Exponential Fitness Fiesta: Math & Motion Mashup!

9th, 10th, High School Grades

Project
5 weeks

Exponential Fitness Fiesta: Math & Motion Mashup!

Bree Taylor

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on exploration of mathematical concepts through the lens of physical fitness. Students will design and implement a fitness game that integrates mathematical reasoning, particularly focusing on exponentiation and real number comparisons, to collect and analyze data. Throughout the project, students will maintain a fitness journal to record their data and reflections on their activities, enhancing their ability to track and interpret their fitness performance over time. By the end of the project, students will showcase their understanding through a creative game and data display, highlighting their growth and the mathematical principles involved.

Learning goals

Students will explore and apply mathematical concepts such as exponentiation, real number comparisons, and measurement units to design and analyze a fitness game. They will track and interpret their fitness data in a fitness journal, using rational and irrational numbers to model and understand their progress. Through this project, students will develop reasoning skills to choose appropriate levels of accuracy in reporting data. By the end of the project, students will have created a fitness game that not only demonstrates their understanding of math concepts but also engages their peers in meaningful data analysis.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSNQ.A.1: Use reasoning to establish properties of positive integer exponents and extend the definition to include negative and rational exponents.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSNQ.B.4: Define, manipulate, and interpret appropriate quantities using rational and irrational numbers to authentically model situations.
Oregon HS PE Standards - Standard 1: Demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create a fitness game that integrates mathematical concepts, focusing on data collection and analysis. They will maintain a fitness journal to record and reflect on their data from activities, tracking their progress over time. Additionally, students will produce a comparative analysis of participant data, highlighting trends and insights gained from their game. By the end of the project, each student will present their findings and game design, demonstrating their understanding of mathematical modeling in authentic contexts.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging Mathletics Field Day Kickoff, where students participate in fitness challenges that incorporate basic mathematical calculations, such as average speed or heart rate. Provide each student with a fitness journal to record their data on these activities, fostering a habit of tracking and analyzing their performance. Facilitate a group discussion to brainstorm ideas for designing fitness games that integrate mathematical concepts, setting the foundation for their project work. This launch will immerse students in the practical application of math within fitness contexts, encouraging active participation and collaboration.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, students will host a Fitness Game Expo where they present their designed fitness games and demonstrate their mathematical analysis of performance data. Each student will have a station showcasing their game, including interactive elements for visitors to engage with and compare their own fitness data. Students will also display visual representations of their fitness improvement over the project duration, using graphs and models that highlight their understanding of rational and irrational numbers, measurement units, and accuracy in data reporting. Additionally, students will maintain a fitness journal throughout the project to record and reflect on their data, which will be part of their exhibition to provide insights into their learning journey and personal growth.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Mathletics Field Day Kickoff - Participate in fitness challenges to collect data such as average speed and heart rate, introducing data collection concepts (60 min) Fitness Journal Setup - Create a personalized fitness journal to record performance stats and reflections throughout the project (30 min) Group Brainstorm - Discuss and generate ideas for fitness game designs incorporating mathematical concepts (20 min)	Workshop: Understanding Exponents - Explore properties of positive, negative, and rational exponents through hands-on calculations with fitness data (50 min) Data Analysis Introduction - Learn to compare real numbers from fitness data using rational and irrational numbers (40 min) Reflection Session - Update fitness journal with insights from today's activities and initial data analysis (20 min)	Workshop: Measurement Units in Fitness - Examine and choose consistent measurement units for tracking fitness data in formulas and graphs (50 min) Fitness Data Collection - Engage in fitness activities to gather data for analysis and game design development (40 min) Peer Discussion - Share fitness journal entries and discuss measurement unit choices with peers (20 min)	Scientific Principles of Fitness - Attend a university-led workshop on the science behind fitness and data application in sports research (60 min) Mathematical Modeling - Apply reasoning to define and interpret quantities in fitness contexts using rational and irrational numbers (30 min) Digital Portfolio Setup - Begin assembling a digital portfolio to track project development and reflections (20 min)	Feedback Friday - Present current progress on game design and data analysis for peer and instructor feedback (40 min) Game Design Session - Develop initial game mechanics and data collection methods using mathematical principles (50 min) Reflection and Portfolio Update - Reflect on feedback received and update digital portfolio with new insights and game design progress (20 min)
Deliverables	1. A fitness journal entry documenting data from Day 1 activities, including calculations using exponents and real number comparisons. 2. Initial sketches and ideas for a fitness game design that integrates mathematical concepts.
