Navy Sail Design
By Tonya Adison, April 10, 2007
Grade Level
- High School
Category
- Product Design
Subject Area
- Mathematics
Lesson Time
Introduction
National Standards
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recognize reasoning and proof as fundamental aspects of mathematics
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make and investigate mathematical conjectures
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compute fluently and make reasonable estimates
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represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols
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analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships
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specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems
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understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement
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apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements
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build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving
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solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts
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apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems
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communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others
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recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas
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understand how mathematical ideas interconnect and build on one another to produce a coherent whole
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recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics
Common Core Standards
Anchors for Reading:
Key Ideas and Details:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1 Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2 Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
Craft and Structure:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.4 Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7 Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.8 Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.10 Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
Anchor standards for Speaking and Listening:
Comprehension and Collaboration:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.3 Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Anchor standards for Language:
Conventions of Standard English:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.6 Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an unknown term important to comprehension or expression.
Objectives
- investigate the design of sailboat sails
- take accurate measurements using a ruler
- identify right triangles based on given measurements of sides
- find the missing side of right triangle
- solve word problems involving right triangles
- draw diagrams to show a visual representation of a written problem
- make connections to sailboat design
- make connections between the theorem and real world situations
Resources
- “How does a sailboat move upwind?” article located at http://www.physlink.com/Education/AskExperts/ae438.cfm
- http://www.regentsprep.org
- Pythagorean Theorem Handout (attached)
- Sailboat Handout (attached)
Materials
- rulers
- Post-its
- calculators
- markers
- crayons
- colored Pencils
- push pins/thumb tacks or magnets
Diana Godines said on June 25, 2014
I teach the pythagorean theorem every year and have students draw the proof of the theorem. Even though I am in Texas and my students may be unfamiliar with sailboats, I REALLY like this lesson. I am throwing my old way out. 🙂 Reading measurements on a ruler is a concept that my students struggle with and need more practice in. Beginning the lesson with basic right triangle problems is still a necessity and I appreciate that this is done first. Student participation at the board is always best. I might give a day to create and work and then present their sailboats the following day. During the decorating of the sailboat, I will encourage students to design the sail with a specific topic in mind to have a theme. I can’t wait to use this.