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Resource Type: Online Activities
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In this activity students use measurements of the girth, or circumference, of a tree to see which tree is large enough that a car could be driven through it. This crazy but fun idea allows students to visualize and work with the areas and circumferences of circles. Students may realize that for larger trees more space may be needed on the sides of the removed section in order to support the tree; students are also encouraged to try to estimate the circumference of a tree outside using what they have learned from the activity. Thus, this problem is problem solving based. And, the site makes other real world connections with measurement by recognizing that various professions use measurement.
The Getting Started section leads the students in the right direction for exploring this problem. The site provides an excellent connection between measurement and geometry. There are some related questions for them to try out their knowledge, interesting background information, and other resources. The activity can also be printed out in "PDF" format that preserves the attractive layout of the page. While the site is intended for middle grade students, elementary students will also enjoy exploring this challenge that asks the question "Are there trees big enough for cars to drive through?"
First Posted: 4/30/2002
Last Submitted: 4/17/2001 3:45:38 PM
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Homesite Description - This resource is contained in the following Web site
Figure This!
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Figure This! is a public awareness program funded by the National Science Foundation and the U. S. Department of Education.
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http://www.figurethis.org/index40.htm
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