8th Grade  Project 1 week

"Soccer Stats: Predict the Goal!"

Yanuel Toral Aldaco
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Purpose

Students will engage in a project where they analyze soccer players' performance statistics to understand and predict match outcomes using mathematical concepts. By exploring proportional and linear relationships, students will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhancing their problem-solving skills. This project aims to deepen students' understanding of math in sports, fostering a connection between academic content and their interests.

Learning goals

Students will explore and analyze proportional and linear relationships by examining soccer players' performance statistics. They will create and interpret graphs to model relationships between variables such as goals scored, assists, and playing time. By engaging in this project, students will develop the ability to use mathematical equations to predict outcomes and make data-driven decisions in a real-world context.
Standards
  • Common Core - 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.
  • Common Core - 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.
  • Common Core - 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.

Products

Students will create a comprehensive report that analyzes and predicts the outcome of a soccer match using player performance statistics. This report will include graphs and equations demonstrating proportional and linear relationships, such as player speed versus distance covered or goals scored versus attempts. As a final product, students will present their findings and predictions to the class, highlighting the mathematical reasoning behind their conclusions.

Launch

Kick off the project by having students watch a short video of a recent soccer match, focusing on key players and their performance statistics. Then, engage students in a discussion about which statistics they think are most important in predicting the outcome of a match. Facilitate a brainstorming session where students identify different types of data they could collect and analyze, such as goals scored, assists, and distance covered. Encourage students to consider how these statistics can be represented through graphs and equations, setting the stage for exploring proportional and linear relationships.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, students will present their findings in a "Soccer Stats Symposium," where they will showcase their mathematical analyses and predictions of soccer match outcomes. Each group will create visual displays, such as graphs and charts, to illustrate proportional and linear relationships derived from real-world player statistics. Students will engage with peers and invited guests, explaining their methodologies and insights gained through the project. This exhibition encourages students to articulate their understanding and apply mathematical concepts in a meaningful context.