Investigative+Mathematics

=__Investigative Mathematics__=

Introduction
The purpose of this unit is to engage students in an activity where they apply their mathematical knowledge of linear functions to real-world situations. The unit uses the computers program Logger Pro, iMovie, and digital camera.

Overview
During the first two weeks of August (August 2–6 and August 9-13) there will be a Gear-Up Summer camp. Two groups of fifty high school students from Yakima will participate in week long (Monday – Friday) summer camp. One component of this camp will be mathematical investigation.
 * Day 1: A video discovery lesson where students will conduct math analysis and learning how to use Logger Pro: "Case One” with the disclaimers that this is fiction.
 * Day 2: A lesson where students will write an investigation plan: 1. Write a problem statement, 2. Identify their variables, plan to collect data, and discuss the analysis procedures. They will also start filming and down loading the video into Logger Pro.
 * Day 3: Students will use their mathematical understanding of linear functions and Logger Pro to analyze their data.
 * Day 4: Present their findings by creating an iMovie?
 * Day 5: Present their iMovie and explain their finding.

Lesson plan for activity Case One. Student will review linear functions and how to use Logger Pro while solving a murder.
Worksheet for the students

The movie used in the LoggerPro Activity is viewable below media type="file" key="Falling Body.m4v" width="300" height="300" The picture below shows the way the object can be analyzed using LoggerPro.

Day two lesson plan - Planning an investigation to find how to kick a soccer ball far.

Extensions
A teacher could extend or adapt these activities to include a variety of application like more murder cases or athletic investigations that involve video. Aligning the investigations with the mathematics concepts of your curriculum requires fitting the obtained from the video with the functions being studied.

Teaching Reflections
One of the most powerful aspects of this unit was the fun and ease with which the students' were able to use video. Planning, taking, and analyzing the videos motivated the students to struggle with the more difficult mathematics concepts. They struggled with knowing when and how to use the mathematical concepts but at least they were asking high level questions about what mathematical analysis was needed to answer a real-world question.