David Custer

A-Maize-ing Mathematics

Bondurant discusses an activity program for prealgebra students to learn about food scarcity in sub-Saharan Africa, how to specific viruses are spreading through corn in the region, and how scientists are using mathematical modeling to solve the problem. The program can be completed in less than an hour which requires using spreadsheets to perform calculations on a set of data.

Connecting parabolas and quadratic functions

We present a three-part activity allowing students to connect parabolas of the form (x – h)2 = 4p(y – k) to the general equation of quadratic functions, y = ax2 + bx + c. Part 1 asks students to explore parabolas using paper folding, followed by a dynamic computer representation. In part 2, students work algebraically to connect geometric and algebraic representations of parabolas. Part 3 asks students to perform symbolic manipulation to generate the equation of a parabola and make connections to quadratic functions

Fostering Productive Statistical Skepticism

Strachota and Reiten share Conclude with Caution, an activity designed to foster productive statistical skepticism. By productive statistical skepticism, they mean the inclination to analyze arguments and representations rather than accepting them at face value. The goal of the activity is for students to interpret and justify statistical arguments and understand that data sets can be used to present multiple stories and even conflicting conclusions. The activity is appropriate for students in grades 9-10.