Math, Measurements and Mountain Bikes

A project- based math module for the students of the 4th Grade at the SAV School

Instructional Designer: Deborah CookeFor Instructor Govinda Panthy

Learning Objectives

Chief Learning Objective:

To use math to solve a real world problem in a collaborative setting using an online module.

Math Question

How does measurement and geometry help in the design of mountain bike trails?

Knowledge Goals.

Identify parallel or perpendicular lines.

Identify right angles as 90 degrees

Identify rulers, protractor and measuring tapes

Understand the different functions between a ruler, protractor and measuring tape

Understand basic vocabulary

Learning Objectives

Performance Goals

Design a dirt bike trail, race on the trail and calculate the results.

Give an oral presentation (2.5 minutes). Eye contact, slow and audible speech .

Label angles and parallel lines

Use a ruler or other tools to measure lengths.

Use ratios to determine length of trails.

Complete a 3 paragraph reflection paper with an introduction,

discussion of personal thoughts and a conclusion.

Behavioral Goals

Work cooperatively in a group of four students.

Assume the role given and contribute good personal performance.

Vocabulary

Ruler – a measuring stick marked in centimeters

Scale – a ratio of size connecting to a map

Vocabulary

Measuring Tape – a thin metal piece used to measure distance

Right Angle – the corner of a square = 90 degrees

Parallel Lines – lines that are side by side

Vocabulary

Centimeter – 1/100 of a meter

Decimeter – 1/10 of a meter

Scale Drawing – A drawing made small that can be much bigger outside

Vocabulary

Map – a picture of an area showing all the parts

Trail – a path that can be walked or ridden

Bicycle - a vehicle with two wheels, pedals and

handlebars

Vocabulary

Timer – an app on a cell phone that measures how fast time is moving

Calculation – using numbers to explain what happened

Protractor – a tool used to measure angles

Vocabulary

Measurement – using a tool to decide how big something is

Ratio – the relation of two numbers. Here the blue triangle is 1/7th of the circle.

Vocabulary

Race – a competition for speed

Results – measuring what happened

Working in Groups

Working in groups is like working in your family. Each person in a family has certain things they do to help the family.

You are now part of a math family.

Let your group decide, who will identify the measuring tools and and decide on the measurements of the bike trail? Who will draw the map for the bike trails? Who will build the trails outside near SAV school? Who will decorate a bike and race on the day of the School Celebration for this math lesson?

Let’s Get Started!

Here is what you need to know:

How do I use a ruler?

What is a centimeter? What is a decimeter?

How do I use a protractor to measure angles?

What is a right angle?

What are parallel lines?

How do I use ratios to create a trail map that we can take outside and build a trail?

Identifying and Measuring

For the student who is chosen for this job, here is your task:

Identify a ruler and protractor and take it to your table. Make sure you also have paper and pencils.

Talk among your group about how long the bike trail outside should be.

Designer

For the student who is chosen for this job, here is your task:

With pencil and paper, draw the map for your group’s bike trail. Remember 1 cm = 1m.

Mark which are parallel lines and which are right angles. Try to use both shapes in your design.

Have the Identifier and Measurer student help you use the correct tools.

Presentation Time

After the map is drawn and the group is happy with the design, the Identifier and Measurer and the Designer will present their design to the group.

Here’s what you both need to do:

The Identifier and Measurer talks about the tools and the Designer talks about the map. Each one of you will speak for 2.5 minutes.

Make good eye contact with the class.

Speak slowly and loudly so everyone can hear.

Time to Go Outside

For the student who is chosen to the Builder, here are your tasks:

With the Instructor’s help you will build the bike trail, using sticks and string to mark the path according to map and measuring to scale.

The Instructor and the student will use a tape measurer to help measure the path.

Preparing for the Bike Race

The student who is chosen for this task:

Works with the group to decide how to decorate the race bike.

Decorate your bike according to your team’s idea.

Get prepared to race your bike on your group’s trail. Be sure to wear your helmet!

The Bike Race

Each group from the math class will have a bike to race on their trails.

One by one the Racer from each group rides the trail designed by his/her group.

The Designer times the race with the timer on a cell phone with the Instructor’s help.

The Builder of the trail writes down the results on a piece of paper.

Back Inside – Presentation Time

The Builder and the Racer give a brief presentation to the class about their jobs and what they discovered. The total presentation time will be 2.5 minutes each.

Remember:

Make good eye contact with your class.

Speak loudly and slowly so everyone can hear.

Calculating Results

The Designer and the Builder from each team tape the trail map and the calculated result from the race to the wall.

The Class discusses the different maps and results and decides the best trail and why.

The winning team is rewarded and the whole class celebrates.

The Last Step

Each student will write three paragraphs in English about their experience with this project. Provide an introduction, personal ideas (reflection) and a conclusion.

What did you like about it?

What did you not like about it?

What was surprising?

What did you learn from the experience?