Real World Math & Science

University of Massachusetts > STEM > March 2008 | Real World Math & Science

The Backpack Designer

For Columbia Sportswear Designer Chris Araujio, solving problems is a key element of design, and he should know--he designs backpacks for one of the largest outdoor apparel companies in the world. Find out how his problem solving skills help him create cool, functional backpacks.

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Reliable Robots

With millions of miles between them and their robots, NASA's robotics engineers have to make sure they have thought of everything before they send the robots on their way. Show your students how probability plays a crucial role in designing the robotic systems that we rely on to carry out missions in space too dangerous or difficult for humans.

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ALGEBRA IN THE REAL WORLD | Creating Cars

Your students like to ride in them, plan to drive one and hope to own one, but do they know they could also have a job designing them? Inspire your class by taking them inside Ford Motor Company to see how designers and engineers use math to steer the direction of their concept cars.

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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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INNOVATIVE ENERGY | Solar Powered Cars

Using the energy it takes to run a hair dryer, this solar-powered car travels 200 miles at speeds of 50 to 65 mph. Meet the team of students who built it.

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THE SCIENCE OF SAVING ANIMALS | Cheetahs

To help save an endangered species like the cheetah, you must start by understanding its behavior. Only the brave need apply for this job, however, because this kind of biological study is up close and personal.

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The Wind Business

The business of wind farming is booming but, as these three professionals explain, it's not as simple as sticking a pole in the ground and watching the turbines turn. It can take years to plan and engineer these state-of-the-art wind farms. It's a problem-solving process that draws on an understanding of algebra, geometry, kinetic energy, electronics and just about everything in between in order to turn one of our most abundant natural resources into a viable business.

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PROBLEM SOLVING | The Shape of Phones

As cell phones continue to shrink and the demand for additional features like cameras, music and email continues to grow, every millimeter counts. That translates into a continuing challenge for the designers, engineers and other specialists at Motorola who have to solve the problem of providing more options and functionality in a smaller package.

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HANDS-ON MATH | Food in Space

Take your students on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Space Food Systems Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center. It is here that Dr. Michelle Perchonok and a team of food scientists are developing foods like shrimp cocktail and scrambled eggs for upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars.

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IT'S ABOUT TEMPERATURE | Ice Cream the Italian Way

It's science class. Which would you rather do? Learn about viscosity at sub-zero temperature conditions, or visit a company where the head of R & D is developing chocolate jalapeno caramel swirl ice cream? Thanks to our friends at Ciao Bella Gelato Company, students can do both.

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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE | A Wildlife Refuge

Providing a safe haven for migrating birds is one of the many responsibilities of wildlife biologists Jennifer Wilson and Floyd Truetken. The Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge on the Gulf Coast of Texas is home to more than 300 species of birds as well as other animals such as alligators, armadillos and coyotes. See why it is so important to preserve this ecological sanctuary and the many like it around the country!

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ALGEBRA IN THE REAL WORLD | Roller Coasters

Loops, drops, speed and exhilaration are all key ingredients to a good roller coaster ride... but so are physics and algebra. Show your thrill-seeking students why math and science are essential to a safe but fun ride.

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PROBLEM SOLVING | Ferret Figures

Imagine it's your job to save a nearly extinct species of ferrets native to North America. What problem-solving skills could you use to give yourself the best chance of success?

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BIG NUMBERS | New York City Subway

In New York City, one subway train can get 25,000 people to where they want to go each day. This movie will take you to the one destination those subway riders never see-the operations center where a team of professionals make sure those trains run on time.

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WEATHER PATTERNS | Lightning

Over 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes strike in the U.S. every year. Meteorologists use a combination of math and science to track when and where they will strike.

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