"Hula Hoop-It-Up"

 

Introduction

Students will determine if there is a linear relationship between the number of people in a circle and the time it takes to thread/pass a hula hoop around the unbroken circle. (This requires the students to step through the hula hoop and pass over their heads one at a time.)

 

Equipment

Stopwatches, hula hoops, recording sheet, graph paper, and calculators (if needed).

 

Task

1) Divide class into groups of 10-12 students.

2) Select a timer and a recorder for each group.

3) Begin the threading of the hoop with two students. Timing should start when the hoop begins to be passed and end when the hula hoop gets back to the original student. Record time on recording sheet rounded to the nearest second. Add additional students to group, pass the hula hoop and record time. Continue this pattern until all students are in group, except the timer and recorder.

4) Combine smaller groups together to form larger group until all students are in the circle. (Teacher records time and number of students when full class is used.)

5) Share all data on overhead/board. Lead students into discussion about hoop activity. Discuss similarities/differences between smaller groups. Would we get same results if we did it again??

6) Is there a linear relationship between the number of students in the circle and the time it takes to thread the hula hoop around the circle? Discuss best-fiiting lines and how to determine slope and equation.

7) Have students work in pairs to find an equation of a line to fit the collected data.

 

Evaluation

It is important when working in a group setting that students know ahead of time how they will be graded on activity. You will find the evaluation rubric helpful in determining grade.