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Middle School Math Department—Function Voyage: Decrypting the Secrets of Everyday Life

May 21, 2024

In 8th grade, the students recently embarked on a mathematical voyage of discovery that unraveled the mysteries between functions and everyday life. In this math project, the students explored real-world applications of mathematical functions and sharpened their skills in identifying, interpreting, and utilizing mathematical models.

The students formed spontaneous teams and traveled around campus to capture landscapes or objects that reflected the graphs of specific functions on their cell phones or cameras. A kaleidoscope of function graphs was discovered and recorded; some linear, some quadratic, and others exponential. The students then carefully analyzed and interpreted them, exploring their relationship to mathematical functions. In the process, they actively diverged their thinking and also incorporated thinking from other academic areas such as biology and science to further their understanding of the depth of math.

From a simple origami activity to thinking about the population dynamics of the African black rhinoceros, this topic covered a variety of mathematical challenges at different levels and on different topics, allowing the students to understand the nature of mathematics in practice. At the same time, the project followed the school's hot topics and simulated a charity fair poster card-making and selling situation. Students practiced step by step according to the guides set by the teachers, learned to analyze the mathematical model behind the business model, and gained rich practical experience in the application of mathematics.

Through this multi-faceted journey of discovery, the students not only improved their math skills but also developed a keen insight and deep understanding of the world. They learned how to integrate abstract mathematical concepts with everyday life and discovered the beauty of the endless applications of math around us. Such experiences not only make them better mathematicians but also shape them into more creative and insightful individuals who are well-prepared for future challenges.

Written by Wei Xu

Pictures by Grade 8 Math teachers

Edited by Cong Luo, Bianca Noguera