SCORE Mathematics
Ratios, Mars, and the Internet
By
Michael Cragin Grade Levels: 7th to 9th
Length of project: 3 to 5 days
I. Introduction
Ratios, Mars and the Internet is a simple project that attempts to integrate mathematics and technology. Students are involved in calculating real ratios that exist between the planets Earth and Mars. First, these calculations are completed and reviewed by the teacher. Then the student uses the internet or a simulated internet environment to check their work.
The telecommunication requirements for this project are simple. You will need a computer that has access to the internet. If this is not available you can use a computer that has Netscape and WebWhacker installed on the hard drive.
II. Student Learning
The objectives of this project are straightforward. The student will apply the use of mathematical ratios to a real life situation. They will check their work and develop skills using technology at the same time.
III. Activities
Prior Learning:
Students must have a solid understanding of ratios and how to calculate them before beginning this unit. This unit is recommended as a culminating activity. It should be used after a students have mastered the skills and concepts involving ratio.
Students should also have a basic understanding of how to access the internet. This unit could be used as compliment to an introduction to cyberspace.
Teacher Preparation:
The Mars Fact Activity Sheet file has been provided with this project. This activity sheet must be edited prior to using it. One value from each parameter must be removed for the students to calculate. One option is to remove all ratio values. This would allow the students to make simple ratio calculations. The task can be made more challenging by removing a Mars or Earth value and have the student calculate that.
The Mars Fact Activity Sheet can be edited in two ways. The easiest way is probably print out the file and liquid paper the values you wish to remove before duplicating them for your students. You can also make a copy of the file and edit the copy and then print it out. Please be sure to copy of the original file!
Step One: Classroom Activity
Students should have a solid grasp of ratios before starting this activity. First review ratios and how to calculate them. Then pass out the edited copy of the Mars Fact Activity Sheet . Assist students and walk around the room as they compute the missing values. Students should not be allowed to go to the next step until they are finished. This can be used as a motivating tool. Students who do not finish or complete this work as homework will be require to finish these calculations before exploring the internet.
Step Two: Internet Activity
Students are to access the internet at: http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/marsfact.html . This address is also on the Mars Fact Activity Sheet . They will see a complete data table and should check their work. This activity could be part introduction to the internet. If internet access is not available, then you can use Netscape and Webwhacker with the Mars Facts WebWhacked folder. This will create a simulated internet environment. Students will be able to check their work without an internet connection.
Extensions:
This activity could be easily integrated with science and/or metrics.
IV. Assessment
Assessment can be as simple as observing how many ratio calculations were correct. I would hope that you would also look at the amount of students who completed their work so they could check their answers on the internet. Was there an improvement in the amount of work completed? Did the use of real data improve student involvement? If you integrated this activity, did the students perform better than they would have othewise.
V. Resources
You can find extensive information on Mars, Space, and other planets below.
Mars Facts
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/marsfact.html
JPL Home Page
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/Nasa Home page
http://www.nasa.gov/European Space Agency Home Page
http://www.esrin.esa.it/United Nations Space Affairs Home Page
http://ecf.hq.eso.org/~ralbrech/un/un-homepage.htmlCanadian Space Agency Home Page
http://www.space.gc.caBritain's National Space Centre Home Page
http://www.open.gov.uk/bnsc/main001.htmNational Science Foundation Home Page
http://www.nsf.gov/This unit was prepared by:
Michael J. Cragin
Balboa Middle School
247 S. Hill Road
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 641-5145
osoviejo@aol.com