Activity

Doctors and Nurses

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

How many nurses does it take to support one doctor? A project-based activity asks learners to analyze state data to answer this question. Classes create polynomial functions from the data of doctors and nurses over a seven-year period. They then combine the models to create a rational function and provide a summary of their results in a technical memo.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Choose data from the states that fit the models of interest
  • Post the video resources for pupils to use when needed
Classroom Considerations
  • Expects a prior understanding of rational functions and ratio relationships
Pros
  • Includes scaffolding resources for those not familiar with Excel 
  • Notes provide ideas to adapt the project for different concepts
Cons
  • Only includes data through 2008, making the analysis outdated