Why Algebra?

Humans use only a small amount of our available brain potential. In other words, there is lots of room for growth. I have often been surprised that this seems to be news to many of the students that I have counseled over the years. Students will often say, “I can’t learn algebra.” Sometimes, students will even get angry when I try to convince them otherwise. These students are exhibiting what educators know as a “fixed” mindset.

Growth or fixed Mindset

A person’s belief or mindset about intelligence, ability, and talent can have a profound impact on his or her future. But, is our mindset important to God? As parents and teachers, we know that the answer to this question is “Yes.” However, I do understand that your students may not trust you on this one. Maybe, they will be impressed by Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. He provides the foundation for why education is important.

“Take hold of instruction, do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.”

Proverbs 4:13

The Power of Math

Algebra instruction is life, because it grows stronger minds. However, it can be an abstract concept. Lizzy spent the last five years of her career as a science teacher for 600 elementary school students. So, to provide some relevance to algebra, try this lesson that Lizzy did with hundreds of students each year. . . and with our own grandkids. So, I know this works for both teachers and parents.

The Learning Target is “build and launch a rocket.” Students will show success by building a rocket that launches into the air, but also by measuring the height their rocket reaches using trigonometry. I hear you saying, “If they can’t do algebra how can they do trigonometry?” It is simple! You write out the formula and walk them through the calculation. I know this can work, because Lizzy did it with a room full of kindergarteners. They are amazed and gain a new awareness of the power of math. 

“Aha” Moments

The lesson can be done on the cheap with a film canister “rocket,” using cold tablets and water, or with plastic bottle rockets, using vinegar and baking soda. However, it is much more fun to build and launch solid-fuel rockets that can be purchased at the local hobby shop for about $8. These rockets can fly easily over 200 feet into the air.

Oh, you also need an inclinometer to measure the angle. We used the Estes Altitrack, which is specifically designed for model rocketry. It costs about $20. But, if you’re in a pinch, you can make your own inclinometer with a protractor, a piece of string, a washer, and a straw. (See How to Measure Model Rocket Altitude.)

It works best if you have students work with a learning partner. Not only does this allow them to share the tasks, but they can also share the “aha” moments they experienced while planning, building, and launching their rockets. 

Calculating Height

Select a nice day with not too much wind. Pick a launch site and measure a safe distance away for the partners to measure the angle of the rocket at the top of its travel. For this example, we’ll use 100 feet, which will represent one side of a right triangle. The height represents adjacent side. Let’s suppose the partner measures an angle of 56 degrees.

To find the height, use a calculator and the formula: 100 x tan(56) = x. We are using 100 feet as the safe distance and an angle of 56 degrees. With everything entered into the calculator, we discover that our “x” is 148. Indeed, our rocket reached a height of 148 feet. Substitute your own safe distance and angle to calculate your rocket’s height.

You can put this formula into an Excel file and display it on a whiteboard to calculate distance traveled for multiple rockets. The results and implications can make for a lively discussion. The students might even discover that Algebra is life.

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Finding Wisdom & Brain Development.