Mathematical Mistakes
Throughout history, advertisers, the media, reporters, politicians, activists and many others have made many mathematical mistakes. What are these mistakes, why were they made and does anyone believe them? What effect do these mistakes have on our lives?
Take a look at the two examples of math errors listed below: speed limits and traffic deaths, and anthrax anxiety. Write a 1-page essay on these two mistakes explaining the following:
1. What mistake was made and why
2. How the data reported could be corrected
3. What effect this report would have on ordinary people and their lives
| Lesson Name: Mathematical Mistakes | |
| Objective: To review 2 mathematical mistakes made in history and write a short essay (1 page) on what mistakes were made and how the data could be corrected. Students will also explain what effect these mistakes would have on people's lives. | |
| Grade: (9-12) | Lesson Login: math_mistakes-a |
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Additional disciplines: Computer Skills ELA Science |
Materials: Computer with Internet access Paper and pen Word processing software Printer, if using software |
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For AIS instruction, this lesson has been modified as follows: In the directions, the student has been given 2 mathematical mistakes to choose from instead of 3. They have also been asked to write a 1-page essay. In the Allowed Sites, one link has been removed. Click here for the original version of this lesson. | |
