Slippery Slope - Unit Plan

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.

Common Core Standards - Math

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.

Each Student Needs:

• Student Portfolio
• Safety Goggles
• Tape
• Scissors

The Class Needs:

• Slide Presentation
• Green Eggs Rocket Kit
• C11-3 Bulk Pack Engines
• D12-3 Engines
• Lifetime Launch System
• PocketLab
• Glue
• Hobby Knife
• Ruler
• Sandpaper
• Camera (optional)