Science Math Masters

Current Standards: MA.912.G.5.1 Prove and apply the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse. MA.912.G.5.4 Solve real-world problems involving right triangles.

Typical Textbook Problem (NGSSS – Current Standards) Dan and Ben start at point A and want to get to point B. Dan walks 1 mile north and 3 miles east to reach point B. Ben takes a shortcut and walks directly from point A to point B. Who travels the greatest distance? By how much? 3 miles 1 mile A B Dan travels 4 miles and Ben travels 3.16 miles, so Dan travels approximately 0.84 miles more than Ben.

Typical Textbook Problem (NGSSS – Current Standards) Dan and Ben start at point A and want to get to point B. Dan walks 1 mile north and 3 miles east to reach point B. Ben takes a shortcut and walks directly from point A to point B. Who travels the greatest distance? By how much? 3 miles 1 mile What geometric concepts are used in this problem? B A

Where we’re headed with the Common Core… Taco Cart Problem (Modified from Dan Meyers The Taco Cart: Who will reach the taco cart first? Write down your guess. What information do you need to answer the question? Click picture for video.

Taco Cart Problem: Who will reach the taco cart first? Speeds: Walking on the sidewalk: 5 ft./sec. Walking in the sand: 2 ft./sec. Distances Work with your shoulder partner to answer the question. BenDan

Taco Cart Problem: Who will reach the taco cart first? How many seconds did Dan beat Ben by? seconds Click picture for video.

Taco Cart Problem: Who will reach the taco cart first? Dan’s time: seconds = 4 minutes seconds (04:35:32) Ben’s time: seconds = 5 minutes seconds (05:25:02) Therefore, Dan beats Ben by seconds. The work: Dan Dan travels ft. at a rate of 2 ft./sec and ft. at a rate of 5 ft./sec. Ben travels approximately ft. at a rate of 2 ft./sec. (Pythagorean theorem) Ben

Taco Cart Problem: Where would the taco cart have to be so that both Dan and Ben will reach it at the same time? Work with your shoulder partner to answer the question. Click picture for video.

Taco Cart Problem: Where would the taco cart have to be so that both Dan and Ben will reach it at the same time? ft. Click picture for video.

Taco Cart Problem: Where would the taco cart have to be so that both Dan and Ben will reach it at the same time? x ft. The work: ft. Dan Ben Dan’s two times Ben’s time

Taco Cart Problem: Where do you think the taco cart problem fits in the Common Core curriculum? The algebraic skills required for this problem are covered by the following Algebra I Common Core State Standard.

Group Activity Choose a problem from the hand-out and brainstorm ways to adapt the problem so that it captures the spirit of the Common Core State Standards by adding depth, multiple standards and/or a new level of questioning. Be prepared to share.