Grades 7-12 | 10 (45 min) Classes

Topics Covered

Calculating Slope | Types of Slope | Analyzing Data | Graphing

Essential Question

How is slope represented in a model rocket launch?

Overview

In this unit students will answer the question: How is slope represented in a model rocket launch?

Students will learn about the different types of slope and practice calculation methods to find slope from a graph. Students will then analyze launch data to identify and calculate where a rocket has a positive, negative and/or neutral slope on its flight path.

For their final assessment students will be creating a visual of the four types of slope that shows how slope is seen on a model rocket’s flight path.

Materials

Each Student Needs:

  • Student Portfolio
  • Safety Goggles
  • Tape
  • Scissors

Each Classroom Needs:

Standards

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NGSS not available for this lesson plan.
Common-Core-Standards-Logo

GRADE 7

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.2

Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.2.A

Decide whether two quantities are in a proportional relationship.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.RP.A.2.B

Identify the constant of proportionality (unit rate) in tables, graphs, equations, diagrams, and verbal descriptions of proportional relationships.

GRADE 8

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.A.2

Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically in tables, or by verbal descriptions).

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.A.3

Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.B.5

Describe qualitatively the functional relationship between two quantities by analyzing a graph (e.g., where the function is increasing or decreasing, linear or nonlinear). Sketch a graph that exhibits the qualitative features of a function that has been described verbally.

HIGH SCHOOL

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.B.4

For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.ID.C.7

Interpret the slope (rate of change) and the intercept (constant term) of a linear model in the context of the data.

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Vocabulary

APOGEE

The peak altitude or highest point of a rocket’s flight

HORIZONTAL

Goes left to right, parallel to the horizon

VERTICAL

Goes up and down, perpendicular to the horizon

PAYLOAD

The object being carried by an aircraft or launch vehicle

RATIO

A comparison of two or more numbers or measurements

SLOPE

Shows the rate of change, steepness, and direction of a line

X-AXIS

Horizontal axis, on a graph it shows the dependent variable

Y-AXIS

Vertical axis, on a graph it shows the independent variable

Learn About Model Rocket Safety!

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