Thinking With Math Models - The Bridge Thickness Experiment

Students embarked on a journey through a new text today, Thinking with Math Models. We discussed examples of how and why people employ math models and then conducted an experiment using paper bridges and dimes. Students are encouraged to discuss today's events with families to get them thinking about why these models are important as predictive tools in the world that surrounds us.

Tonight's home nugget combines elements from the new textbook and a practice sheet to keep the concept of linear equations in the forefront of student thinking. Students are cautioned to realize that although the majority of relationships in this book are NOT LINEAR, we will use linear models to help make sense of the data.

Home Nugget #7
Assigned on Monday November 6, 2006
Due on Tuesday November 7, 2006
In Thinking with Math Models
Page 8 problem 1.2 A, B, C
Page 8 problem 1.2 follow-up # 1 a, b
On Additional Practice Sheet Page 116
Problems 1, 2, 5, 6 with all work shown

Focus Correction Areas (FCAs)
2 points: read your explanations out loud to yourself to guarantee they make sense. (So that when I read your explanations there is no excuse for writing that is non-sensical)
2 points: all problems are completed