Eighth-graders learn how algebra applies to everyday life.
By: Melissa Hayes
JAMESBURG Eighth-graders at the Grace M. Breckwedel School were given a lesson in math they will not soon forget.
As part of an effort to raise interest in math and push kids to excel, the school had civil engineer Mark Love present "Why You Need Algebra," Sept. 29.
"Our goal is to raise the standards in math," said Ellen Blashkosky, the eighth-grade math teacher.
As an engineer, Mr. Love designs traffic patterns for intersections across the country. He discussed his experiences in engineering and problems he has encountered in the field. He then presented students with the challenge of developing a traffic pattern for a particular intersection, Ms. Blashkosky said.
She said that even though computers are used to solve problems such as traffic patterns, individuals used to have to do the math themselves.
Mr. Love showed how equations can be used to determine the amount of time it takes for a number of cars to travel through an intersection.
Ms. Blashkosky said Mr. Love challenged students to devise a plan that got the most amount of cars through an intersection in 90 seconds..
"The average traffic light is usually 90 seconds," she said.
Students had to determine how long to let cars go through the intersection, if there should be turn-only arrows incorporated into the equation and several other factors.
"One of the solutions that was put up by a student (Mr. Love) said was even better than the actual pattern that he developed," said Shirley Bzdewka, superintendent and school principal.
The students were very responsive to Mr. Love’s presentation, she said.
"Some of them really loved it," she said.
Carly Pipling, an eighth-grade student, said the project showed her another way in which math could be used outside of a school setting.
"I’ve always wanted to be a chef or a cook, and you need math for that," she said. "There is more to math than just adding or subtracting."
Jesse Jenso, an eighth-grader, said the presentation made him think about everything that goes into creating a simple traffic signal.
"When we get to a traffic light now, I start to count how long the red light is," he said.
Students said the number one thing Mr. Love stressed was safety.
"We had to make sure you let out the most amount of cars in the least amount of time, safely," Herberth Rivas, an eighth-grader, said.
Carly said that when approaching an intersection she thinks about safety because of Mr. Love’s lesson.
"At a traffic light I don’t notice the time difference, I look at it and think, ‘This is not what we learned, it’s not safe,’ " she said.
The students liked the idea of learning about math for a day from a real engineer.
"He was more like a friend than a teacher," Herberth said.
Although it was not easy, the students enjoyed the lesson.
"It was really fun," Herberth said. "I would definitely recommend it to future eighth-graders."