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High School Grade  Project 1 week

Algebra on the Move: A Math Journey

Micaela C
Updated
HS.A-CED.A.1
HS.A-CED.A.2
HS.A-CED.A.4
HS.F-LE.A.2
HS.G-CO.A.2
+ 5 more
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Purpose

Use algebra to plan a realistic trip from Colorado to Rome, Italy.
Compare routes, costs, and times using rates, ratios, unit conversions, equations, and functions.
Build a portfolio showing budget changes, distance checks, time estimates, and tested route revisions.
Compare your first and final budgets, then explain how algebra changed your plan.
Present your route choice, budgets, portfolio evidence, and final reasoning.

Learning goals

I can solve Colorado-to-Rome travel equations with linear, quadratic, rational, and exponential models.
A model is a math pattern that shows how one thing changes.
I can graph two-variable functions for transportation, lodging, food, and total trip costs.
I can compare map changes by tracking points, distances, angles, and scale.
Scale means how a map size matches real distance.
I can rearrange formulas using rates, ratios, conversions, distance checks, and time estimates.
I can revise my portfolio and presentation.
I can explain how algebra changed my final plan.

Standards
  • [Colorado] HS.A-CED.A.1 - Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. *Include equations arising from linear and quadratic functions, and simple rational and exponential functions.*
  • [Colorado] HS.A-CED.A.2 - Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities and graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales.
  • [Colorado] HS.A-CED.A.4 - Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations. *For example, rearrange Ohm's law V = IR to highlight resistance R.*
  • [Colorado] HS.F-LE.A.2 - Construct linear and exponential functions, including arithmetic and geometric sequences, given a graph, a description of a relationship, or two input-output pairs (include reading these from a table).
  • [Colorado] HS.G-CO.A.2 - Represent transformations in the plane using e.g., transparencies and geometry software; describe transformations as functions that take points in the plane as inputs and give other points as outputs. Compare transformations that preserve distance and angle to those that do not (e.g., translation versus horizontal stretch).
Competencies
  • Professional Skills - Task/Time Management (PRO.1)
  • Entrepreneurial Skills - Inquiry/Analysis (ENT.3)
  • Entrepreneurial Skills - Critical Thinking/Problem Solving (ENT.1)
  • Entrepreneurial Skills - Informed Risk Taking (ENT.4)
  • Professional Skills - Career Awareness (PRO.2)

Products

Build a trip planner portfolio for travel from Colorado to Rome, Italy. Include budget changes, distance checks, time estimates, cost functions, and unit-based route comparisons. Cost functions show how costs change with distance, time, or route choice. Revise your portfolio after testing different routes and costs. Show what changed and why. Create a final presentation explaining your route choice, first budget, final budget, and algebra-based changes. Add a reflection comparing both budgets and explaining how algebra changed your travel plan.

Launch

Compare two routes from Colorado to Rome using maps, flight details, and cost cards.
Use rates, ratios, and unit conversions to check distance, travel time, and costs.
Write and graph equations for each route, then test one possible price change.
Add your first budget, distance checks, and time estimates to your trip planner portfolio.
Choose a route, explain your reasoning to a partner, and note feedback for revision.

Exhibition

Present your final Colorado-to-Rome travel plan to peers and invited guests at a travel fair. Show your first and final budgets, distance checks, time estimates, and tested route options. Explain how rates, unit conversions, and functions shaped your route and budget changes. A rate means an amount per one unit. Invite visitors to compare options and ask questions about cost, time, and risk.