Make a Break

By Amy dimmerling • Bethancy Vice Bowling • Bartley Richardson

Grade Level	10th
Subject Area	Math
Duration	Three 80-minute class periods, One 30-minute class period, One day field trip
Setting	Lab and Field Trip
Background Knowledge	Basic manipulation of integers (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)
Author	Amy Dimmerling, Bethancy Vice Bowling, and Bartley Richardson

Summary
This activity consists of making a sample of grout in the form of a small cylinder, load testing the sample, and analyzing the class data. The introductory presentation prepares students for all of these processes. Handouts walk the students step-by-step through the activity. Facilities at the University of Cincinnati, College of Engineering were utilized for load testing.

Objectives
Students will be able to: Describe the differences between concrete and grout Explain the water-to-cement ratio and what happens to the ratio with changes in water Evaluate the data in different display forms (table vs. graph) Critically comment on the data

Materials Required
PVC Pipe – 2” diameter, cut into pieces 4” in height WD-40 Grout Mix Graduated cylinders (100 mL) Scale – weighs up to 400 g Mixing bowls (1 per group) Aluminum pie pans Epoxy (60 sec drying time) Putty knives (1 per group) Popsicle sticks (1 per group)

Ohio Standards
Mathematics (From the Ohio Math Benchmarks, Grades 8-10) Benchmark D: Use algebraic representations, such as tables, graphs, expressions, functions, and inequalities, to model and solve problem situations. Related Indicators: Describe the relationship between the graph of a line and its equation, including being able to explain the meaning of slope as a constant rate of change and y-intercept in real-world problems. Use symbolic algebra (equations and inequalities), graphs and tables to represent situation and solve problems. Write, simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions (including formulas) to generalize situations and solve problems. Data Analysis and Probability Benchmark B: Evaluate different graphical representations of the same data to determine which is the mot appropriate representation for an identified purpose. Related Indicators: Use, create and interpret scatterplots and other types of graphs as appropriate. Evaluate different graphical representations of the same data to determine which is the most appropriate representation for an identified purpose; e.g., line graph for change over time, circle graph for part-to-whole comparison, scatterplot for relationship between two variants.