Is there a correlation between the length of someone’s hand and shoe size? While this may seem like a silly question, we've developed a full research project called the "Foot-to-Hand Ratio." This research project uniquely exposes students to units of measurement, dimensional analysis, and research. Over a period of years, a class of 24 students completed this research project. Students measured the length of one hand, one foot, and their height. Then they calculated their Foot-to-Hand, Height-to-Foot, and Height-to-Hand ratios. Surprisingly, there was a direct correlation between the hand and foot length, and height and hand, or foot, length. In addition, students used statistics to dismiss "outliers" in the data.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will have access to a new, simple research project that incorporates mathematics.

SPEAKERS:
Sharron Jenkins (Georgia Gwinnett College: Lawrenceville, GA)

This lesson is part of a multi-day unit designed for middle school students to learn about viral respiratory pandemics. The lesson incorporates a free computation model called Disease Spread, which is provided by Gizmos. The lesson is divided into two 45-minute blocks. In the first block, students are introduced to the concept of probability, explore the relationship between probability of transmission and the time it takes for a virus to spread through a group of people. Students generate hypotheses, brainstorm methods to test their hypotheses, and get familiar with the simulation. During the second block, students first collect data using the computational model. They then analyze data using means and histograms with both digital tools and unplugged activities. Students draw conclusions based on their findings, and discuss the affordances and limitations of the computational model.

TAKEAWAYS:
We demonstrate how to utilize a computational model and integrate mathematics concepts (i.e., probability) to help students engage in and make sense of a science phenomenon with critical connections to society (i.e.,the spread of viruses).

SPEAKERS:
Swarna Mahapatra (Graduate Student: Columbia, MO)