Objective

The objective of this lesson is to introduce the student to the concept of calculus and its application in real-life scenarios, specifically related to whippets.

Materials and Prep

• Paper
• Pencil
• Calculator (optional)
• Prior knowledge of basic algebra

Activities

1. Activity 1: Speed Calculation

   Ask the student to measure the speed of their whippet running in meters per second. They can do this by timing how long it takes for the whippet to run a known distance. Then, have them calculate the average speed of the whippet.

2. Activity 2: Distance Traveled

   Provide the student with a function that represents the whippet's speed over time. For example, s(t) = 3t, where s is the speed in meters per second and t is the time in seconds. Ask the student to calculate how far the whippet would travel in a given time interval, such as 0 to 10 seconds.

3. Activity 3: Acceleration

   Introduce the concept of acceleration to the student. Explain that acceleration is the rate at which an object's velocity changes over time. Use the example of a whippet starting from rest and gradually increasing its speed. Ask the student to calculate the acceleration of the whippet during this process.

Australia: Year 7 Talking Points

• "Calculus is a branch of mathematics that deals with rates of change and the accumulation of quantities."
• "It is used in various fields such as physics, engineering, economics, and even in understanding the motion of animals like whippets."
• "In calculus, we study concepts like speed, distance, and acceleration, which are essential in understanding how things change over time."
• "By using calculus, we can calculate the speed of a whippet, determine the distance it can travel in a given time, and even analyze its acceleration."
• "Understanding calculus can help us make predictions and solve real-life problems involving motion and change."