Ashley Canning – Algebra in the Real World

Lesson Planning
Waynesburg University

Writing the lesson plan:

Translating thoughts into a plan of action
Week 3
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LESSON PREPARATION

Pennsylvania Academic Standard(s) addressed during this lesson:

(Provide Standard number and statement)
2.5.A2.A: Develop a plan to analyze a problem, identify the information needed to solve
the problem, carry out the plan, check whether an answer makes sense, and explain how
the problem was solved in grade appropriate contexts.
Lesson Objective(s)
(Stated in observable and measurable terms)
Students will be able to:
 Apply previously learned algebra techniques in order to create scatter
plots, graph a line of best fit write an equation of a line, and find the slope
of a line based on data taken from an actual NASA shuttle launch
 Make real world connections to algebra through problem solving

Assessment Plan
(What will be done to determine if lesson objectives have been met?)
Students will complete a lab on the algebra used in launching the space shuttle
Students will create a flyer to illustrate a basic understanding of a lab on algebra
in space
Students will submit exit slips on which they will answer various questions
pertaining to the day’s lesson.

Materials:
Algebra in Space: Mathematics of Launching the Shuttle Lab
Graph paper
Computer: Scribd.com

Inclusion Techniques for Students with Special Needs:

The teacher will assist students individually during class.
Students will be grouped into pairs.

Enrichment Techniques:
Students who have mastered the material may assist those who have not.

Lesson Differentiation (What modifications/accommodations will be made to ensure that ALL students
have access to and are able to participate in the lesson):

Waynesburg University 1
Graduate Programs in Education
Lesson Plan template
Ashley Canning – Algebra in the Real World

The teacher will move throughout the room to assist students as necessary.
Teacher will be available outside of class to help students as needed.
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LESSON PRESENTATION

Introduction/Motivational Activities/Anticipatory Set:

Discuss, as a class, what students know about NASA and the space shuttle

Detailed Teaching Sequence:

(Provide sufficient detail that would enable a substitute to effectively present this lesson. Bulleted
statements are preferred)
Discuss, as a class, what students know about NASA and the space shuttle
Break students into groups of 4-5 and hand out Algebra in Space: Mathematics of
Launching the Shuttle labs
Have students read over the Background section of the lab and then discuss in
their groups and then together as a class
Go over lab instructions with students and then let them work with their groups to
complete the lab questions (lab should take 1-2 class periods to complete)
Go over the lab questions and answers as a class, having students volunteer their
answers
Discuss further how big of a role algebra plays in the safe launch of a shuttle
Assign students homework: Create a flyer based upon the lab. Include at least
one picture, artistic text, and at least three facts you learned from the lab. Upload
your flyer using Scribd so everyone can look at your work.
 Due two days after completing the lab
Students will be required to submit exit slips on which they will explain why
algebra is important to the space shuttle.

Guided Practice/Independent Practice/Assessment Activities

Students will create a flyer based upon the lab they completed during class

Closure:
Discuss, as a class, the role algebra plays in the safe launch of the shuttle
Require students to submit exit slips on which they will explain why algebra is
important to the space shuttle.
Go over what is due for next day’s homework

Waynesburg University 2
Graduate Programs in Education
Lesson Plan template