Barbie Goes Bungee Jumping

 

The AP Statistics class conducted it's annual Barbie Bungee Jump. This activity requires students to use linear regression analysis to extrapolate a predicted number of rubber bands to use in creating a bungee cord that their toy figure will need to complete the task.  The goal is to get close to the Field House floor without actually hitting the floor when being dropped from the third-floor balcony. 

 

Each group brought in a Barbie doll or action figure and conducted testing with a small number of rubber bands in the classroom to collect data. Then they were told the actual drop height that their toys figures would be jumping from and had to predict the best number of rubber bands to loop together for a thrilling bungee jump for their toy figure. 

 

Students managed to land their dolls and/or action figures just inches from the floor after a drop of more than 30 feet. This activity is always a favorite, and helps students learn about real-life applications for the math that they're learning in the classroom.