Math Goal: To
look at pricing formulas by different manufacturers of insulation. Students will write the equation of a line using a line of best fit. Students will learn how to interpret the real life meaning of slope, y intercept, and equations.
CTE Goal: Students will become familiar with R Values and learn about types of insulation available.
Procedure: Students are to select a manufacturer of insulation
(foam or batt). The manufacturer should have 3 or more thicknesses of the
product. The product should be the same material except for thickness.
Examples include fiberglass batts, blown in, rigid foam board, blown in
foam, blue jean insulation batts, rockwool, etc. Students need to record
the R value and the cost for each thickness of the product.
Graph the data with R value along the x axis and the cost
along the y axis. Draw a line of
best fit. Write an equation
(algebraically) of the line.
Identify the y intercept and slope. Explain the real world meaning of each. Is it a direct variation? Predict the cost of a new
thickness of the product. What
other factors, besides cost, would a builder consider when choosing an
insulation product? Please site
your sources of cost.
Write a 1 page summary of the data and your findings.
