Illuminations: Mathematics and Football

Mathematics and Football

Super Bowl Scavenger Hunt

In many homes, the Super Bowl is an event of some significance. This activity is designed to have students examine some enjoyable (and, sometimes, obscure) questions using mathematics during the game. The questions on the activity sheet require that the students make observations about the game.

Learning Objectives
 
Students will:
  • use observation and listening skills as a means of collecting data
  • distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information to be used in problem solving

Materials
 
Super Bowl Scavenger Hunt Activity Sheet
Access to the Super Bowl broadcast via television or rebroadcast

Instructional Plan

Distribute a copy of the Super Bowl Scavenger Hunt Activity Sheet to each student.
Super Bowl Scavenger Hunt Activity Sheet

Students can work individually, at home, on completing the questions on the activity sheet.

Upon return to the next class, students should share their results and discuss any discrepancies.

 

 

You might discuss data by using graphs, tables, averages (including means, medians, and modes), exact counts, and any other method that can be used to explore information. The goal here is not so much to find the correct answer as to identify an appropriate answer.

For example, using the data collected in question 7 on the activity sheet, the students can compile their collective information, find an average, and then calculate an estimated percent of advertisement time.

Extensions
 
  1. Have the students identify questions that they would like to examine when watching the Super Bowl.

NCTM Standards and Expectations
 
Number & Operations 6-8
  1. Develop meaning for integers and represent and compare quantities with them.
  2. Understand the meaning and effects of arithmetic operations with fractions, decimals, and integers.
  3. Develop and analyze algorithms for computing with fractions, decimals, and integers and develop fluency in their use.

References
 
  • J. David Keller, Daniel J. Brahier, and William R. Speer. The Arithmetic Teacher. January, 1993, 40(5). pp. 264‑77.
  
2 periods   

NCTM Resources

Principles and Standards for School Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Thinkfinity Verizon Foundation
More and Better Mathematics for All Students
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