Math in Medicine: A 16-Week Curriculum Project

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Math in Medicine: A 16-Week Curriculum Project

Grade 11MathScience28 days

This 16-week project-based learning experience for 11th-grade students explores the intersection of mathematics and medicine, highlighting the diverse applications of mathematical principles across various medical fields. Students will investigate pharmaceutical math, optometry, nursing, respiratory therapy, orthopedics, radiology, and forensic medicine, while also analyzing ethical considerations. Through hands-on activities, simulations, and portfolio projects, students will improve patient outcomes, advance medical research, and develop critical problem-solving skills in real-world healthcare contexts, connecting mathematical concepts to career opportunities in medicine..

Pharmaceutical MathOptometryNursingRespiratory TherapyOrthopedicsRadiologyForensic Medicine

Want to create your own PBL Recipe?Use our AI-powered tools to design engaging project-based learning experiences for your students.

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can mathematical principles be applied across diverse medical fields to improve patient outcomes, advance research, and address ethical considerations?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How is math used in medicine?
How do different medical fields utilize mathematical principles?
What are the ethical considerations for using math in medicine?
How can math help improve patient outcomes and advance medical research?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Understand and apply pharmaceutical math concepts.
Explore the use of math in optometry and vision correction.
Learn mathematical principles relevant to nursing practice.
Investigate mathematical applications in respiratory therapy.
Apply mathematical concepts in orthopedics for biomechanics and treatment.
Understand the role of math in radiology and medical imaging.
Explore mathematical techniques used in forensic medicine.
Analyze the ethical considerations of using math in medical contexts.
Improve patient outcomes through mathematical applications in medicine.
Advance medical research using mathematical modeling and analysis.
Develop problem-solving skills in medical contexts using mathematical reasoning.
Collaborate with peers to investigate mathematical applications in various medical fields.
Communicate findings effectively through presentations and reports.
Connect mathematical concepts to real-world applications in healthcare.
Examine career opportunities where math and medicine intersect.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of math's role in medicine through a 16-week curriculum

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Case of the Mathematical Malpractice

Students receive a mysterious package containing medical tools, prescriptions with dosage errors, and unclear medical images. They must work in teams to identify the math errors and propose solutions, sparking interest in the role of math in medicine.

Virtual Hospital Challenge

Students participate in a simulation where they manage a virtual hospital, making decisions related to medication dosages, patient monitoring, and resource allocation. This simulation highlights the importance of accurate calculations and mathematical reasoning.

Math in the Media: Medical Fails

Show a short video montage of movie/tv clips where math is used incorrectly or unrealistically in medical scenarios. Students discuss the inaccuracies and debate the potential consequences, leading to a desire to learn the correct math.

Diagnose with Data: The Math Behind the Medicine

Present students with anonymized patient data (vitals, lab results, etc.) and challenge them to use mathematical models to predict the patient's condition and recommend treatments. This activity encourages students to think like medical professionals and see the direct impact of math on patient care.

Math Saves Lives: A Real Medical Mystery

A guest speaker, a doctor, presents a real-life medical case where math played a crucial role in diagnosis or treatment. Students then brainstorm how different mathematical concepts could apply to the case.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

The Pharmaceutical Math Navigator

Students will explore the mathematical principles behind drug dosages, concentrations, and dilutions. They will learn to calculate dosages based on patient weight, body surface area, and other factors, ensuring accurate medication administration.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and define key pharmaceutical math terms (e.g., concentration, dilution, dosage).

2. Learn and apply different methods for calculating drug dosages based on patient-specific factors.

3. Solve a variety of pharmaceutical math problems, including dosage calculations, IV drip rates, and compounding calculations.

4. Analyze common errors in pharmaceutical calculations and develop strategies for preventing them.

5. Create a presentation summarizing the importance of pharmaceutical math in patient safety.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA pharmaceutical calculation portfolio with sample problems, step-by-step solutions, and error analysis.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Understand and apply pharmaceutical math concepts. Standard: Apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems.

Activity 2

The Optometry Angle: Math's Vision

Students will investigate how mathematical principles, such as geometry and trigonometry, are used in optometry to correct vision problems. They will learn about lens prescriptions, refractive errors, and the mathematical models behind vision correction techniques.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and define key optometry terms related to vision correction (e.g., refractive error, lens power, astigmatism).

