Directions

Group Work

In this project, students will work in groups to:

• demonstrate their understanding of adding and subtracting fractions using fractional models and equivalent fractions;
• change the measurements of various parts of a generic bicycle to create a bike that is faster, better for tricks, or more comfortable; and
• decide which  factory  to use for production, based  on the amount of waste that will be created.
   

Materials Needed

Each student will need: 

• one copy of the worksheet Building a Better Bike;
• one copy of the Modifications worksheet for the type of bike selected by the group: Modifications for a Faster Bike; Modifications for a Freestyle Bike; OR Modifications for a More Comfortable Bike; and
• one copy of the worksheet Choosing a Factory.
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After completing the exercises for Building a Better Bike, students select which bike to design. Students need the Modifications worksheet for the selected design only. Students choose a factory after they complete the Modifications worksheet. 

Students will access the bike diagram and description of the design choices online.

Individual Work

Individually, students will:

• change the weight of various bicycle parts by adding or subtracting ounces in mixed numbers; and
• estimate the change to the overall weight of their bicycle.
   

Student should have access to their worksheets from group work as they complete the final report.  

Extension Activity

Bring in a real bicycle. Measure each of the tubes that groups considered in their own designs. Have students from each group share the results of the changes they made. Discuss how the actual measurements compare with the values they used in the project. Decide whether the real bike is more similar to a generic bike, a fast bike, a freestyle bike, or a comfortable bike. Ask students to predict what will happen to the two diagonal tubes (down tube and seat stays) as the length of the other tubes changes.