INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCE: Algebra Application: Why Are Wildfires So Dangerous?

In this Algebra Application, students learn about wildfires and the measurement of air quality. The math topics covered include: Scientific notation, Rates, Density, Data Analysis. The specific focus of this investigation is the health hazards from wildfire smoke. This includes a discussion of air density, measurement in microns, and measurement of air quality. Links to various web sites, including the EPA's site, provide relevant background information and data. The culminating activity is a case study of the wildfires in the Lake Tahoe area. Students analyze historical data and make a recommendation on the air quality. 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.

This is part of a collection of real world applications of algebra presented in GoogleDoc form. To see the complete collection of these resources, click on this link.

Note: The download is the PDF version of the GoogleDoc.

Library of Instructional Resources

To see the complete library of Instructional Resources , click on this link.