Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to apply arithmetic concepts to real-life situations related to mountain biking.
Materials and Prep
- Pencil and paper
- Calculator (optional)
- Basic knowledge of arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
Activities
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Activity 1: Calculating Speed
Calculate your average speed while mountain biking. Measure the distance you cover during a ride and record the time it takes you to complete the ride. Use the formula speed = distance / time to find your average speed.
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Activity 2: Gear Ratios
Investigate the gear ratios on your mountain bike. Count the number of teeth on the front and rear gears, and calculate the gear ratio for each combination. Discuss how different gear ratios affect your ability to climb hills or ride on flat terrain.
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Activity 3: Tire Pressure
Experiment with different tire pressures on your mountain bike. Measure the pressure using a gauge and record the distance it takes you to come to a complete stop when applying the brakes. Analyze the relationship between tire pressure and braking distance.
Tenth Grade Talking Points
- "Mountain biking requires a solid understanding of arithmetic concepts."
- "When calculating speed, we divide the distance traveled by the time taken."
- "Gear ratios determine how easy or difficult it is to pedal your mountain bike."
- "Higher gear ratios provide more speed on flat terrain, while lower gear ratios are better for climbing steep hills."
- "Tire pressure affects the grip and handling of your mountain bike."
- "Higher tire pressure generally reduces rolling resistance but may result in a harsher ride."
- "Lower tire pressure can improve traction and comfort but may increase the risk of flats."