Welcome to:
• Zipline Mathematics
• Focusing on:
– STEM
– Algebra I
– Inquiry
– Modeling
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Real-life Problem
• Holly Mountain needs more revenue
– Money from skiing in winter is not enough
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Board of Directors
• They have approved the use of the
slopes for zipline use in the summer
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Problem – Part 1
• Insurance company says the usual
zipline equipment not safe enough
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Problem Part 2
• You must create a zipline carrier that:
– attaches to the existing zipline
– travels within a certain range of speed
– provides a smooth, consistent descent
– is safe
– is easily used
Flickr, Ken Lund
Modeling
• Since we are not at the resort:
– Fishing line represents zipline
– Ping-pong ball represents a person
– Minimal speed is 20 inches per second
– Maximum speed is 60 inches per second
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How can we calculate speed?
• What formulas could be helpful?
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distance = rate x time
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Low Cost is Good
Materials Used
Cost for Materials
Money Spent
Kabob Stick
$10
$
Duct Tape
$12/inch
$
Masking Tape
$6/inch
$
Straw
$13
$
3 by 5 card
$18
$
Paper Clip
$25
$
Washer
$10
$
Total Spent
$
Flickr, Ken Lund
Engineering Design Process
• What is it?
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Engineering Design Process
http://cromwellvalleyes.bcps.org/event_highlights/steam
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Engineering Design Process
Identify a
problem
Redesign
Evaluate and
Communicate
Research and
Brainstorm
Several
Solutions
Design and
Test
Flickr, Ken Lund
A successful design…
• meets the design criteria.
• Is NOT too expensive.
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Criteria Reminder
• You must create a zipline carrier that:
– attaches to the existing zipline.
– travels at least 20 inches/second.
– travels no faster than 60 inches/second.
– provides a smooth, consistent descent.
– does not allow harm to ping-pong ball.
– is easily used.
Flickr, Ken Lund