Objective: Students will be able to understand what the slope of a line is
and how to find it.
Activity-Have students find and list examples of positive, negative, and zero
slopes in their homes. Suggest that they may find such slopes in the
architecture of their homes or in pictures or objects around the home. Ask
students to share their lists
with the class.
Activity-Encourage small groups of students to contact the state or county
Department of Transportation to find out how the slopes, or grades, of roads are
measured. They might also inquire about whether the slope measurements are used
to regulate the speed limits on or usage of roadways and whether there are
limits placed on the slopes of various types of roads, such as freeways and
residential streets. Encourage groups to share their findings with the class.