TechMAP - Bracing Grids - Student Edition

This module's central question is: How do carpenters and other builders create structures that won't fall down? It examines the rigidity of simple polygons and rectangular grid systems. Minimum bracing and the placement of braces are explored. Mathematical topics include the Pythagorean formula, mathematical reasoning, and vertex-edge graphs.

TechMAP

Covering topics from Algebra I to Precalculus, TechMAP modules show high school students real, immediate uses for mathematics.

All students MUST PASS the same standardized tests in order to graduate and succeed. All 22 TechMAP modules show tangible, real-world applications of the material on these exams, driving home required math skills.

The mathematics required by state tests is taught in algebra and geometry courses, but for many students this is not enough. TechMAP modules demonstrate these skills in vocational fields; they help reinforce existing mathematics courses through actual career activities. These modules are self-contained with exercises, teacher notes, handouts, etc., and can be used individually or together. Each module takes one to three weeks of classroom time.

• A builder finds the slope of a roof the same way an
  algebra student finds the slope of a line.
• A farmer selling her wheat must decide between several
  grain elevators in different locations. She uses conic
  sections and parameters on elementary models to make
  her decision.
• An exploration into the packaging industry reveals area
  formulas.
• GPS devices are everywhere today, and our module
  explains how they actually work; students become well-versed
  in spherical geometry, time differences, and codes.
• Carpenters work with shapes and relationships every
  day, and in our modules we explore circle relationships,
  differential equations, linear regression, and more.