COMAP Exploring Math Modeling in and Outside of the Classroom Webinar Series #5
The Introduction to Math Modeling Webinar Series is a series of 6 - 7 free webinars organized by COMAP held from October 2020 through May 2021. The goal of the webinar series is to promote student and teacher engagement in mathematical modeling in the classroom and through participation in math modeling contests such as HiMCM and MCM/ICM. The webinars are led by classroom teachers, professors and mathematicians. These experts hope to demonstrate how math modeling can be used to foster mathematical curiosity and engage students in real world problem solving. This engagement can serve to promote student agency and help students see themselves as learners and doers of mathematics.
Webinar #5
Increasing student engagement using Math modeling and drones in a mathematics classroom
Wednesday, March 24th 4:00 PM EST
Presented with a real-world problem: "The Tello drone has 2 sensors, 1 sensor measures the acceleration of the drone, and the other sensor measures the height of the drone. The drone provides data about 3 measurements, height, velocity, and acceleration. If the Tello drone does not have a sensor for velocity, how does it provide measurements for velocity? How can we verify that the sensors are functioning properly onboard the drone?" Students engage in all aspects of the modeling process and use their knowledge of Calculus to answer the questions. The activity can be used as part of a review for the AP Calculus Exam, a college Calculus I/II course. Experience with drones not necessary, nor is it necessary to own. We will provide a data set sample that can be used to run the lesson for your class. We will discuss possible ways the activity can be scaled down to include standard in Algebra and Pre-Calculus.
Panelist:
Aziz Zahraoui, NASA MODSIM Teacher Ambassador
Mr. Zahraoui graduated from Old Dominion University with a BS in Computer Science in 2004. He earned his MA in Math Education from Western Governors University in 2016. During his 16 years tenure as a high school teacher, he won many teaching recognition awards, the latest being the Presidential Award of Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House. He is a current NASA MODSIM Teacher Ambassador and a Math Modeling Hub Fellow.
