This semester, Mrs. Wampler assigned her Algebra II students a unique project to test the mathematical skills they have acquired in her class. The students had to propose ideas on how to lower and raise the flag on top of the clock tower at John I. Burton High School, without going onto the roof. Dr. Perrigan first proposed this challenge to teachers early in the year, as a way to get students involved in problem solving. Of course, this project also ties directly into the new Project Based Learning system that John I. Burton has adopted this year.
Cassie I. , a sophomore at Burton, said "At first I thought that the project was a little bit odd for an Algebra II class to do, but while doing it I realized that the project was supposed to make us think like problem solvers and think of different solutions. It gave me an idea of what my future job (an engineer) will mostly be like. I liked that the project was not like most of the stuff we do in school, like there was not just one right answer, but multiple." Another Algebra II student, Jackson B. stated his opinion on the subject by saying, "I thought it was going to be interesting to see how we would do it."
The class presented their models twice, once for Dr. Perrigan and again for Mr. Williams. There were five groups that presented their ideas to the class. Each group had their own way of solving the problem, such as: using pipes and pulleys, illuminating lights, lowering the flag inside the school, and the "bank tube." Each model reached the objective but in different way. Perhaps John I. Burton may see one of these ideas applied in the near future.There will be a first, second, and third place winner in the PBL Competition. First place will be rewarded with a fully paid day trip to Dollywood, second place will be rewarded with free movie tickets, and third place will receive a pizza party.The due date for this project is November 4th, while the winner of the competition will be decided on Friday, November 11th.
Written by: Austin Q.