Math Magic Mike

Making mathematical connections to real world situations is the "hook" that many middle schoolers require. In this activity the concept of a direct variation with its related vocabulary is introduced to students by simply having them analyze the sales of $5 subs and modeling the relationhip with a graph, equation, and a table.

America's big game takes place in February. This activity gives students an opportunity to use measures of central tendency, stem and leaf plots, box and whiskers plot, and their knowledge of probability to analyze the history of the Super Bowl. Students will determine the typical score of a Super Bowl game, compare recent games to those in the past, and make predictions as to what is likely to happen this year. The activity may be used in its entirety or broken down into smaller activities.

This is a great math activity for both Middle School and HIgh School that ties the ability for students to read, comprehend, analyze, and solve related math problems in order to add to their knowledge of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. Teachers have the option of extending the activity into multiple days. Teachers of history and social studies have the opportunity to use the exercises to engage students in conversation relating to King's relevance and legacy. An ANSWER KEY is provided.