Skatepark Challenge: Riding the Concrete Wave (Part II)

This resource, published by Georgia Tech Research Institute, features a mathematics and decision making activity designed for eighth graders. In this activity, students use simulations, data visualization, and computational skills to craft product reviews for helmets. Additionally, they will and match a profiled skater to their best-fit helmet using a Decision Grid (matrix) to consider the criteria necessary to make such a decision. "The module covers some basic concepts regarding energy, energy transfer and brain injuries in sports." It meets the following learning standard:

• Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the law of conservation of energy to develop arguments that energy can transform from one form to another within a system.

The activity is divided into five sections that last five class periods. The prep guide includes materials needed, planning, key questions and concepts, and grading opportunities for each section of the activity. The resource includes the following:

• A 20-page curriculum booklet with an annotated teacher's version
• A 7-page teacher's prep guide
• Materials list
• Five images used in the activity
• Answer keys for different sections of the activity
• A 12-page student worksheet packet
• A video about a medical device that can be used to assess the effects of concussions