Illustrative Math Alignment: Grade 8 Unit 3

All living things take up a certain amount of space, and therefore have volume. They also have a certain amount of surface area. The ratio of surface area to volume, which is a rational function, reveals important information about the organism. Students look at different graphs of these functions for different organisms.

In this program, internationally acclaimed mathematics educator Dr. Monica Neagoy, explores the nature of linear functions through the use TI graphing calculators. Examples ranging from air travel, construction, engineering, and space travel provide real-world examples for discovering algebraic concepts. All examples are solved algebraically and then reinforced through the use of the TI-Nspire. Algebra teachers looking to integrate hand-held technology and visual media into their instruction will benefit greatly from this series. Concepts explored: Standard form, slope-intercept form, point-slope form, solving linear equations.

In this Investigation we look at linear models for objects moving at a constant speed. This video is Segment 1 of a 4 segment series related to Algebra Nspirations: Linear Functions. Segments 1 and 2 are grouped together.

In this Investigation we look at a linear regression for carbon dioxide emission data. This video is Segment 3 of a 4 segment series related to Algebra Nspirations: Linear Functions. Segments 3 and 4 are grouped together.

In this video, students see a derivation of the formula for the volume of a pyramid. This involves a hands-on activity using unit cubes, along with analysis, and a detailed algebraic derivation.

In this program we explore the properties of three-dimensional figures. We do this in the context of two real-world applications. In the first, we look at the three-dimensional structure of Mayan pyramids. These stair-step structures provide a unique opportunity to also explore sequences and series. In the second application we look at the Shanghai Tower as an example of cylindrically shaped structures.

Study these animations to learn the basic properties of these 3D figures. In particular, make a note of their sides, edges, and vertices. Look for any symmetries they have. Look for polygon shapes that are familiar. Finally, think of real-world examples that use these  figures.

We visit ancient Greece to learn about the Platonic Solids. This provides an introduction to the more general topic of three-dimensional figures.

Study these animations to learn the basic properties of these 3D figures. In particular, make a note of their sides, edges, and vertices. Look for any symmetries they have. Look for polygon shapes that are familiar. Finally, think of real-world examples that use these  figures.

Below we also include information about Platonic solids and 2D nets of these 3D figures. To get a better understanding of these 3D figures, study these basic forms.

Rectangular Prisms. Mayan pyramids are essentially stacks of rectangular prisms. The volume of each successive level is a percentage decrease of its lower neighbor. This introduces the notion of a geometric sequence and series, including an infinite series.

Study these animations to learn the basic properties of these 3D figures. In particular, make a note of their sides, edges, and vertices. Look for any symmetries they have. Look for polygon shapes that are familiar. Finally, think of real-world examples that use these  figures.

Below we also include information about Platonic solids and 2D nets of these 3D figures. To get a better understanding of these 3D figures, study these basic forms.

The Shanghai Tower in China is a stack of cylindrical shapes, where each successive layer is a percentage decrease of its lower neighbor. As with the previous section, this introduces the notion of a geometric sequence and series.

Study these animations to learn the basic properties of these 3D figures. In particular, make a note of their sides, edges, and vertices. Look for any symmetries they have. Look for polygon shapes that are familiar. Finally, think of real-world examples that use these  figures.

Below we also include information about Platonic solids and 2D nets of these 3D figures. To get a better understanding of these 3D figures, study these basic forms.

In this program we look at applications of area and volume. We do this in the context of three real-world applications. In the first, we look at the sinking of the Titanic in the context of volume and density. In the second application we look at the glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum and calculate its surface area. In the third application we look at the Citibank Tower in New York City to study the ratio of surface area to volume to learn about heat loss in tall buildings.

The sinking of the Titanic provides an opportunity to explore volume, density, and buoyancy. Students construct a mathematical model of the Titanic to determine why it sank and what could have been done to prevent it from sinking.

