Links to Support Unit Engagement
The following links may be used to add intrigue, enhance, and expand on ideas in the unit. The links include videos, web pages, and articles related to the content or context of the Units.
Have additional ideas? Please submit possible links to be included: ConnectedMath@msu.edu
Grade 6
Investigation 1
Chincoteague Pony Swim
Video Problem 1.3
Did You Know?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ulkBctY_JM
(Time 2:20 minutes)
Driving on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
Video Problem 1.4 Did You Know?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF8pDwPafxo
(Time 3:08 minutes)
Anytime in Unit
Prime Numbers - Sieve of Eratosthenes
Demonstration Video
Review - (prime, multiples, factors)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V08g_lkKj6Q
(Time 5:30 minutes)
Investigation 1
NCTM Illuminations version of the Factor Game – NCTM website
Problem 1.
Play against the computer or against another person. Size of the game board can be
changed.
https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Factor-Game/
NCTM Illuminations version of the Product Game – NCTM website
Problem 1.2
Play against the computer or against another person. Play the original version of
the game or customize it.
https://www.nctm.org/Classroom-Resources/Illuminations/Interactives/Product-Game/
Investigation 2
Gear Simulation
Problem 2.1
Use the number of teeth on the gear to simulate the size of a Ferris Wheel.
For example, a “20-Second Ferris Wheel” can be simulated with 20 teeth on the gear.
A “60-Second Ferris Wheel” can be simulated with 60 teeth on the gear.
https://geargenerator.com
Brood X Cicadas Are Emerging at Last
Problem 2.2
Article showing when and where broods of cicadas are emerging.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/brood-x-cicadas-are-emerging-at-last1/
Warning: Cicadas can be a tasty treat, but they can be hazardous to those allergic
to seafood
Problem 2.2
Article about eating cicadas
https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/warning-cicadas-can-be-tasty-treat-they-can-be-hazardous-those-allergic-seafood
Investigation 3
Prime Numbers & Public Key Cryptography
Video with more information related to the Problem 3.2 Did You Know?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56fa8Jz-FQQ#action=share
(Time 1:59 minutes)
Prime Factorization of 200 and 180
Demonstration Video Example for after Problem 3.2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPsa0CMcR2w
(Time 2:57 minutes)
Investigation 3
Pop the perfect Popcorn at home EVERY TIME!
Video with Problem 3.2
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/34vrpPlej64
(Time 0:48 minutes)
Popping Popcorn at 30,000 FPS in Ultra Slow Motion
Video with Problem 3.2
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/34vrpPlej64
(Time 2:17 minutes)
UK Backward Running Championships
Video with Problem 3.4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sWYENsJ3O4
(Time 3:36 minutes)
Grade 7
Anytime in Unit
Colorful Buildings
Images from around the world
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/colorful-architecture-buildings-slideshow
Unusual Structures and Weird Buildings
Images from around the world
https://www.easemytrip.com/blog/visit-some-unusual-structures-of-the-world
Investigation 1
Mechanisms with 4-Bar Linkages
Brief Article with animations
https://hackaday.com/2017/03/29/marvelous-mechanisms-the-ubiquitous-four-bar-linkage/
Strength of Triangles
Brief Article
https://techblog.ctgclean.com/2012/10/the-strength-and-mystery-of-triangles/
Understanding and Analysing Trusses
Video – after Problem 3.3
First 3 minutes – discusses stability of the shape, shows triangle vs quadrilaterals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn_iozUo9m4
(Time 3:00 out of the total 17:40 minutes)
Strong Structures with Triangles | Design Squad
Video – after Problem 3.3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBHJtWbsiaA
(Time 5:02 minutes)
Why Are Triangles Stronger Than Squares?
Video – after Problem 1.3
Univ of Phoenix Stadium Trusses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoS0UvVfxRQ
(Time 1:17 minutes)
Investigation 2
World’s First Three back-to-back 900s
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpH7LCWViz0
(Time 0:26 minutes)
Shawn White Snowboarding
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfTXUWlJCxk
(Time 2:42 minutes)
Videos of Waggle Dance
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7ijI-g4jHg
(Time 0:54 minutes)
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFDGPgXtK-U
(Time 7:28 minutes)
Readings about Waggle Dance
Brief Article
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/bee-dance-game/introduction.html
Video about Amelia Earhart
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3RKxacOYgU
(Time 3:10 minutes)
Investigation 3
What is a tessellation?
