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7th Grade
- Project
- 1 week
Angle-Tastic Rods: Reel in the Design!
KY.7.G.5
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on learning experience that combines mathematics with real-world applications in fishing. By exploring the role of angles in the design and function of fishing rods, students will deepen their understanding of geometric principles while developing practical problem-solving skills. Through collaboration with local anglers and the creation of their own fishing rod models, students will connect classroom learning to community expertise and receive valuable feedback on their designs.
Learning goals
Students will explore the mathematical properties of angles and apply them to design and construct functional fishing rods. They will engage in hands-on activities to measure and calculate angles, enhancing their understanding of supplementary, complementary, vertical, and adjacent angles. Through collaboration with local anglers, students will refine their designs based on real-world feedback, demonstrating their ability to apply mathematical concepts to practical scenarios. The project will culminate in a presentation where students articulate their design process and mathematical reasoning.
Standards
- KY.7.G.5 - Apply properties of supplementary, complementary, vertical and adjacent angles in a multi-step problem to write and solve simple equations for an unknown angle in a figure.
Products
Students will create a functional fishing rod prototype, integrating their understanding of angles to enhance its design and efficiency. Throughout the project, they will produce detailed design sketches and angle calculations, documenting their process in a project journal. By the end of the week, students will compile a presentation for the 'Fishing Rod Design Fair,' showcasing their prototypes and explaining the mathematical concepts applied. Additionally, they will prepare a reflective report on the feedback received from local anglers during the 'Fishing Rod Showcase.'
Launch
Begin the project with a hands-on activity where students examine various fishing rods and identify the angles involved in their construction, such as the angle of the reel seat and guides. Invite a local angler to demonstrate how these angles affect casting and catching efficiency. Students will then brainstorm initial ideas for their fishing rod designs, considering how angle properties can enhance functionality. This engaging start will set the stage for exploring the mathematical concepts throughout the project.
Exhibition
Students will host a 'Fishing Rod Showcase' event where they present their custom-designed fishing rods to local anglers. During the event, students will demonstrate the functionality of their rods, explaining how they applied angle properties in their designs. Local anglers will test the rods, providing immediate feedback on their efficiency and functionality. This interactive exhibition allows students to engage with the community and receive valuable insights from experienced fishing enthusiasts.
Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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Activities |
Introduction to Angles - Explore the essential question and discuss how angles are integral to fishing rod design (10 min)
Hands-On Angle Exploration - Examine various fishing rods and identify angles such as reel seat and guide angles, facilitated by a local angler (25 min)
Brainstorm Design Ideas - Begin sketching initial fishing rod designs with a focus on enhancing functionality using angle properties (10 min)
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Angle Properties Workshop - Learn about supplementary, complementary, vertical, and adjacent angles through interactive activities (15 min)
Design Sketch Development - Refine fishing rod design sketches by incorporating learned angle properties (15 min)
Angle Calculation Practice - Practice calculating angles in rod designs using multi-step problems and simple equations (15 min)
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Field Trip Preparation - Prepare for field trip with local fishing club by outlining measuring techniques for real-world fishing scenarios (10 min)
Field Trip to Fishing Club - Visit local fishing club to observe and measure angles in actual fishing setups, applying classroom knowledge (25 min)
Reflective Discussion - Reflect on field trip experience and discuss how real-world observations can improve rod designs (10 min)
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Design Revision - Use insights gained from the field trip to revise fishing rod designs focusing on angle efficiency (15 min)
Prototype Construction - Begin constructing a functional fishing rod prototype based on revised designs (20 min)
Project Journal Entry - Document design process and angle calculations in project journals (10 min)
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Final Prototype Adjustments - Make final adjustments to fishing rod prototypes ensuring optimal angle functionality (15 min)
Fishing Rod Design Fair Preparation - Prepare presentations for the 'Fishing Rod Design Fair,' focusing on mathematical concepts applied (15 min)
Fishing Rod Design Fair - Showcase prototypes to local anglers, explaining design processes and receiving feedback (15 min)
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Deliverables |
1. Completed fishing rod design sketches highlighting angle calculations
2. Project journal with detailed angle measurements and reflections on initial observations 3. Prototype fishing rod constructed using classroom materials 4. Presentation outline for the 'Fishing Rod Design Fair' |
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Preparation |
1. Collect a variety of fishing rods, including different types and models, to use as examples in the classroom
2. Invite a local angler to demonstrate and discuss the impact of angles on rod performance 3. Gather materials for prototype construction, such as dowels, string, tape, and protractors 4. Prepare angle measurement tools, such as protractors and rulers, for student use 5. Coordinate with a local fishing club for potential feedback sessions 6. Set up a workspace for students to sketch, calculate, and construct their designs 7. Create a rubric for assessing student presentations at the 'Fishing Rod Design Fair' |