A focus is one of two points that define the shape and size of an ellipse.Slides 9-11 provide photographs of student example projects-for the teacher.)ĭuring today’s activity, we are going to explore the different characteristics and properties of ellipses. Walk students through the engineering design process with an emphasis on planning and redesign. Then introduce the engineering design project for this activity with the text below, including a diagram that shows the steps of the engineering design process and a listing of the design constraints. If time permits, have students draw ellipses using pencils, graph paper, push pins and string. (Next, show students the PowerPoint® presentation to cover the math and characteristics that define ellipses. Take a look at this example of a whispering gallery in the U.S. An ellipse has the property that if light or sound waves emanate from one focus, they are reflected to the other focus.

In some buildings, you can experience this phenomenon, which is caused by the unique design of the elliptical structure. Then provide students with the explanation.) Then, for three to five minutes, have students share their explanations for how and why this could be possible. What is going on? (Give students two minutes to discuss with their neighbors their ideas that explain this phenomenon. Then, at a certain point in the room, you can hear your family member perfectly clear again! Then, if you move away from that location, you can no longer hear the family member. While walking away, your family member’s voice becomes fainter until s/he can no longer be heard.

During the conversation, you get distracted by something at the other end of the room and begin to walk away. You are standing next to and talking to a family member. Imagine you are traveling with your family and end up in an elliptical-shaped room.

computer with Internet connection and projector to show the class an online video clip and the Ellipses Presentation, a PowerPoint® fileįor the (optional) drawing exercise (see slide 5), each student needs:.

an assortment of tools such as scissors, markers, tape, hot glue gun and glue sticks.

felt, enough for each group to have a piece to cover its table, which could be 1 x 2 feet minimum to 2 x 2 feet maximum.

an assortment of building materials from which groups choose (as their hypothetical budgets permit) to make their elliptical pool tables suggested materials for the table surface/base: wood, strong cardboard suggested materials for the table border: wood, cardboard, rubber bands, chopsticks, (foam swimming) pool noodles or other materials requested by groups (as the teacher permits).

access to a computer with Internet access, to do online research.

2-4 small balls such as golf balls, pool balls or table tennis balls golf balls are often ideal.

circular wooden dowels, 1-1.5 inch diameter, to serve as cue sticks to hit the balls.access to an assortment of building materials from which to make an elliptical pool table.

Pool noodle table bumpr