The accuracy required by the design and measurement of an Olympic running track will surprise track stars and couch potatoes alike. Given a short introduction, the class then scaffolds into a detailed analysis of the exact nature of the distance around the track. A novel exercise to really stretch those modeling muscles, particularly perfect for use in those Olympic years.

Concepts

measurement, scale factors, circumference, perimeter

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Have the class measure a local track and then perform similar analysis of its dimensions and lanes
• Link with a history or current events unit on the Olympic Games
• Suggested extension has learners evaluating the similarity of the shapes created by the different lanes

Classroom Considerations

• Class directions state that the image drawn is to scale, requiring care when scaling and copying activity

Pros

• Simple and recognizable setup leads to sophisticated analysis
• Careful treatment of assumptions and errors in calculation
• Directions keep learners on the right track for analysis

Cons

• Teaching notes and answer key are not clearly delineated from the student worksheet

Common Core

7.G.B.4 HSG-MG.A.1 HSG-MG.A.2 HSG-MG.A.3 MP4