Projectiles and Parabolas
In science class, eighth graders study gravity, inertia and Newton’s law. In Algebra class, they learn about parabolas and quadratic equations. By combining the two subjects, Country School teachers collaborated to create a lesson, “Projectiles and Parabolas,” which allowed students to understand how the subjects are interconnected.
Working in teams, one student fired a dart— the projectile—using a Nerf gun out a third floor window. The other students measured the distance traveled by the dart. Using their data, a quadratic equation and Excel spreadsheets, students plotted the curve of the parabola on a graph and inferred where the dart would be in the air at different points.
“Our goal was to create an interactive lesson that helps deeper concepts really sink in for kids,” said Sanjiv Maliakal, Upper School science teacher who worked with math teacher Jean O’Dell on the experiment.
“A parabola suddenly became alive and something as familiar as a Nerf gun,” said eighth grade student Jonathan Jean-Louis. Jonathan is now wondering if he can measure and plot the arc of his basketball throws.
“It was cool how the teachers weaved math and science together,” said fellow eighth grader Tommy Murillo. “I like doing things that are hands-on.”
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