2. Explore the mathematical models used to describe how lenses correct vision.

3. Learn to interpret lens prescriptions and understand the mathematical relationships between lens power and refractive error.

4. Analyze the geometry of the eye and how it affects vision correction.

5. Create a presentation summarizing the importance of math in optometry and vision correction.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn optometry math presentation explaining how mathematical principles are applied to correct vision problems.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Explore the use of math in optometry and vision correction. Standard: Use geometric principles to understand optical concepts.

Activity 3

Nursing Numbers: Math for Care

Students will explore the mathematical concepts used in nursing practice, such as medication administration, fluid balance, and vital sign monitoring. They will learn to interpret patient data, calculate dosages, and make informed decisions based on mathematical reasoning.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and define key nursing terms related to math (e.g., IV drip rate, fluid balance, vital signs).

2. Learn and apply different methods for calculating medication dosages and IV drip rates.

3. Analyze patient data and interpret vital signs using mathematical reasoning.

4. Develop strategies for preventing medication errors and ensuring patient safety.

5. Create a nursing math guidebook with examples of mathematical calculations used in nursing practice.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA nursing math guidebook with examples of mathematical calculations used in nursing practice.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Learn mathematical principles relevant to nursing practice. Standard: Apply statistical analysis to interpret patient data.

Activity 4

Respiratory Rhythms: Math for Breathing

Students will explore the mathematical principles used in respiratory therapy to assess lung function, administer oxygen, and manage respiratory equipment. They will learn about ventilation, perfusion, and gas exchange, and how these processes can be described mathematically.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and define key respiratory therapy terms related to math (e.g., ventilation, perfusion, gas exchange).

2. Explore the mathematical models used to describe lung function and respiratory processes.

3. Learn to interpret respiratory data and calculate ventilation parameters.

4. Analyze the effects of different respiratory interventions on patient outcomes.

5. Create a respiratory therapy simulation demonstrating how mathematical models can be used to predict patient outcomes.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA respiratory therapy simulation demonstrating how mathematical models can be used to predict patient outcomes.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Investigate mathematical applications in respiratory therapy. Standard: Model respiratory function using mathematical equations.

Activity 5

Orthopedic Angles: Math for Movement

Students will investigate how mathematical concepts, such as biomechanics and trigonometry, are used in orthopedics to analyze movement, design implants, and plan surgeries. They will learn about musculoskeletal anatomy, joint mechanics, and the mathematical models used to describe these processes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and define key orthopedics terms related to math (e.g., biomechanics, joint mechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy).

2. Explore the mathematical models used to describe movement and joint function.

3. Learn to analyze the forces acting on the body during different activities.

4. Apply mathematical concepts to design implants and plan orthopedic surgeries.

5. Create an orthopedic case study analyzing the biomechanics of a specific injury or condition.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn orthopedic case study analyzing the biomechanics of a specific injury or condition.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Apply mathematical concepts in orthopedics for biomechanics and treatment. Standard: Apply trigonometry and physics to analyze movement.

Activity 6

Radiology Reflections: Math in Imaging

Students will explore the mathematical principles used in radiology and medical imaging to acquire, process, and interpret images. They will learn about image reconstruction algorithms, signal processing techniques, and the mathematical models used to describe these processes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and define key radiology terms related to math (e.g., image reconstruction, signal processing, CT scan).

2. Explore the mathematical models used to describe image acquisition and processing.

3. Learn to interpret medical images and identify anatomical structures.

4. Analyze the effects of different imaging parameters on image quality.

5. Create a radiology report explaining how mathematical principles are used to enhance and interpret medical images.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA radiology report explaining how mathematical principles are used to enhance and interpret medical images.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Understand the role of math in radiology and medical imaging. Standard: Use geometric transformations to analyze medical images.

Activity 7

Forensic Figures: Math in Investigation

Students will investigate how mathematical techniques are used in forensic medicine to analyze evidence, reconstruct crime scenes, and identify perpetrators. They will learn about ballistics, blood spatter analysis, and the mathematical models used to describe these processes.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and define key forensic medicine terms related to math (e.g., ballistics, blood spatter analysis, DNA analysis).

