The Race Is On: Math Students Master Linear Functions With Tricycle Project

The project involves two heats, with students analyzing the race to determine the winner based on speed and starting points. They apply the foundational concepts of slope-intercept form to graph and solve the outcomes of each heat.

The winners advance to the final round. In the finale, students demonstrate their understanding of the rate of change by comparing speed, time and distance. They utilize their knowledge of graphs, equations and tables in relation to the racing situation to deepen their comprehension of slope as a representation of rate of change.

Toby Milward has been diligently working on his graph to determine which tricycle finished first. He admits that grasping the functions has been challenging. “There are a bunch of different ways I push through a difficult problem — I like to practice a lot, but other times I can come to X-band and ask for help,” he said.

According to Conte, the primary objective of this project is to enable students to understand the concepts of linear equations and functions, their properties, and their real-world applications using diverse strategies. He has integrated the tricycle project throughout the unit, focusing on "rate of change" of real-world situations, such as the cost of a taxi ride.

Waverly Beckwith is a big fan of the project: “I’m really liking it because it relates back to our graphing and equations units. We’ve also done graphs in science so math and science are aligning. I can understand where to put the X and Y axis because I’ve done it in science. It’s all intertwined.”