Hands-On Math

University of Massachusetts > STEM > December 2008 | Hands-On Math

PROBLEM SOLVING | Horses in the Movies

A Western wouldn't be a Western without stampedes and shoot-outs on horseback or simply cowboys riding into town. So, who does the producer call when he needs stagecoaches, buckboards and horses to make the script come alive?  And how much will it cost to bring those horses and wagons to a movie set?   Give your students the back-story and show them how math plays a role in keeping a movie from going over budget.

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HANDS-ON MATH | Inventing with Polygons

Chuck Hoberman's inventions are more than just technological marvels; they' re works of art.  See how basic principles of geometry help him create extraordinarily strong, expandable structures.

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MATH ON TRACK | New York City Subway

Have you ever seen 3.6 million people in one day?  If you worked behind the scenes of the New York Subway, you might.  Check out how one of world's busiest subway systems transports all those people around New York City every day.

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HANDS-ON MATH | The Rhythm Track

When students ask, "Why do I need math? I'm going to be a musician!", introduce them to world-renowned drummer Ndugu Chancler.  This six-minute movie contains amazing drumming, a breakdown of the mathematics of rhythm and a professional's opinion on technology and creativity.

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PROBLEM SOLVING | Mix and Match

This lesson combines a hands-on activity with real world videos featuring a Barbie doll designer and a renowned math teacher from the Bronx to demonstrate a tried-and-true problem-solving strategy "act it out."

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HANDS-ON MATH | The Backpack Designer

An essential part of any student's gear is a good backpack.  But have your students ever stopped to think about who designs them and how?  Introduce them to Columbia Sportswear Designer Chris Araujio. Whether he's measuring the straps for comfort, calculating the backpack's volume, or designing the shape of the front pouch, math is critical to a good design.

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PROBLEM SOLVING | Recycling Computers

Only 18% of all discarded computers, monitors and television sets are recycled, and only 10% of cell phones are recycled everything else goes into landfills. Electronic waste is a big problem that's getting bigger every year, but there are solutions. Take your students inside the largest electronics recycling facility in California to see how they separate, crush, shred and recycle over 5 millions pounds of electronics a month. This place is like a factory in reverse!

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