Mathematical Modeling

What is mathematical modeling?

The GAIMME Report defines mathematical modeling as "a process that uses mathematics to represent, analyze, make predictions or otherwise provide insight into real-world phenomena" (2019, p. 8).

See an example of a mathematical modeling cycle on the right from Blum & Niss (2011).

Tasks

Alg1 Tasks Aligned to Curriculum

Algebra 1

A compilation of mathematical modeling tasks related to units in Algebra 1.

Alg2 Tasks Aligned to Curriculum

Algebra 2

A compilation of mathematical modeling tasks related to units in Algebra 2.

Note: Most mathematical modeling tasks above are from already available online resources. Some tasks have been shared by colleagues. All tasks were compiled and aligned to the curriculum by myself and the research team (Amanda Provost, Andre Perkoski, Frank Forte, Youngjun Kim, Cameron Farid) as a way to make mathematical modeling more accessible to current mathematics teachers.

Mathematical Modeling - Chernobyl Disaster

Chernobyl Disaster

Integrated STEM Task

Viral Marketing Task.docx

Viral Marketing

Alg1 or Alg2 Task

Fast Food Business

Atomistic Task

Selling Bundlets - Quadratics

Selling Bundtlets

Quadratics

Assessing Mathematical Modeling

Copy of Mathematical Modeling Rubric (Team & Individual)

Team & Individual Rubrics

These rubrics are helpful in assessing students as they engage in mathematical modeling tasks.

Process Reflection

Each class period the students should fill out a process reflection. This encourages self reflection but also provides the teacher with specific evidence of their contributions to the team.

Additional Links to Mathematical Modeling Resources

Math Modeling Questioning