Mr. Jerry Bradner’s calculus class students were assigned a project to design, build, test, and analyze a working mini roller coaster model. It was a four-week project with a few parameters: needed to be 1′ x 1′ by 2 feet high, using only paper, cardboard, and tape. Students worked on their projects for short periods of time during class but also lots of outside of class time was invested by students, primarily because groups wanted to guard their ideas.
Students worked in groups of 3-4. The projects were tested and graded by peers and Mr. Bradner with various awards given (best name, best design, best features, etc.) Mr. Bradner says it was a really neat diversion from the regular math curriculum, which allowed tons of student creativity and he plans to use it with other classes.
Thank you to Mr. Brander for this information.