Students discover the mathematical constant phi, the golden ratio, through hands-on activities. They measure dimensions of "natural objects"—a star, a nautilus shell and human hand bones—and calculate ratios of the measured values, which are close to phi. Then students learn a basic definition of a mathematical sequence, specifically the Fibonacci sequence. By taking ratios of successive terms of the sequence, they find numbers close to phi. They solve a squares puzzle that creates an approximate Fibonacci spiral. Finally, the instructor demonstrates the rule of the Fibonacci sequence via a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT robot equipped with a pen. The robot (already created as part of the companion activity, The Fibonacci Sequence & Robots) draws a Fibonacci spiral that is similar to the nautilus shape.

This course is about the mathematics that is most widely used in the mechanical engineering core subjects: An introduction to linear algebra and ordinary differential equations (ODEs), including general numerical approaches to solving systems of equations.

Simple machines are devices with few or no moving parts that make work easier. Students are introduced to the six types of simple machines the wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley in the context of the construction of a pyramid, gaining high-level insights into tools that have been used since ancient times and are still in use today. In two hands-on activities, students begin their own pyramid design by performing materials calculations, and evaluating and selecting a construction site. The six simple machines are examined in more depth in subsequent lessons in this unit.

Using the LEGO® NXT robotics kit, students construct and program robots to illustrate and explore the Fibonacci sequence. Within teams, students are assigned roles: group leader, chassis builder, arm builder, chief programmer, and Fibonacci verifier. By designing a robot that moves based on the Fibonacci sequence of numbers, they can better visualize how quickly the numbers in the sequence grow. To program the robot to move according to these numbers, students break down the sequence into simple algebraic equations so that the computer can understand the Fibonacci sequence.

This is a cross curricular art project for 8th grade math students. Students are first introduced to what the Wheel of Theodorus is, ponder where they see it in the world around them and then instructed on how to create their own. When they have finished constructing their Wheel of Theodorus they are asked to creatively and colorfully turn it "into" something. Examples are given. After they Wheel of Theodorus is complete, students are then asked to measure all the sides lengths of the triangles in the wheel. They should quickly see that they can use the Pythagorean Theorem to do this and that it follows a predictable pattern. No ruler will be required for this part of the project! 

This is a cross curricular art project for 8th grade math students. Students are first introduced to what the Wheel of Theodorus is, ponder where they see it in the world around them and then instructed on how to create their own. When they have finished constructing their Wheel of Theodorus they are asked to creatively and colorfully turn it "into" something. Examples are given. After they Wheel of Theodorus is complete, students are then asked to measure all the sides lengths of the triangles in the wheel. They should quickly see that they can use the Pythagorean Theorem to do this and that it follows a predictable pattern. No ruler will be required for this part of the project! 

Students explore building a pyramid, learning about the simple machine called an inclined plane. They also learn about another simple machine, the screw, and how it is used as a lifting or fastening device. During a hands-on activity, students see how the angle of inclination and pull force can make it easier (or harder) to pull an object up an inclined plane.

Students use inclined planes as they recreate the difficult task of raising a monolith of rock to build a pyramid. They compare the push and pull of different-sized blocks up an inclined plane, determine the angle of inclination, and learn the changes that happen when the angle is increased or decreased.