Preparation	1. Secure fitness trackers or apps for data collection during field day activities. 2. Provide graphing tools or software for data analysis activities. 3. Prepare materials for the brainstorming session, such as paper, markers, and concept mapping tools. 4. Coordinate with the university's kinesiology or sports science department to schedule a workshop or guest lecture on scientific principles of fitness.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Fitness Journal Setup - Students create their fitness journals, recording baseline data from the Mathletics Field Day to track progress throughout the project (20 min) Exponent Exploration Workshop - Engage in a hands-on session to explore positive, negative, and rational exponents using fitness data such as heart rates and calculate averages and growth percentages (40 min) Collaborative Data Analysis - In small groups, analyze the collected fitness data, comparing the use of rational and irrational numbers to model their results (50 min)	Real Numbers Comparison - Conduct a workshop on comparing real numbers through different representations and apply these skills to analyze day-to-day fitness metrics (30 min) Kinesiology Workshop - Participate in a virtual session with local university kinesiology experts to understand the application of math in sports science (40 min) Group Reflection and Portfolio Update - Reflect on the day's learning and update digital portfolios with data insights and personal reflections (40 min)	Measurement Units Exploration - Investigate the appropriate use of measurement units in fitness contexts and apply these concepts to data gathered in fitness activities (30 min) Game Design Brainstorm - Begin brainstorming ideas for a fitness game that incorporates mathematical calculations and data tracking, focusing on creating engaging and educational experiences (50 min) Feedback Session - Conduct a group feedback session to share game ideas and receive constructive critiques to refine initial concepts (30 min)	Game Mechanics Development - Develop the mechanics of the fitness game, integrating math concepts such as exponentiation and real number comparisons to track performance data (50 min) Peer Review and Iteration - Present preliminary game designs to peers for feedback, focusing on mathematical accuracy and engagement, then refine based on the input (30 min) Reflection and Journaling - Reflect on the game development process and update fitness journals with new insights and personal goals (30 min)	Prototype Testing - Test initial game prototypes in small groups, gathering feedback on the user experience and data collection process (40 min) Data Analysis and Presentation - Analyze collected data from game testing, using graphs and charts to visualize results and draw conclusions (40 min) Feedback Friday - Share progress on game designs and data analysis in a class feedback session, focusing on improvements and next steps (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete fitness journal entries for the week's activities, including data collected and reflections on mathematical concepts applied. 2. Initial game design concept documented, including how mathematical reasoning will be integrated into the game mechanics.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for the exponentiation activity, including calculators, worksheets, and example problems related to fitness data. 2. Set up fitness stations with necessary equipment for data collection, such as stopwatches, measuring tapes, and heart rate monitors. 3. Create templates for fitness journal entries and digital portfolio updates to guide student reflections and data recording. 4. Organize a space for the Feedback Friday session, ensuring students have access to presentation tools and materials.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Field Day Performance Analysis - Participate in a second Field Day to collect updated fitness data, focusing on improvements since the initial event (50 min) Data Comparison Workshop - Compare Field Day results using rational and irrational numbers and update fitness journals with new insights (40 min) Game Design Reflection - Reflect on Field Day experiences and brainstorm how updated data can enhance game designs (20 min)	Advanced Exponentiation Workshop - Deepen understanding of rational exponents through practical application in fitness data calculations (50 min) Fitness Data Visualization - Create graphs and charts using collected Field Day data to visualize performance trends and improvements (40 min) Portfolio Update - Add new data visualizations and reflections to digital portfolios, highlighting personal growth (20 min)	Game Mechanics Enhancement - Refine game mechanics using new insights from recent data analysis, ensuring accurate representation of mathematical concepts (50 min) Peer Feedback Session - Share enhanced game designs with peers for feedback, focusing on data integration and participant engagement (30 min) Journaling and Reflection - Reflect on feedback and update the fitness journal with game development progress and personal learning (30 min)	Community Partner Workshop - Engage in a virtual session with university sports science experts to apply mathematical reasoning in fitness contexts (50 min) Iterative Game Development - Incorporate expert insights to further enhance game designs, focusing on user experience and data tracking (40 min) Digital Portfolio Reflection - Document workshop learnings and game design iterations in digital portfolios (20 min)	Prototype Testing Round 2 - Test revised game prototypes in small groups, focusing on data accuracy and user engagement (50 min) Data Analysis and Interpretation - Analyze new data collected from prototype testing, using statistical methods to draw insights (40 min) Feedback and Reflection - Participate in Feedback Friday to share updates and receive input on game designs and data interpretations (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Fitness Game Prototype: Students will create a working prototype of their designed fitness game, incorporating mathematical calculations and fitness components. 2. Digital Portfolio Update: Students will update their digital portfolios with data analysis from their prototype testing, reflections on their progress, and feedback received from peers during the Feedback Friday session.