Introduction to Algebra using Kinematics

MAED 314a-301

INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA

BRIDGE: Today in Math we are going to be doing an activity involving a ball and measurements!

TEACHER OBJECTIVES: To teach algebra implicitly using a Kinematics Lab.

STUDENT OBJECTIVES: Basic understanding of algebra and the ability to apply it to real world situations involving simple kinematics (v=d/t).

PRE-TEST: Intentionally none done, as we don't want to "tip our hat".

PARTICIPATION: Two tables.

1)The first table is a "Kinematics Shout-Out", where the students derive the basic Kinematics equations and put them in algebraic notation. We will be using the equation v=d/t and solving for the variables v, d, t using repetition.

2)The second table is a "Mini-Lab" with a ball rolling a set distance against a wall. The students will measure the distance from a line to the wall, and measure the time it takes the ball to get to the wall. This will then later be applied to the equation learned previously.

Required Materials:

* Masking tape
* Measuring tape
* Stop watches
* Balls

POST-TEST: Students will use their measurements and their new equations to calculate the speeds that the balls were rolling using v=d/t

SUMMARY: Surprise... you just learned algebra!

Write down the equation you learned and how you could apply this to another real life situation for next class.