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GiKeeWSf4s
(Time 2:20 minutes)
Why do bees build hexagonal honeycombs?
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEzlsjAqADA
(Time 2:31 minutes)
Why do bees love hexagons?
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEzlsjAqADA
(Time 3:58 minutes)
Animation of external angle sum
Online animation for after Problem 3.3
https://www.facebook.com/magicpi2/videos/1343944465771553
Anytime in Unit
Cities in Miniature
Scale model images of Chicago
https://www.buildyourownchicago.com/modelcity.html
Investigation 2
How to Read a Topo Map
Brief article and video about how topographical maps use contour lines and scale.
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/topo-maps-how-to-use.html
(Time 3:48 minutes)
Investigation 3
Scale City | Similar Figures in the Real World
Video about making bats to go with the Problem 3.3 Did You Know
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mket-math-rp-slugger/similar-figures-in-the-real-world/
(Time 3:57 minutes)
Investigation 1
Walkathon 2024
Walkathon example as a fundraiser. This example is from a school in Rio De Janeiro
raising money for the pediatric wing of their National Cancer Institute.
Problem 1.3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWDff0qAiPo
(Time 2:25 minutes)
Investigation 4
How to Read a Topo Map
Brief article and video about how topographical maps use contour lines and scale.
Relates to Problem 4.3 Did You Know
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/topo-maps-how-to-use.html
(Time 3:48 minutes)
Investigation 2
Scientists Just Proved Coin Tosses Are Flawed Using 350,757 Coin Flips
Bias in flip and catch of a coin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VwOn5x7VAs
(Time 4:38 minutes)
Anytime in Unit
Three-Dimensional Printing
The video focuses on the composition of 3D polygons and introduces the idea of printing
in three dimensions as stacking thin layers of material.
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mgbh.math.g.printing/three-dimensional-printing/
(Time 3:52 minutes)
Investigation 2
Wall of Fire: Cube
Shows using a laser to “see” the 2D cross section if you were to cut a cube.
Video after Problem 2.3 and Did You Know? on page 39
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mgbh-math-ee-gfirecube/wall-of-fire-cube/
(Time 1:26 minutes)
Wall of Fire: Tetrahedron
Shows using a laser to “see” the 2D cross section if you were to cut a tetrahedron.
Video after Problem 2.3 and Did You Know? on page 39
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mgbh.math.g.firetetra/wall-of-fire-tetrahedron/
(Time 1:28 minutes)
Wall of Fire: Cylinder
Shows using a laser to “see” the 2D cross section if you were to cut a cube.
Video after Problem 2.3 and Did You Know? on page 39
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mgbh.math.g.firecylinder/wall-of-fire-cylinder/
(Time 1:12minutes)
Investigation 3
Calculating the Area of a Circle Using Pizza Slices | Zero to Infinity
Video after Problem 3.3
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nvzti-sci-pizzacirclearea/calculating-the-area-of-a-circle-using-pizza-slices-zero-to-infinity/
(Time 3:46 minutes)
Investigation 2
What do Archaeologists do?
Brief Article
https://www.saa.org/about-archaeology/what-do-archaeologists-do
What does an archeologist do?
Brief Article
https://www.thc.texas.gov/public/upload/archeology-what-does-archeologist-do.pdf
Grade 8
Investigation 1
Why Are Triangles Stronger Than Squares?
Video with Problem 1.3
Univ of Phoenix Stadium Trusses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoS0UvVfxRQ
(Time 1:17 minutes)
Steel Construction: Truss
Video that describes what a truss is for Problem 1.3
https://youtu.be/VACg0sGZtws
(Time 0:50 minutes)
Investigation 4
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Did You Know? after Problem 4.1
Brief articles with job projection data
Mathematics and Statistician Job outlook
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/mathematicians-and-statisticians.htm#tab-6
Overall 20 fastest growing occupations
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm
Roller Coaster Statistics
Various sites for data on roller coasters
Problem 4.2
https://rcdb.com/census.htm
https://rcdb.com/
https://www.reddit.com/r/rollercoasters/comments/1lhepl7/us_states_based_off_of_number_of_roller_coasters/
https://rcdb.com/location.htm?id=59
Investigation 2
Pythagorean theorem
After Problem 2.1
Animation showing that the theorem applies to rectangles on the sides of a triangle.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16iU6WnU83/
Pythagorean theorem
After Problem 2.2
Animation showing another geometric proof for the theorem
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B1Tb9wAmY/
The Pythagorean Theorem and 18th Century Cranes
Did You Know? after Problem 2.3
Using the Pythagorean Theorem to reproduce an 18th century crane.
