Students are always asking,"When will I ever use this?" in math class. I do my best to give them real world contexts for the skills they are learning. In the 8th grade, we began the year learning about linear functions and figuring out how to graph them. To help make these skills real, the students did an activity where they had to use linear functions to figure out how many rubber bands a Barbie required to get the most thrilling bungee jump off QLab 201's balcony (16 feet). Thrilling was defined as getting as close to the ground without actually touching the ground. Here is a compilation of shots from our jump day.
Thank you to Blake Hansen for the video footage and editing.
If you wish to read more about this adventure or see more photos and video, check out: 8A Barbie Bungee Jump: Explore More.
