Notes to Teachers

The design of this module for mathematics teachers is intended to review linear functions and composition of functions in Advanced Math (a course immediately following Algebra II) and also to be used in AP Calculus (as an application of ordinary differential equations).  However, the subject matter could easily be adapted for almost any math course starting with Algebra I and beyond.

The design of this module for science teachers is intended for use in Biology I.  However, the subject matter could easily be adapted for Chemistry and/or Physics (see related links page).

This module was designed to help students determine the role of cholesterol in heart disease. The module would be used after covering the circulatory system. The module can be condensed into 3-4 days or stretched out to 6-8 days depending on time available and internet availability. The class discussion will need to be guided so that students eventually come up with the relationship between cholesterol, plaque build up, artery radius and blood flow rate. Teacher’s need to be aware that students that are overweight may feel uncomfortable if class discussion leads to obesity as a risk factor for heart diseases. Some students may not know their own risk due to heredity, but they will still be able to manipulate variables in the Stella model and should base their lifestyle plan based only on diet and exercise. Factors such as smoking were not included in the model but should be included in class discussion and in the student’s lifestyle plan. It is also important to teach students that models are approximations and are not always exact. The data in the Stella model is used only to convey to the students the relationship between cholesterol and several variables and is not to be used to determine actual values.