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10th Grade  Project 1 week

Code Blue: The Emergency Room Math Challenge

Abigail M
Updated
HS.S-MD.B.7
CS.HS.1.8
CS.HS.1.7
HS.S-ID.A.1
HS.S-IC.B.5
+ 4 more
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Purpose

How can you use math to help emergency room staff make faster, safer decisions?

Run a timed mock ER case using vital slips, timer cards, and quick math calls.

Use vital-sign ratios, rates, probability simulations, plots, and code patterns to compare randomized treatments and timing.

Ratio means how one amount compares with another amount.

Build and present an ER-case dashboard at Vitals and Visuals Night.

Explain changing predictions to visitors.

After every check, write one reflection sentence.

After sessions, log revisions and reasons.

Consult a statistician.

Learning goals

I can use ratios, rates, and proportional reasoning to interpret vital signs and treatment timing.
I can model ER data with dot plots, histograms, box plots, and a computer dashboard.
I can find patterns and use probability to compare ER decisions and improve predictions.
I can simulate randomized treatment comparisons and judge whether differences likely happened by chance.
I can explain how math checks and expert feedback changed my dashboard predictions.

Standards
  • [Colorado] HS.S-MD.B.7 - (+) Analyze decisions and strategies using probability concepts (e.g., product testing, medical testing, pulling a hockey goalie at the end of a game).
  • [Colorado] CS.HS.1.8 - Data from a computer program can be visually presented to better understand and articulate solutions to a problem.
  • [Colorado] CS.HS.1.7 - Many problems appropriate for solving with a computer are organized around patterns.
  • [Colorado] HS.S-ID.A.1 - Model data in context with plots on the real number line (dot plots, histograms, and box plots).
  • [Colorado] HS.S-IC.B.5 - Use data from a randomized experiment to compare two treatments; use simulations to decide if differences between parameters are significant.
Competencies
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Create a digital ER dashboard using case data, vital-sign ratios, treatment rates, and timing. Ratio means how one amount compares to another. Show distributions with dot plots, histograms, or box plots made by your computer program. Distribution means how the values are spread out. Include simulations comparing two treatments and explain whether their differences seem significant. Add dated predictions, math-check reflections, and daily revision notes naming what changed and why. Present your dashboard at Vitals and Visuals Night after feedback from a medical data expert.

Launch

Start with a fast mock ER case using timer cards and vital sign slips.
Calculate heart-rate ratios, treatment rates, and wait times before each timer expires.
Make quick math calls about which fictional patient needs attention first.
Record your first prediction, then note what changed when new vital signs arrived.
Ask: How can you use math to help ER staff make faster, safer decisions?

Exhibition

Present your ER data dashboard at Vitals and Visuals Night. Show plots and simulations. Show how your predictions changed across mock cases. Explain how ratios, rates, and probability supported faster, safer decisions. Ratios show how one amount compares with another. Rates show how one amount changes over time. Probability shows how likely something is. Invite visitors and a medical data expert to question your model and share feedback.