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mgbh.math.g.cranes/the-pythagorean-theorem-and-18th-century-cranes/
(Time 3:55 minutes)
Investigation 3
Pythagorean theorem
After Problem 3.1
Animation showing the Wheel of Theodorus unraveled on to a coordinate graph ( y= √x)
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14Gt8ZxMenn/
Investigation 4
30-60-90 triangle properties
After Problem 4.2
Animation
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16pswp3Wh7/
Investigation 1
Reasons Why Not to Grow Water Hyacinth
Problem 1.3
Describes a water hyacinth as an invasive plant.
https://youtu.be/rv02PM1aeJg
(Time 2:24)
ThinkZone – Water Hyacinths
Problem 1.3
TicTok Video showing water hyacinths overgrowing and blocking a damn in Mexico
https://www.tiktok.com/@think.zone_/video/7526513959315180830?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
(Time 1:00)
YouTube - Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
Problem 1.3
Describes a water hyacinth and how they have become invasive in some places.
https://youtu.be/VDChu1UZ7qc
(Time 2:21)
MOLD Growing in Macro Time Lapse
Problem 1.4
Video with up close look at mold growing over 15 days.
https://youtu.be/pQ-y7fhyGYI
(Time 1:48)
This is what happens to bread in water
Problem 1.4
Time lapse video of mold growing on a piece of bread for 16 days.
https://youtu.be/tHC2MPU8hL0
(Time 2:27)
Time-Lapse of Bread Growing Mold: Macro
Problem 1.4
Video with up close look at mold growing over 15 days.
https://youtu.be/pQ-y7fhyGYI
(Time 1:48)
MOLD Growing in Macro Time Lapse
Problem 1.4
Video with up close look at mold growing over 15 days.
https://youtu.be/pQ-y7fhyGYI
(Time 1:48)
Investigation 2
How European Rabbits Took over Australia
Problem 2.1
Brief article on the introduction of European rabbits to Australia. And, how the rabbits
became invasive.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/how-european-rabbits-took-over-australia/
Investigation 4
Fashion Design from Math Equations
Brief Articles all related to the same designer
Did You Know Problem 4.3
https://www.kqed.org/arts/13929878/for-bay-area-designer-diarra-bousso-math-art-happiness
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/06/africa/senegalese-math-fashion-designer
https://www.okayafrica.com/meet-the-senegalese-designer-making-math-chic/
Investigation 1
Hubcaps & Symmetry
Image for Problem 1.3 Did You Know?
Investigation 3
Escaramuza: Coordinates, Reflection, Rotation
Video for Problem 1.3 Did You Know
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mcaam.math.ga.escaramuzacoordinate/escaramuza-coordinates-reflection-rotation/
(Time 3:33 minutes)
Investigation 4
3D Projection – Wikepedia
Brief Article for Problem 4.1 Did You Know
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_projection
Human Tree Dilations
Video for Problem 4.2 Did You Know
https://wkar.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mgbh.math.rp.humantree8/human-tree-dilations/
(Time 2:22 minutes)
Investigation 2
Cylinder, Cone, Sphere Volume
Video after Problem 2.3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZkhnIzBC_k
(Time 2:31 minutes)
Visualizing the Volume of a Sphere Formula | Deriving the Algebraic Formula With Animations
Video after Problem 2.4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNutS8eIhEs
(Time 3:11 minutes)
Investigation 3
Pole Vault World Records and Sports Product Innovation
Problem 3.3
Brief article about pole vaulting records
https://business.uoregon.edu/news/pole-vault-world-records
The Science of Pole Vault
Video for Problem 3.3
Explains the technique and feel of pole vaulting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqmiafcqEx4
(Time 7:06 minutes)
Investigation 3
Beautiful Visual Explanation of Completing the Square
Problem 3.2
https://youtu.be/McDdEw_Fb5E
(Time 3:33)