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for game prototypes, such as foam balls, cones, stopwatches, measuring tapes, and any technology needed for data collection. 2. Coordinate with community partners from the university's kinesiology department to schedule a workshop focusing on data analysis techniques used in sports science. 3. Set up a digital platform for students to create and update their digital portfolios, ensuring they have access to devices and internet connectivity. 4. Prepare a feedback rubric for the peer review session, focusing on mathematical reasoning, game design, and data analysis. 5. Ensure availability of fitness journals for students to continue recording data from game testing and refine their mathematical calculations.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Fitness Data Deep Dive - Analyze the data collected so far to identify trends and improvements in fitness performance (40 min) Workshop: Advanced Exponentiation - Apply negative and rational exponents to fitness data to understand complex calculations (40 min) Reflection and Fitness Journal Update - Record observations and insights from the data analysis and workshop (30 min)	Game Design Iteration - Revise game mechanics based on previous feedback, focusing on enhancing data collection and engagement (50 min) Kinesiology Collaboration - Engage in a Q&A session with university experts to gather insights on scientific accuracy in fitness games (40 min) Feedback Session - Share revised game designs with peers for constructive critique and suggestions (20 min)	Prototype Enhancement - Implement changes to the fitness game based on peer feedback and expert advice (50 min) Workshop: Accurate Data Reporting - Learn techniques for ensuring precision and consistency in tracking and reporting fitness data (40 min) Reflection and Fitness Journal Update - Update journals with new game designs and data reporting strategies (20 min)	Final Game Testing - Conduct a comprehensive test of the fitness game, collecting data from participants and evaluating the user experience (50 min) Data Visualization Workshop - Create visual representations of game data using graphs and charts to communicate findings (40 min) Peer Review and Portfolio Update - Present game results and visualizations to peers, then update digital portfolios with new insights (20 min)	Feedback Friday - Host a peer review session to present final game designs and data analyses for comprehensive feedback (40 min) Final Revisions - Make last adjustments to game designs and data presentations based on peer and instructor feedback (40 min) Reflection and Exhibition Preparation - Reflect on the project journey in journals and prepare for the upcoming Fitness Game Expo (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed fitness game design incorporating accurate mathematical calculations. 2. Mock trial data analysis recorded in fitness journals. 3. Digital portfolio with initial data and reflections uploaded. 4. Visual representation of data trends using graphs and charts.
Preparation	1. Prepare materials for students to finalize their game designs, including graph paper, calculators, and access to computers. 2. Coordinate with the university's kinesiology department for the workshop and gather necessary resources for the session. 3. Ensure availability of digital tools for students to assemble their portfolios and create visual representations of their data. 4. Organize feedback session logistics, including time slots and peer review guidelines.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Game Finalization Workshop - Finalize all aspects of the fitness game, ensuring integration of math concepts and data collection mechanisms (50 min) Portfolio Completion - Add final reflections and game design summaries to digital portfolios, preparing for exhibition (40 min) Peer Review Session - Conduct a peer review to provide final feedback on game designs and portfolio presentations (20 min)	Exhibition Preparation - Organize game materials, digital portfolio displays, and data visualizations for the Fitness Game Expo (60 min) Presentation Rehearsal - Practice presenting game designs and data insights to peers, focusing on clarity and engagement (30 min) Reflection and Journaling - Reflect on the project journey, recording insights and personal growth in fitness journals (20 min)	Mathletics Challenge Day Setup - Arrange the venue and prepare materials for the Mathletics Challenge Day exhibition (50 min) Run Through - Conduct a final run-through of the game presentation and data collection process to ensure readiness (40 min) Feedback Session - Gather final input from peers and instructors to refine presentations and game mechanics (20 min)	Mathletics Challenge Day - Showcase fitness games to attendees, facilitating gameplay and data collection activities (70 min) Data Collection Analysis - Collect participant data during the event and begin initial analysis for insights (20 min) Reflection Session - Update fitness journals with reflections on the exhibition experience and participant feedback (20 min)	Data Interpretation Workshop - Analyze collected data from Mathletics Challenge Day, identifying trends and performance insights (50 min) Exhibition Debrief - Reflect on the overall project experience, discussing successes and areas for future growth (30 min) Final Portfolio Update - Complete digital portfolios with post-exhibition reflections and comprehensive project summaries (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed fitness game ready for Mathletics Challenge Day. 2. Digital portfolio including fitness data, reflections, and game design documentation. 3. Presentation for peer review session highlighting project journey and mathematical insights.
Preparation	1. Ensure access to digital devices for uploading data to digital portfolios. 2. Prepare materials and equipment needed for each fitness game station. 3. Organize the space for the Mathletics Challenge Day with necessary safety and logistical arrangements. 4. Create a leaderboard system to track and display performances during the Mathletics Challenge Day. 5. Coordinate with community partners, if applicable, for any support or resources needed for the challenge day.