A Mathematics Project on the Bicycle
Pat Forster · The Australian mathematics teacher · 1997
The mathematics of a bicycle was recently the context for using computer technology with a Year 9 class. Bicycles provided a rich context for students to apply their knowledge of perimeter, area and volume, and for using spreadsheets. The linear, quadratic, cubic, sine and cycloid graphs provided a basis for interesting discussion. The purpose of the project was to develop students' skill with computer spreadsheets and using the internet, to give students an appreciation of the many ways that mathematics can describe common everyday items, and to make them aware of their own role in learning.