Innovative Math

Math Parachutes

Design Parachutes in Multiple Area Sizes

Parachutes are designed in different area sizes of squares and circles. 4 different areas of squares are designed on large paper. Students then find 4 different radius' of circles to design their parachutes.

Students Time and Record Data

Teams work together to time and record their own data using all of the different sized parachutes. Teams make predictiions before they drop the parachutes.

Solve and Analyze Data as team and class

Data that is recorded is analyzed and graphed. Students make decisions about their data and then share their findings with the class for a class comparison.

Paper Roller Coasters

Students design their rollercoaster in groups. The goal is to have the slowest roller coaster for per dollar.

Each piece of track and scaffolding is worth a certain amount of money. Student teams plan and keep track of money spent.

Marbles are used to run the track. On test day, they get two attempts to get the slowest time possible down the track.

Cost per dollar is analyzed as a group and as a class. Teams win awards based on different categories.

3D CAD Printed Cars

Designing in CAD Software

Students are given tutorials and practice in CAD software. They learn how to create and group objects.

Building Specific Dimensions

Students are given specific specs that must be met for their vehicle. This car must run down the track, so the measurement in the software is really important.

3D Print the Car Design

Designs are printed, filed and put together using hot glue, paper clips, etc. Students practice with their cars on the track and then make modifications to finalize their car with a final print.

Ramp Height and Data Analasis

Using their designed cars, students use 3 feet of track at four different ramp heights. They record the distance their car moves at each ramp height.

Slope and Your Y Intercept

Using their data, they begin to graph their data. We look to find the line of best fit, slope and y-intercept.

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