Algebra 1
Key Topic: slope, linear equations, systems of linear equations, x-intercept, y-intercept
Astronauts wear a spacesuit when they leave the pressurized vehicle to perform spacewalks. Some of the key features of the spacesuit are breathable air and heating and cooling control. Students will perform a brainstorming activity to create critical components of a spacesuit. Students will also evaluate the oxygen usage of two astronauts performing a spacewalk using linear equation concepts.
Students will
- identify slope and the effects of a change in slope, and determine what slope means in a problem situation;
- find the x-intercept, y-intercept, and determine what they represent in a problem situation;
- create linear equations given y-intercept and slope;
- solve linear equations and systems of linear equations using the substitution method and the graphing calculator; and
- work in cooperative learning groups to communicate mathematical ideas in a team environment.
DOWNLOADS
› Suit Yourself Educator Edition (PDF 185 KB)
› Suit Yourself Student Edition (PDF 188 KB)
Related Resources
› VIDEO: STS-126 Spacewalkers at Work
› VIDEO: The Making of a Spacewalk
› VIDEO: Interview with Amy Ross, Spacesuit Engineer (Part 1)