2. Explore the mathematical models used to describe forensic processes.

3. Learn to analyze forensic evidence and interpret crime scenes.

4. Apply mathematical concepts to reconstruct crime scenes and identify perpetrators.

5. Create a forensic investigation report using mathematical analysis to support conclusions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA forensic investigation report using mathematical analysis to support conclusions.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Explore mathematical techniques used in forensic medicine. Standard: Apply statistical methods to analyze forensic evidence.

Activity 8

Ethical Equations: Balancing Math in Medicine

Students will examine the ethical considerations surrounding the use of math in medical contexts, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and informed consent. They will learn to critically evaluate the ethical implications of mathematical models and algorithms used in healthcare decision-making.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research and define key ethical terms related to math in medicine (e.g., data privacy, algorithmic bias, informed consent).

2. Explore the ethical implications of using mathematical models and algorithms in healthcare decision-making.

3. Learn to critically evaluate the ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and algorithmic bias.

4. Discuss the importance of informed consent and transparency in medical decision-making.

5. Create an ethical analysis paper discussing the ethical implications of using math in medicine.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn ethical analysis paper discussing the ethical implications of using math in medicine.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Analyze the ethical considerations of using math in medical contexts. Standard: Discuss ethical implications of data analysis in medicine.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Math in Medicine Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Pharmaceutical Math Proficiency

Assessment of students' understanding and application of pharmaceutical math concepts, their ability to analyze and prevent errors, and their communication skills.

Criterion 1

Pharmaceutical Math Accuracy

Accuracy and application of pharmaceutical math concepts (dosage, concentration, dilutions)

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and accurate application of pharmaceutical math concepts to solve complex problems, going beyond the curriculum. Consistently calculates dosages, concentrations, and dilutions with precision and offers alternative solutions.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding and accurate application of pharmaceutical math concepts to solve complex problems. Calculates dosages, concentrations, and dilutions with precision.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding and inconsistent application of pharmaceutical math concepts. Calculates dosages, concentrations, and dilutions with some errors.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with applying pharmaceutical math concepts. Calculations of dosages, concentrations, and dilutions are frequently inaccurate or incomplete.

Criterion 2

Error Analysis and Prevention

Analysis of common errors in pharmaceutical calculations and strategies for prevention

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of common errors in pharmaceutical calculations, offering innovative and practical strategies for prevention that go beyond conventional methods. Demonstrates leadership in promoting patient safety.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a thorough analysis of common errors in pharmaceutical calculations and offers practical strategies for prevention. Demonstrates a commitment to patient safety.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of common errors in pharmaceutical calculations and offers basic strategies for prevention. Some errors are overlooked.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding of common errors in pharmaceutical calculations and struggles to offer effective strategies for prevention. Significant errors are overlooked.

Criterion 3

Presentation Clarity and Effectiveness

Clarity and effectiveness of the presentation summarizing the importance of pharmaceutical math in patient safety

Exemplary

4 Points

Delivers a compelling and highly effective presentation that clearly communicates the importance of pharmaceutical math in patient safety. Engages the audience and provides innovative insights that stimulate further discussion.

Proficient

3 Points

Delivers a clear and effective presentation that effectively communicates the importance of pharmaceutical math in patient safety. Engages the audience and facilitates discussion.

Developing

2 Points

Delivers a presentation with some clarity issues that communicates the importance of pharmaceutical math in patient safety. Struggles to engage the audience and facilitate discussion.

Beginning

1 Points

Delivers a presentation with significant clarity issues that fails to effectively communicate the importance of pharmaceutical math in patient safety. Fails to engage the audience or facilitate discussion.

Category 2

Optometry Math Application

Assessment of students' understanding and application of mathematical principles in optometry, their ability to explain complex concepts, and their presentation skills.

Criterion 1

Optometry Math Accuracy

Accuracy and application of optometry math concepts (refractive error, lens power, astigmatism)

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and accurate application of optometry math concepts, including advanced knowledge of refractive error, lens power, and astigmatism. Solves complex vision correction problems and demonstrates innovative approaches.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding and accurate application of optometry math concepts, including refractive error, lens power, and astigmatism. Solves complex vision correction problems effectively.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding and inconsistent application of optometry math concepts. Struggles with refractive error, lens power, and astigmatism, resulting in some errors in vision correction problems.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with applying optometry math concepts. Demonstrates limited knowledge of refractive error, lens power, and astigmatism, resulting in frequent errors.

