Mathematics Grade 6
Strand: RATIOS AND PROPORTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS (6.RP) Standard 6.RP.3
Students will use a trundle wheel to measure the distance traveled outside after one minute of walking. After traveling a total of 10 minutes, students will return to the classroom to graph and analyze the data collected.
This lesson will take three to five days to complete all parts, including extensions at the end of the lesson. Students should have knowledge of scientific variables, such as speed, length of legs, or wind velocity and be able to convert meters and decimeters into kilometers. They should also be able to convert the customary and metric systems.
3. Reason mathematically
Invitation to Learn
Ask the students, “If each one of us were to walk for ten minutes, would
we walk the same distance? What are some of the things that might cause a difference
in the distance we walk?” (speed, length of legs, or wind velocity).
Instructional Procedures
Curriculum Integration
Math/Science; Health—Have the students mark the outside field for either
one mile or one kilometer. Over a five-week period, see if they can increase
their distance in the same amount of time. A final activity would be to have
a 5k race or a relay.
Science—Have students test different variables that may make them run faster or slower (arms out to sides, different shoes, breathing through their nose, etc.).
Possible Extensions/Adaptations
Have the students convert the kilometers to miles. There is a conversion web
site at www.texloc.com that lets the students put their conversions in. Then
have the students figure out how many miles per hour they were walking.
Homework & Family Connections
Have students check out trundle wheels to take home and measure the following
things:
Have students write in journals during the last 5-10 minutes of each lesson. Have them include what has been easy, and what has been hard for them. Follow up with having markers placed outside, and have them measure to the most accurate centimeter, millimeter, decimeter, etc. Have them convert these measurements.