Developing Algebra Concepts through Applications Related to NASA’s Space Exploration Program

The United States ’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA] has a new focus for manned space travel to go beyond Earth’s orbit for purposes of human exploration and scientific discovery. This emphasis on the Earth, Moon, Mars and beyond opens new opportunities for mathematical applications. It is essential that students in schools are exposed to these ideas so that they may develop an appreciation for how mathematics is connected to space travel. The algebra-related problems that are the focus of this workshop provide authentic situations developed to provide conceptual and intuitive meaning for applications of algebraic concepts and skills. These tasks emphasize real-world and contextualized problems, focus on using algebraic principles to create mathematical models, and require the use of algebraic and mathematical procedures and processes to solve the problems. Problems are specifically designed to emphasize the effective and appropriate use of technology as a problem solving tool. The connection between and among mathematical ideas and to real-world situations creates a rich context for the development of algebraic thinking. Backgroun