8th Grade
  • Project
  • 1 week

Football Frenzy: Graphing the Goal Line!

Giovanni Garcia Ayala
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 project where they analyze real-world data from a football game to explore and understand proportional relationships and linear functions. Through hands-on activities, students will collect player statistics and game scores, graph this data, and interpret the unit rate as the slope of the graph. By constructing and comparing linear functions, students will deepen their mathematical understanding while connecting it to a familiar and engaging context. The project culminates in a visual presentation that showcases their findings and reflections on their learning journey.

Learning goals

Students will analyze real-world football game data to identify and graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph. They will construct and compare linear functions to model relationships between various football statistics, such as yards gained per play and player performance metrics. Through visual presentations, students will demonstrate their understanding of these mathematical concepts and reflect on their learning progress, setting goals for further improvement.
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 comprehensive visual presentation that showcases their analysis of data collected from a football game. This presentation will include graphs illustrating proportional relationships and linear functions derived from player statistics and game scores. Additionally, students will complete a reflection worksheet to evaluate their understanding and progress, setting personal goals for further development. The final product will demonstrate their ability to interpret unit rates as slopes and construct linear functions, providing a real-world application of mathematical concepts.

Launch

Kick off the project by having students watch a short highlight reel of a recent football game, focusing on key plays and player statistics. Encourage students to discuss what data might be useful for analyzing player performance and game outcomes. Then, divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific aspect of the game to investigate, such as rushing yards, passing accuracy, or scoring patterns. Each group will brainstorm how they might collect and represent this data using graphs and equations, setting the stage for the week's exploration of proportional relationships and linear functions.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Football Data Analysis Showcase" where they present their findings through visual displays and digital presentations. Each group will explain their analysis of football game data, highlighting graphs that demonstrate proportional relationships and linear functions. Attendees, including peers and family members, will engage with the students by asking questions and providing feedback, fostering a deeper understanding of the mathematical concepts applied.