Overview of Project

(a)  Experimentation - Data collected by High School Physical Science classes.
(b)  Modeling - Model flow rate (with flooding as an emphasis) with Stella software.
(c)  Case Study - Use the flooding in Madison as an approach to get an increased interest level and to tie in with flow rates which we will model.

Flooding in Madison Case Study

1.  Introduce and explain why we are looking at flooding in Algebra I.

2.  Go over the history of the problems with the example of the flood of July, 1993.

3.  Show the "Madison Flood of '93" video to the class to allow them to reflect on the situation on July 3, 1993, and to allow for more discussion on the subject.

4.  Give the students a "Finding Solutions" worksheet to answer three questions:  (a)  Is the construction of a retention dam the best solution to the flooding answer, and explain their answer; (b)  Do they have any other solutions besides the dam, and explain their solutions; (c)  Does Madison even have a problem with flooding  and explain the answer.  I will also include a section for a family member to respond to so the students can get a little discussion of the problem with a family member.

5.  Model a flood situation dealing with the volume of water which is normally in a section of the creek, and the volume of water in a flood situation. Flow rates will be obtained from the High School Physical Science classes.

6.  Results will be tallied from the worksheets and solutions will be presented to the class to discuss ideas which may work, and why they may or may not work.