The Ants Go Marching One by One . . .
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe precalculus class explored parametric equations considering an ant which starts at one corner of a picnic table and moves in a straight line relative to the edges of the table. The students were to write two equations describing the ant’s horizontal position and vertical position as a function of time.
It is always interesting to watch students problem solve on something they have never done. They do not like it. Just like we adults want someone to solve our problems, the majority of students just want you to show them how to do it. With encouragement, all the students were able to write the equations and answer some questions regarding the ant’s position.
All the students beamed with pride that they successfully problem solved. I reminded them that we all lived through the process—even the ant who lives to visit your next picnic.
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