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# Examples Wanted

If you are a teacher, looking for a particular type of example that you could not find in the PUMAS Collection, you can Submit a Request.

If you are a potential PUMAS contributor looking for ideas about what's needed, you may find some inspiration here.

• I teach prep-math (pre-algebra to intermediate algebra) at Lake City Community College. I am currently working on a research project to measure the effectiveness of using examples from aviation (such as dead-reckoning, weight and balance, take-off distance calculations, etc) to teach algebra. As a side question, I am exploring the effect of using such examples in motivating students to choose careers in aerospace. I am looking for any information on previous studies in this area and the examples used. I got the idea from the NSF announcement of a grant award for a project through the Capital Community-Technical College called NASA-AMATYC PC. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
• I would like to obtain some sample problems in great circle navigation for use on a hand calculator.
• I'm hoping that more examples will be developed which are appropriate for the ability and motivation level of the community college student. Scientists in the field perhaps don't realize the change in ability of our students. Examples need to to simple, not involve too much reading, and grab the attention of the generation Xers quickly.
• What are some of the mathematical skills that electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineers need to assist them in their jobs, and how do they use these skills?
• For undergrad linear algebra, after seeing what I studied used in scientific research, one thing I wish had been included in the courses is linear least-squares estimation/optimization. Including such examples would not only make the courses more valuable to future scientists, but would also provide a better understanding of the math (e.g. connection between differential equations and linear algebra).
• i am looking for practical applications of matrices and complex numbers.

### High School (9-12)

• How has Science and Math evolved from 1996 thru 2006?
• I'm looking for real life applications (preferably NASA scientists' applications) using polynomial functions, or polynomial equations, or polynomial inequalities for high school students. Thanks, Mr. J.
• Dividing Monomials (and perhaps also balancing equations should be tossed in as well). I find that I love the process of doing the equations but I do not understand how I would use that math practically. In what applications are we able to divide Monomials? What are monomials used for?
• How is math and chemistry related? Some good, clever, practical examples of math applied to chemistry would be of interest.
• Looking for an example on coding theory - UPC barcodes, postal codes, etc.
• Could you please give information that shows how some math problems, especically binomials, and trinomials are used in real life. It would be very helpful to have the problem, and then to show the math used to answer the problem, as well as what field this problem might arise.
• Teaching dc and ac motors and generators. Clarify and simplify the current flows, forces, and fields.
• How big is the Earth? I wish to have students repeat the "Shadow of the stick in two locations on Earth" experiment for determining the radius of the planet, using the Internet to coordinate and synchronize the measurement time at two very distant points. Partial list of potential benefits: Internet exposure/use "Pen-Pal" type inter-country networking Exposure to problem solving (Rediscover the method) Exposure to the ancient solution Use of Experimental Techniques Real Results Perhaps I could do the experiment above on my own, but the reason I want PUMAS help is that I see this as one of several similar experiments for which I do not have the necessary background knowledge: How do we earthlings know: How far away the Sun is How big the Sun is How far away any given star is etc. Please teach me the theory and Math for determining these astronomical dimensions. With that knowledge I would love to structure 5 or 6 experiments like the one above. Thanks.
• I am doing project on assisting students in problems with multiplication and division. Looking for suggestions.
• Looking for an example from real life using rational equations.
• I'm looking for practical examples where polynomial functions are used to model real phenomena.
• Can you give me something on Matrices related to the benchmarks M6.4.1 [Understands the basic features of data sets (matrices)]?
• I would like a lesson that might motivate students to learn about parabolas and other conic sections. Perhaps how they are used for satellite dishes or planetary orbits?
• I'm looking for a math project at the High School level related to road traffic.
• i am looking for day-to-day life practical examples related to surds and sets. rn(A surd is an irrational number, such as the square root of 2 (√2).)
• I am teaching Algebra 1, and am interested in a practical example related to Geothermal Energy, as it is our team has a topic for the 1st quarter.

### Middle School (6-8)

• I am looking for grade specific activities on waves...both sound and light.
• Describe a fun way of explaining how panning for gold takes advantage of a specific property of gold.
• What math problems do astronauts need to know? Is there an example?
• I'm an education center coordinator, looking for activities related to the Periodic Table, solutions, graphics, mineral composition, and Earth's crust, to be done by pre-service teachers preparing for grades 4-9.
• Why do Wint O Green lifesavers give off sparks when crunched in a dark room? The ingredients are sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavor, and steric acid. I'm a first year science teacher in an inner city school. I need help.
• I am an eighth grade math teacher in Los Angeles. We are reviewing fractions, and our students would be especially interested in practical examples having to do with earthquakes.
• I would like to see some fun and meaningful activities on hearing and sound. We are currently learning from a unit in our text about this area and there really aren't any interesting activities included.
• I need a small in-school project on spring water vs tap water. My son would like to demonstrate to the class the differences, without harming anyone in the process.
• I'm looking for a practical application of fractions relating to Earthquakes
• I am wondering if anyone can suggest fun activities that provide hands-on learning demonstrating STEM education as the pathway to great careers.

### Upper Elementary (3-5)

• I am looking for info/activities on light, heat, and sound for grades 3-5.
• I am a senior majoring in mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This semester I am very interested in developing a unit that would challenge kids' understandings of fractions. I think this age group tends to have a very fragile understanding of fractions. I am writing to you to ask you if you could point me to some interesting ideas.
• I am teaching basic circuits to fifth graders. I'm looking for some ideas of motorized toys we can build that would demonstrate the differences between series and parallel circuits.
• I'm looking for some demonstrations of forces: pushes and pulls, appropriate for Upper Elementary students.
• I'm looking for activities illustrating practical uses of WATER at the Upper Elementary grade level.
• I'm looking for activities at the Primary level related to weather and climate.
• I'm interested in real examples illustrating all basic information regarding "Earth in Space," at the grade 4 level. Student take a keen interest in the subject, and this would give them a way to learn this topic that would be fun.
• I'm looking for practical examples of the uses of Simple Machines (levers, inclines, wedges, wheels, gears, pulleys, etc.)
• I am looking to develop after school and summer programs locally for children where they actually build something while simultaneously discovering the practical relevance of math and science. Something with a wow factor/fun factor. If you could make some suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. I am able to spend $20,000 to$50,000 annually.
• I'm looking for applied math projects to do with 3rd - 5th graders. Any topics work.

### Primary (K-2)

• I'm looking material/information that tie in space and math for grades 3/4/5 dealing with the use of metrics or geometry.
• I'm interested in getting practical applications for the Pythagorean theorem, especially as it might relate to Earth science. Also would like a good cross-disciplinary example which would link up with either English, language arts, art, or social studies.
• I'm looking for examples at the *Primary* level describing the motions of the Earth. Perhaps a clever activity, as most students in this age group cannot integrate the idea of two frames-of-reference (one at the surface of Earth, and one viewing from outside the solar system).
• I'm looking for practical examples of algebra at the primary level. Editor's note: The National Standards identify "recognizing number patterns" as the main skill related to algebra at the Primary Level.