The sinking of the Titanic provides an opportunity to explore volume, density, and buoyancy. Students construct a mathematical model of the Titanic to determine why it sank and what could have been done to prevent it from sinking.

The glass-paneled pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris is a tessellation of rhombus-shaped glass panels. Students create a model of the pyramid to calculate the number of panels used to cover the surface area of the pyramid.

The Citibank Tower in New York City presents some unique design challenges. In addition it has to cope with a problem that all tall structure have to deal with: heat loss. By managing the ratio of surface area to volume, a skyscraper can effective manage heat loss.

The formula for the Volume of a Cube.

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The formula for the Volume of a Cylinder.

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The formula for the Volume of a Recantular Prism.

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The formula for the Volume of a Sphere.

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The formula for the Volume of a Square Pyramid.

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Watch this video to learn about the volume of a pyramid. (The video transcript is also included.)

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Video Transcript

Pyramids are majestic and a bit mysterious. Arising from deserts and jungles, they are grand in size and sleek in appearance.

Mathematically, pyramids also have an air of mystery. Let’s take a closer look.

Here is a cube of side s. Its volume couldn’t be more straightforward: s • s •s, or s-cubed. Its name, its shape, its volume are straightforward.

This is the Teacher's Guide that accompanies Geometry Applications: 3D Geometry.

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Topic

Geometric Models

Topic

Geometric Models

Topic

Geometric Models

Topic

Geometric Models

In this Algebra Application, students develop a linear mathematical model based on the maximum heart rate during exercise based on age. Using this model, students investigate heart rate for moderate and vigorous workouts. The math topics covered include: Mathematical modeling, Linear functions, Families of functions, Computational thinking. The culminating activity is for students to create a simple program (using either a spreadsheet or a programming language like Python) to develop an exercise chart. This is a great back-to-school activity for middle school or high school students. A relevant real-world application allows them to review math concepts.

In this Algebra Application, students study the direction between diameter and circumference of a circle. Through measurement and data gathering students analyze the line of best fit and explore ways of calculating pi. The math topics covered include: Mathematical modeling, Linear functions, Data gathering and analysis, Ratios, Direct variation. This is a great back-to-school activity for middle school or high school students. This is also a great crossover activity that ties algebra and geometry.

In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of circumference vs. diameter.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of cost vs. time data and graphs.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of cricket chirps.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of distance vs. time data and graphs.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of Hooke's law.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of momentum and impulse.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of rectangular perimeter.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of saving money.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of speed and acceleration.

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In this Slide Show, apply concepts of linear functions to the context of converting Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures.

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In this Slide Show, use the Desmos graphing calculator to explore absolute value functions. To see the complete collection of Desmos Resources click on this link.

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In this Slide Show, use the Desmos graphing calculator to explore linear functions. To see the complete collection of Desmos Resources click on this link.

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In this Slide Show, learn about graphs of linear functions.

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In this Slide Show, learn about linear function models.

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The complete set of 32 examples that make up this set of tutorials.

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This set of tutorials provides 32examples that involve finding the equation of a line parallel or perpendicular to a given line and through a given point.

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This set of tutorials provides an overview of the 24 worked-out examples that show how to calculate the surface area of different three-dimensional figures.

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In this Slide Show, absolute value functions are graphed, including graphs centered at the origin, graphs displaced along the x-axis, and graphs displaced along the y-axis. This presentation requires the use of the TI-Nspire iPad App. Note: the download is a PPT.

In this Slide Show, the Graph Window is used to graph linear inequalities. This presentation requires the use of the TI-Nspire iPad App. Note: the download is a PPT.

In this Slide Show, the Graph Window is used to graph inequalities using sliders. This presentation requires the use of the TI-Nspire iPad App. Note: the download is a PPT.

In this Slide Show, linear functions are graphed. This presentation requires the use of the TI-Nspire iPad App. Note: the download is a PPT.

In this Slide Show, explore the properties of parallel and perpendicular lines. Use a slider to define the slope and then graph parallel and perpendicular lines linked to this slider.