Where have all the Wetlands gone?

Transcription

1 Where have all the Wetlands gone? 7 th grade math Mr. Miller Overview Wetlands are very important to all U.S. citizens. They are the leading producer of oysters in the U.S. The wetlands produce over 50% of the nation s shrimp crop. They are also home to 75% of the nation s alligator harvest. America s wetlands are also the portal for 27% of the nation s oil and gas. The frameworks addressed by this activity are: CC 7.NS.1 Apply and extend previous understandings of addition and subtraction to add and subtract rational numbers; represent addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number line diagram. d. Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational numbers. CC 7.EE.1 Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients. CC 7.EE.3 Solve multi-step real-life and mathematical problems posed with positive and negative rational numbers in any form (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals), using tools strategically. Apply properties of operations to calculate with numbers in any form; convert between forms as appropriate; and assess the reasonableness of answers using mental

2 computation and estimation strategies. For example: If a woman making $25 an hour gets a 10% raise, she will make an additional 1/10 of her salary an hour, or $2.50, for a new salary of $ If you want to place a towel bar 9 ¾ inches long in the center of a door that is 27 ½ inches wide, you will need to place the bar about 9 inches from each edge; this estimate can be used as a check on the exact computation. CC 7.EE.4 Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems by reasoning about the quantities. a. Solve word problems leading to equations of the form px + q = r and p(x + q) = r, where p, q, and are specific rational numbers. Solve equations of these forms fluently. Compare an algebraic solution to an arithmetic solution, identifying the sequence of the operations used in each approach. For example, the perimeter of a rectangle is 54 cm. Its length is 6 cm. What is its width? CC 7.EE.1 Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities. a. Decide whether two quantities are in a proportional relationship, e.g., by testing for equivalent ratios in a table or graphing on a coordinate plane and observing whether the graph is a straight line through the origin. H.6.7.2: Sequence significant historical events on a timeline to make predictions Design Rationale/Problem Scenario The state of Louisiana has been losing wetlands at a rate of 10.3 square miles per year for the past 25 years. Based on that statistic, predict how long you think it will be before the wetlands are no more. Then use mathematical reasoning to determine how long until the wetlands are gone. Also determine how much of the wetlands were still in existence 25 years ago. Create a graph demonstrating the mathematics used to determine your answers. Be sure to explain your mathematical reasoning. Resources

3 Group Name: Date: Prediction How long it will be until the wetlands are no more? Mathematical Reasoning: How long until the wetlands are gone? How much of the wetlands were still in existence 25 years ago? How many acres is this? Write an equation that you can use to determine the amount of existing wetlands for any number of years, based on your mathematical reasoning. Explain each part of your equation.

4 Create a graph demonstrating the mathematics used to determine your answers.

5 Additional Projects Excel Assignment: Create a spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel and track down the results as to how many wetlands were in existence in the past compared to the present. Look at the results based on Louisiana s Hot Spot and the percentage rate it continues to decrease. Create a line graph that would be beneficial to incorporate in your powerpoint in the next part of the assignment. Determine using the line graph when you would think the Louisiana Hot Spot will disappear based on the results. You may also use other data comparing mean, median, mode, maximum, minimum. This webpage would be beneficial: Powerpoint Assignment: Create a powerpoint presentation describing the presence of the wetlands now compared to the past. Your goal is to create a presentation persuading researchers to help conserve the wetlands using statistical data you have found throughout researching the website. A couple of questions to think of could include: 1. Is pollution a factor? 2. Is something destroying the habitats of living things in wetlands? 3. What is the major factor destroying the wetlands? 4. Where are they located and why should the wetlands remain conserved? 5. If the wetlands are continuing to be destroyed, predict how much longer until they are gone? Come up with your own questions and brainstorm ways to help save the wetlands before they are gone.

6 Teacher Page 1. Briefly describe the typical procedure that your students will likely use to complete the activity. Students will make a prediction based on generalizations. Students will use mathematical reasoning to determine how the number of years remaining if the trend continues. Students will continue using mathematical reasoning to determine how much of the wetlands were still in existence 25 years ago. The students will write an equation based on their mathematical reasoning. The students will graph the changes to the wetlands over time. Students will convert square miles to acres and compare acres to a known amount. For example, 1 football field = 1.3 acres. 2. What are some of the teaching moments in the solution of the activity? Write and solve equations. Graph equation noting that the data set does not start at 0. Convert square miles to acres Characteristics of linear equations Characteristics of proportional reasoning. Modifications/Extensions/Recommendations: Have students find information relevant to their town, county, or state. Show a video of wetlands and the need for conservation of wetlands (set the stage for the seriousness of the concept). Discuss why the wetlands are being lost. How have the wetlands affected the life, history, and culture of people in that area? Could discuss BP oil spill, hurricane Katrina, etc.