAnd you were running while Ms. Melissa took a picture.
ya that was cool
ReplyDelete