Cool Math World: Amusement Park - University of Houston
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Summer Activities

Cool Math World: Amusement Park

This module explores the visualization and use of linear relationships/functions in fun amusement park roller coasters! Students will explore different shapes of roller coasters and ultimately build and showcase their version of a fun roller coaster.

After this module you will be able to:

  • Explore the relationship between a type of equation and its graph.
  • Describe how the shape of a graph influences the motion of an object.
  • Design and create a functional roller coaster.

CONTENT TEKS

  • 6.6(C) Represent a given situation using verbal descriptions, tables, and graphs.
  • 8.4(B) Graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the line that models the relationship.
  • A.7(B) Graph quadratic functions on the coordinate plane and use the graph to identify key attributes.

PROCESS TEKS

  • 8.1(A) Apply mathematics to problems arising in everyday life, society, and the workplace.
  • 8.1(C) Select tools, including real objects, manipulatives, paper and pencil, and technology as appropriate, and techniques, including mental math, estimation, and number sense as appropriate, to solve problems.
  • 8.1(D) Communicate mathematical ideas, reasoning, and their implications using multiple representations, including symbols, diagrams, graphs, and language as appropriate.

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS – CONTENT

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.A.1 Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output. The graph of a function is the set of ordered pairs consisting of an input and the corresponding output.
  • 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).

Materials

Safety

This lesson does not require hazardous or harmful materials; however, there is an optional task of building a functional roller coaster to motivate creativity. Cutting, or any form of building, requires adult supervision. Be sure adults participate with students during the optional building aspects of this lesson.

Activity

Designing and building roller coasters using mathematical reasoning. Watch the activity video below. You will need a teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive journal and the accompanying document (recommended for 5th, 6th, and 7th graders):

Dig Deeper

Read This

Did you know that there are many real-world applications for equations and functions such as snack machines and architecture? Check out this website that explains different ways we can use functions in the real world.

Try This

Did you know that you can make an origami parabola? With a piece of patty or wax paper, you can create a parabola with a directrix (straight horizontal line) and just 1 point. Grab a piece of wax paper and follow along to discover the magic of creating your own parabola!

Show What You Know

Meet Our Expert

Did you know mathematicians influence business, gas pricing, and meteorology? Meet Mikyoung Jun, Ph.D., a ConocoPhillips Professor of Data Science in the Department of Mathematics at University of Houston, as she shares her experiences in the various possibilities of pursuing STEM as well as her research in spatio-temporal statistics and statistical applications to geophysical and environmental problems.

Meet The Teachers

Jacqueline Ekeoba

Jacqueline Ekeoba
Master Teacher, teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive
Interactive Team Lead, teachHOUSTON, Department of Mathematics, University of Houston
Jacqueline Ekeoba is an alumna of the inaugural group of students graduating through the teachHOUSTON Program (University of Houston). She then earned an M.A. in STEM Education and Engineering (University of Texas) and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Global Pragmatic Research in STEM Education (Texas Tech University). As a former high school science teacher and instructional coach, she mentors and volunteers through her church and sorority (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Zeta chapter). In her free time, she writes comic book fan fiction and experiments with allergen-friendly cooking.

Elaine Paz

Elaine Paz
7th Grade Math Teacher, Cinco Ranch Junior High, Katy ISD
University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, teachHOUSTON Alumna, Mathematics Major 
Ms. Paz is a 7th grade middle school math teacher who went to Travis High School in Fort Bend ISD and graduated from the University of Houston in 2018. She has served as a camp counselor and/or team lead intern at STEM camps for UH since 2017. In her free time, she likes to crochet colorful bags and make jewelry.

Andy Salinas

Andy Salinas
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Mr. Salinas is an upcoming 10th grade geometry teacher at Spring Woods High School in Spring Branch ISD. He recently graduated from the University of Houston and is excited to go make an impact in his community.

Theodore Leung

Theodore Leung
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Theodore is currently a junior at University of Houston majoring in mathematics and taking part in  teachHOUSTON. He is pursuing a degree in mathematics. Theodore is looking forward to becoming a high school math teacher and basketball coach. In his free time, he plays basketball, jogs, and plays video games.

Kevin A. Nguyen

Kevin A. Nguyen
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Kevin is currently an undergraduate at the University of Houston majoring in mathematics and is part of the teachHOUSTON program. His goal is to become a high school math teacher at an underprivileged school district. In his free time, he enjoys walking on the beach, cleaning, and video games.

Carolyn Nguyen

Carolyn Nguyen
Mathematics Major, teachHOUSTON Preservice Teacher, University of Houston, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
teachHOUSTON STEM Interactive Video Editor
Carolyn is an undergraduate at the University of Houston. She has just started her first year in the teachHOUSTON program. In her free time, she likes to work on arts and crafts.