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Selected as a featured site in Lightspan's StudyWeb in December, 2000 by StudyWeb.

In December, 1997, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center funded Dan Biezad, Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and Robin Ward, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, both of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, to develop materials for K-12 teachers based on aeronautical themes and NASA projects. Robin Ward continued the development of this web site as part of a NASA-ASEE Stanford Summer Faculty Fellowship awarded for 1998 and 1999.

One major goal of this project was to make the learning of mathematics more engaging and realistic for students, by using real-world applications. To meet this goal, we and our team of students developed several mathematics activities. The activities are categorized into three groupings: math activities for students in grades K - 6, grades 7 - 8, and grades 9 - 12. Each activity is written in a lesson plan format, ready for use by teachers. It is hoped that these activities will spark or heighten students' interest in mathematics and the work done at NASA, which may result in students choosing a career in mathematics or perhaps working for NASA one day!

Each activity begins by informing the teacher of the grade level suitable for the activity and what mathematical topics are covered. Next, a rationale is provided which informs the teacher of how the activity addresses various strands of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. Some relevant background information about the activity is given next, describing how the activity relates to various NASA projects and endeavors. Then, materials necessary for the activity are listed (and are download-able), followed by a detailed description of how to implement the activity. At the end of each activity, enrichment activities are provided.

The only activity that does not conform to the lesson plan format is the first activity which describes an interactive computer program called WORLDMAP in which students can plan flights around the world and view the Earth from various altitudes and orientations. WORLDMAP is a terrific way for students to learn about geography and mathematics.

We hope you enjoy our website and we welcome your comments.

 

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• Math Activities for Grades K - 4



• Math Activities for Grades 5 - 8



• Math Activities for Grades 9 -12



• Algebra Activities



• Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) Program Activities



• Airborne Sciences Program Activities



• Plan a Flight around the World!

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For more great teaching ideas, visit ed Universe or visit Sites for Teachers.

Visit Figure This! to experience Math Challenges for families.

Funded by the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center