Source: Cyberchase: “All the Right Angles”
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Lesson Plans Using this Resource:
In this video segment from Cyberchase, Harry is snowboarding and wants to do a move on his snowboard known as a "360." He is not sure what exactly a "360" is, but a snowboard instructor teaches him about angles and snowboard moves. Harry finally creates his own snowboard version of a "360."
Download and ShareInvestigations/Scott Foresman (2006) Picturing Polygons (Grade 5)
Investigation 2, Sessions 6-9, pp. 56-79
Here are some Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions for using this video in a math lesson.
What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?
Frame: There are many ways to describe movement using math. We can record the speed of a train and the distance it travels. We can also record its direction and even the angle it might turn. Angles are a good way to describe turns. Can you think of any ways angles are used to talk about moves in sports?
Focus: As you watch this video segment, notice how the snowboard instructor describes a "360" in snowboarding. Draw a circle on a piece of paper like the one the instructor makes in the snow. In that circle, record all the angles the instructor shows Harry during his lesson.
Follow Up: What angles did the snowboard instructor teach Harry? Why did the instructor use a circle? How would you describe what a "360" is? What kind of units are used to talk about angles here?
HARRY: How am I gonna do a 360?
INSTRUCTOR: Dude, a 360 takes a lot of practice. One step at a time. Do you even know why it’s called a 360?
HARRY: Uhhh…I’m not sure. ‘Cause that’s the number of bones you can break while trying it?
INSTRUCTOR: 360 refers to degrees.
HARRY: It’s definitely colder than 360 degrees.
INSTRUCTOR: We measure temperature in degrees. But units for measuring angles are also called degrees. Do you know what a right angle is?
HARRY: Sure. It’s like a square corner.
INSTRUCTOR: Come here. Take a look at this.
INSTRUCTOR: Right. Let’s start with your board pointing here – the 0 degree mark. If you turn your board a quarter of the way around the circle, the turn you make is equal to a right angle, or 90 degrees.
HARRY: If I turn the board another 90 degrees, the turn is 90 x 2, which is 180 degrees!
INSTRUCTOR: So, how do you go 360?
HARRY: If I turn the board another 180 degrees, that’s 180 x 2, which is 360! I’m heading in the same direction as when I started. 360 means turning in a complete circle. I get it!
INSTRUCTOR: Well, it’s one thing to get it, but it’s another to do it.
HARRY: I gotta do a 360 today! I’m heading up the mountain!
INSTRUCTOR: You need to practice some more down here first.
HARRY: I’m moving on! This doesn’t look so bad. Whoa! I’m never gonna be able to do a 360. Actually, I don’t even think I can get down the slope.
EMS GUY: I can take you down if you’re really freaked.
INSTRUCTOR: Harry…check it out. You started something.
A PASSING SNOWBOARDER: Hey, dude. That move is sweet. What’s it called?
HARRY: A Harry 360.
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