Finding the Average Speed of Moving Toys in Mrs. Tao's Algebra II Class...
Students
were instructed to choose two wind up toys and find their average speed after
winding them to their maximum capacity. Students were given a variety of tools
to accomplish this. I also reminded them of the definition of speed. Students
began by formulating different strategies and plans based upon the materials
provided. Critical thinking began when the students raced to the table to
select their toys. They immediately began winding them and observing their movements.
Many students made the assumption that the simpler moving toys would be easier to work with.
Once the students chose their toys, they began to formulate questions, such as,
“If the toy doesn’t move in a linear path, how will I calculate the distance?”
and “How do I address the fact that the toy slows down the longer it travels?”.
Ultimately, students marked the toys’ path on grid chart paper, then used one
of two popular strategies. The first was to measure the toys’ linear paths with
rulers and circular paths with compasses, using circumference. The second, was
to trace the toys path with a piece of string and then measure the string of
the sheet of paper was what we were looking for.
What are some other ways that students could have found the speed of their toys?
(Sarah Tao teaches Pre-AP Algebra II at Galena Park High School in Galena Park ISD.)
