MYP Assessment Task Bank

Graceful Graphs

Graceful Graphs
This assessment task introduces a concept in graph theory, focusing on nodes and edges and a few graphs that follow certain rules. Graphs that follow the two rules given are called graceful. Throughout the task, students are asked to find ways to gracefully label graphs, starting with simple paths, followed by graphs of two rows of nodes, and then finally by cycle graphs. This assessment task is based the Graceful Graphs activity available on the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival’s website.
Math Concepts: patterns integers counting numbers graphs graph theory graceful graphs
MYP Related Concepts: models patterns
MYP Key Concepts: form relationships
MYP Global Context: Identities and Relationships
Details
Grade level: 6
Level: Standard
Criteria: B, C
Rating: 0

Squarables and Triangulables

Squarables and Triangulables
This assessment task is based on Dan Finkel’s Squarable Numbers task shared on Math for Love. In this task, students investigate patterns that can be used to find squarable numbers. We do this by taking a number of squares (of any size) and cover another square with them, without gaps or overlaps. The number of squares for which this is possible we call squarable numbers. Initially students investigate simple ways to find squarable numbers, following a simple pattern and thus finding a family of squarable numbers. Then, by following another pattern, another family of squarable numbers can be discovered. Finally, as an additional challenge, students explore triangulable numbers independently.
Math Concepts: squares triangles polygons patterns
MYP Related Concepts: models patterns
MYP Key Concepts: form relationships
MYP Global Context: Orientation in Space and Time
Details
Grade level: 7
Level: Standard
Criteria: B, C
Rating: 0

Patterns in Intersections

Patterns in Intersections
In this assessment, students investigate systems of equations and whether a pattern in the coefficients/constants of equations graphed simultaneously results in anything noteworthy with regards to the coordinates of the point at which the graphs of the equations intersect. Students initially use given values of A, B, and C for equations in the form of Ax+By=C, then apply their pattern to find specific values of A, B, and C that provides the same result. In the final part of the investigation, students are to verify that their general rule works and briefly justify why it does.
Math Concepts: simultaneous equations system of equations equations graphs linear graphs linear equations
MYP Related Concepts: patterns systems
MYP Key Concepts: relationships
MYP Global Context: Identities and Relationships
Details
Grade level: 9
Level: Standard
Criteria: B, C
Rating: 0

Predicting Forest Fires

Predicting Forest Fires
In this assessment task students explore a fire index developed in Sweden and known for its simplicity: the Angström index. After identifying factors relevant to determining the likelihood of fire, students explore weather data of Canberra, Australia, where bushfires caused severe damage in January of 2003, and explore what level of air temperature and relative air humidity we need to look out for in order to be able to predict the likelihood of fire occurring.
Math Concepts: data linear function modeling gradient slope intercept statistics data analysis
MYP Related Concepts: models
MYP Key Concepts: relationships
MYP Global Context: Scientific and Technical Innovation
Details
Grade level: 9
Level: Standard
Criteria: C, D
Rating: 0

Painting Towers

Painting Towers
In this assessment students are asked to draw the next stages following an established pattern and use their drawings to recognize different patters: in the number of blocks at each stage, in the surface area at each stage, and in the number of blocks with different number of painted faces at each stage. Students are to recognize and describe these patterns and derive mathematical formulas to find values for Stage n, which then need to be verified and justified.
Math Concepts: patterns quadratic sequence isometric drawing formulae
MYP Related Concepts: models patterns
MYP Key Concepts: relationships
MYP Global Context: Identities and Relationships
Details
Grade level: 8
Level: Standard
Criteria: B, C
Rating: 0