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MMR class (Advanced Quantitative Reasoning) offers project-based pathway to meet Algebra II requirement, instructor says
Summary
Instructors presented MMR (renamed Advanced Quantitative Reasoning) as a project-based Algebra II alternative serving about 20 students; classroom projects included marshmallow-and-spaghetti towers, regression bungee modeling and catapult regression exercises, and teachers noted high training time and NCAA compliance-driven name changes.
Kyle, the instructor for the district's MMR course (renamed in meeting discussion to Advanced Quantitative Reasoning to meet NCAA requirements), described the class as a project-based alternative pathway that satisfies the state's Algebra II graduation requirement.
"This is our first year having the MMR class," Kyle said, explaining that the course sits between Algebra I and Algebra II in content and emphasizes model-building, reasoning, and group projects rather than traditional notes and quizzes.
Kyle and other presenters described several student projects used to teach quantitative reasoning and modeling: students built freestanding spaghetti-and-marshmallow towers to illustrate structural reasoning; they used rubber-band 'bungee' drops and regression modeling to estimate fall distances; and they constructed popsicle-stick catapults and used repeated trials to build predictive models. Kyle said there are just over 20 students enrolled across two sections this year and that the course requires significant teacher training (summer sessions and monthly meetings).
Presenters noted the course offers an alternative for students who must demonstrate an Algebra II–level competency to graduate and that the project-based approach aims to develop argumentation and quantitative communication skills in addition to mathematical content. The board received the presentation as an informational item; no policy vote was recorded on the program at this meeting.
