8th Grade
  • Project
  • 1 week

Fast Track Formula: Speed & Slope Challenge!

Jose S
CCSS.Math.Content.8.EE.B.5
CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.3
CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.B.4

Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic exploration of Formula 1 racing to deepen their understanding of proportional and linear relationships. Through analyzing real race footage, they will calculate speed changes and interpret these as slopes, illustrating the concepts of unit rate and linear functions. The project culminates in a digital presentation, allowing students to articulate their findings and reflect on their learning journey, both individually and collaboratively.

Learning goals

Students will develop an understanding of proportional and linear relationships by analyzing Formula 1 car speeds through video footage. They will learn to calculate unit rates and interpret these as slopes on graphs, deepening their comprehension of linear functions. Through creating digital presentations or videos, students will articulate their findings, demonstrating their ability to model real-world scenarios using mathematical concepts. The project will also enhance students' collaborative skills as they engage in peer review sessions, reflecting on their academic growth and teamwork.
Standards
  • CCSS.Math.Content.8.EE.B.5 - Graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Compare two different proportional relationships represented in different ways.
  • CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.A.3 - Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear.
  • CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.B.4 - Construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. Determine the rate of change and initial value of the function from a description of a relationship or from two (x, y) values, including reading these from a table or from a graph. Interpret the rate of change and initial value of a linear function in terms of the situation it models, and in terms of its graph or a table of values.

Products

Students will create a digital presentation or video that showcases their analysis of Formula 1 car speeds, using graphs to illustrate their understanding of proportional relationships, slope, and linear functions. They will compile data from their investigation of race footage, calculate unit rates, and interpret these as slopes, presenting their findings in a clear, engaging format. Additionally, students will participate in a peer review session, providing and receiving feedback to refine their projects and reflect on their learning journey.

Launch

Kick off the project with an engaging video montage of thrilling Formula 1 race highlights to capture students' attention and spark curiosity. Follow this with a hands-on activity where students use stopwatches and model cars to simulate and measure speed, introducing the concept of unit rate and slope. Facilitate a class discussion on how these concepts relate to the speed and acceleration of real Formula 1 cars, setting the stage for their investigation and analysis.

Exhibition

Students will host a Formula 1-themed showcase where they present their digital presentations or videos to classmates, teachers, and family members. Each group will explain their analysis of Formula 1 car speeds, demonstrating their understanding of proportional relationships and linear functions through graphs and visual aids. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, providing students with a platform to articulate their learning and reflect on their project experience. This exhibition will culminate in a peer review session, encouraging students to offer constructive feedback and engage in meaningful reflection on their academic and collaborative growth.