This document describes a project-based math curriculum that uses real-world engineering projects to teach math concepts. It provides examples of several multi-lesson project units, including building a wheelchair ramp to teach proportions and a funicular system to teach the Pythagorean theorem. Each unit lists the math concepts covered and gives brief examples of lesson activities. Practical considerations are discussed, such as materials needed and costs. Finally, supplemental drop-in algebra units are described that can be used to reinforce major Algebra I standards through engineering design challenges.

2. Project-Based Math
Curriculum
Pier Sun Ho
ConnectEd
July 11, 2013
8:30AM – 9:45 AM

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Is this session right for me?

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Who’s still here?

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Why Project-Based Algebra?

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What Does Project-Based Math
Look Like?
Access Ramp Activity
List math concept as
you work!

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Access Ramp: Math Concepts
• Measurement
• Fractions
• Proportional Reasoning:
scale drawings
• Proportional Reasoning:
slope, linear growth
• Unit conversions
• Problem solving strategies

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Wind Power Unit
• Measurement
• Fractions
• Percentages
• Inequalities
• Constraints
What are efficient wind turbine designs?

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Wind Power Unit
Use rulers, add and subtract fractions to build a tower
for the wind turbine.

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Wind Power Unit
Multiply fractions to build rotor blades of a given area.
Calculate percentages when analyzing quantity of scrap
materials.

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Wind Power Unit
Test designs and record results as inequalities.
Make and interpret graphs of results.

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Blueprints and Models Unit Part I
Review proportions, scale, and slope by building a model
wheelchair ramp that meets ADA guidelines.
Practice unit conversions by creating a materials list and
cost chart.

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• Calculate space allocation
of buildings and present in
pie charts.
• Solve construction-related
problems involving ratios
and proportional
reasoning.
• Design and cost a
remodeling plan under
space and structural
constraints
Blueprints and Models Unit Part II

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How do you engineer
an effective funicular
system?
People Movers Unit

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• Solving problems
involving proportions
and ratios, including
gear ratios
• Interpreting the
meaning of linear and
non-linear graphs
• Understanding the
slope of distance vs.
time and velocity vs.
time graphs
 Arithmetic with negative
numbers
 Understanding and
solving problems using
the Pythagorean
Theorem
 Simplifying square roots
People Movers Unit

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Use the Pythagorean theorem to construct a ramp for the
funicular.
Apply the concept of similarity and parallel line relationships to
build a platform for the funicular car to ride on.
People Movers Unit

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Use integer operations to calculate and describe position and
velocity.
Determine the travel time by applying knowledge of gear ratios.
Graph and interpret linear and non-linear results.
People Movers Unit

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How safe is a
combination lock?
Cardboard fence
Safe Combinations Unit

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• Tree diagrams and
permutations
• Definition of exponents,
graphing exponential
growth
• Rules of exponents
• Order of operations
• Inverse operations
 Equivalent equations
and solving 1–5 step
equations
 Translating sentences
into algebraic
equations
 Building and analyzing
a working safe with a
combination lock to
specifications
Safe Combinations Unit

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• Calculate the total
possible number of
combinations for a lock.
• Use the rules of
exponents to analyze
changes to the number
of lock combinations.
• Practice solving
equations by “coding”
and “decoding” lock
combinations.
Safe Combinations Unit

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• Initial Cost: $200 - $500
• Consumable Materials: $10-$25 per unit
• Many materials can be borrowed from the
school science department.
• None of the units require power tools, lab
space, or special engineering knowledge.
• ~70 total hours of instruction
Practical Considerations

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Engineering Integrated Units
Biomedical Health Sciences Integrated Units
Algebra I Drop-In Units
• Can be used as either supplemental or
replacement material during the year
• Expands and reinforces the engineering
theme and practice of problem solving skills
in math class
• Covers major Algebra I standards (linear and
quadratic equations, rational expressions,
exponents, polynomials)

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Algebra Drop-In Units
Solve single-variable
linear equations as
students build the
pieces of a puzzle
cube
Solve quadratic
equations to design
and play a game
with projectile
machines
Graph linear equations
to chart the progress
of multiple planes and
direct them to land
safely
Air Traffic Control Unit
Puzzle Cube Unit
Solve rational
expressions to
calculate the total
resistance in
circuits
Electrical Resistance Unit
Catapult Game Unit
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Download math units at the AOE
library
http://naf.org/mynaf
http://www.naf-curriculum.org/index.html