As a culminating project my pre-calculus students create from scratch (both mathematically and physically) a tissue paper balloon that must fly using a heat source from a charcoal grill and aluminum chimney! What fun we have!! Students employ many of the CCSS mathematical practices including mathematical modeling sense-making tools & technology and precision. They apply many mathematical skills and processes including function notation function arithmetic and composition distance formula and summation ideas to create their pattern while surreptitiously they are introduced to surfaces of revolutions. This project could also be adjusted for a calculus course.
