Illustrative Math Alignment: Grade 8 Unit 2

In this program we look at applications of transformations. We do this in the context of three real-world applications. In the first, we look at translations and rotations in the context of roller coaster rides. In the second example we look at translations in three-dimensional space in the context of cargo ships. In the third example, we look at the design of observatories to look at rotations, reflections, and symmetry.

Roller coasters provide an ideal opportunity to explore translations and rotations. Displacement vectors are also introduced.

Cargo ships transport tons of merchandise from one country to another and accounts for most of the global economy. Loading and unloading these ships requires a great deal of organization and provides an ideal example of three-dimensional translations.

The Gemini telescope in Hawaii is an example of architecture that moves. All observatories rotate in order to follow objects in the sky. This also provides an opportunity to explore rotations, reflections, and symmetry.

The Eiffel Tower includes quite a number of exposed triangular trusses. The properties of triangles are used to explore and explain the frequent use of triangular trusses in many building. In particular, isosceles and equilateral triangular trusses are explored. In addition triangle postulates and similarity are explored and analyzed.