Francie Caraker
Introduction: Who needs math? Pilots do. This lesson
applies math functions to convert kilometers to miles and calculate
travel time for different fighter aircraft.
Prior Knowledge: Students will need to know how to multiply,
divide and round off decimals.
Grade Levels: 5
Objective: The student will convert kilometers per hour to miles
per hour and calculate the amount of time to travel from city to
city.
Resources:
*Computer with Internet access
*Calculator (optional)
*Worksheet (HTML) / Worksheet (PDF)
Process:
Access the site http://www.fighter-planes.com/
Answer the questions on the work sheet
Learning Advice: Teachers may want to do a sample
calculation as an example for students. An overhead transparency of
the work sheet would be helpful for the class to review answers as a
closure activity.
Evaluation: On a scale of 1-10 with the number of correct
answers out of 20:
Go the Distance-Answer Key
Number Correct Number of Points Grade 18-20 9-10 A 16 8 B 14 7 C 12 6 D
Extensions: Students could graph results to compare the
considerable difference in airspeed between different aircraft. As an
advanced application, students could compare weight and speed of
different models to look for a pattern in the relationship between
aircraft weight and maximum speed.
Conclusion: By completing this exercise students will be able
to convert kilometers to miles and learn to calculate the time
between locations at different speeds. This also points out careers
that depend heavily on math skills.
California Academic Content Standards:
Grade 5:
Number Sense
1.0 Students compute with very large and very small numbers, positive integers, decimals, and fractions and understand the relationship between decimals, fractions, and percents. They understand the relative magnitudes of numbers.1.1 estimate, round, and manipulate very large (e.g., millions) and very small (e.g., thousandths) numbers2.0 Students perform calculations and solve problems involving addition, subtraction, and simple multiplication and division of fractions and decimals.
2.3 solve simple problems, including ones arising in concrete situations, involving the addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers (like and unlike denominators of 20 or less), and express answers in simplest formMathematical Reasoning
1.0 Students make decisions about how to approach problems.1.1 analyze problems by identifying relationships, discriminating relevant from irrelevant information, sequencing and prioritizing information, and observing patterns
NCTM 5-8:
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SCORE Webmaster
December 1998
Revised June 15, 2000