Criterion 2

Mathematical Principles Explanation

Explanation of mathematical principles applied to correct vision problems

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful explanation of the mathematical principles applied to correct vision problems. Demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the underlying geometry and optical concepts, offering innovative solutions.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a thorough and clear explanation of the mathematical principles applied to correct vision problems. Demonstrates a strong understanding of the underlying geometry and optical concepts.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of the mathematical principles applied to correct vision problems. Struggles to explain the underlying geometry and optical concepts clearly.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding of the mathematical principles applied to correct vision problems. Demonstrates limited knowledge of the underlying geometry and optical concepts.

Criterion 3

Presentation Clarity and Effectiveness

Clarity and effectiveness of the optometry math presentation

Exemplary

4 Points

Delivers a compelling and highly effective optometry math presentation. Clearly communicates the importance of mathematical principles in vision correction, engaging the audience with innovative examples and insights.

Proficient

3 Points

Delivers a clear and effective optometry math presentation. Effectively communicates the importance of mathematical principles in vision correction, engaging the audience and facilitating discussion.

Developing

2 Points

Delivers an optometry math presentation with some clarity issues. Struggles to effectively communicate the importance of mathematical principles in vision correction and engage the audience.

Beginning

1 Points

Delivers an optometry math presentation with significant clarity issues. Fails to effectively communicate the importance of mathematical principles in vision correction and engage the audience.

Category 3

Nursing Math Proficiency

Assessment of students' understanding and application of math concepts in nursing practice, their ability to analyze patient data, and their communication skills in creating a nursing math guidebook.

Criterion 1

Nursing Math Accuracy

Accuracy and application of math concepts in nursing practice (dosage, IV drip rate, fluid balance, vital signs)

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and accurate application of math concepts in nursing practice, going beyond the curriculum. Consistently calculates dosages, IV drip rates, fluid balance, and interprets vital signs with precision and innovation.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding and accurate application of math concepts in nursing practice. Calculates dosages, IV drip rates, fluid balance, and interprets vital signs with precision.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding and inconsistent application of math concepts in nursing practice. Calculates dosages, IV drip rates, fluid balance, and interprets vital signs with some errors.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with applying math concepts in nursing practice. Calculations of dosages, IV drip rates, fluid balance, and vital sign interpretation are frequently inaccurate or incomplete.

Criterion 2

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Analysis of patient data and interpretation of vital signs using mathematical reasoning

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of patient data and vital signs using advanced mathematical reasoning, offering innovative interpretations and going beyond standard procedures.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a thorough analysis of patient data and vital signs using effective mathematical reasoning, interpreting the data accurately and drawing logical conclusions.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of patient data and vital signs using basic mathematical reasoning. Struggles to interpret data accurately and draw logical conclusions.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding of patient data and vital signs and struggles with mathematical reasoning. Fails to interpret data accurately and draw logical conclusions.

Criterion 3

Guidebook Completeness and Accuracy

Completeness and accuracy of the nursing math guidebook with examples of mathematical calculations used in nursing practice

Exemplary

4 Points

The nursing math guidebook is exceptionally complete, accurate, and innovative. It provides comprehensive examples of mathematical calculations used in nursing practice, demonstrating advanced knowledge and offering unique insights.

Proficient

3 Points

The nursing math guidebook is complete and accurate. It provides clear examples of mathematical calculations used in nursing practice, demonstrating a strong understanding of the concepts.

Developing

2 Points

The nursing math guidebook is incomplete and contains some inaccuracies. It struggles to provide clear examples of mathematical calculations used in nursing practice.

Beginning

1 Points

The nursing math guidebook is significantly incomplete and inaccurate. It fails to provide clear examples of mathematical calculations used in nursing practice.

Category 4

Respiratory Therapy Math

Assessment of students' understanding and application of mathematical principles in respiratory therapy, their ability to interpret data, and their effectiveness in creating a simulation.

Criterion 1

Model Application

Application of mathematical models used to describe lung function and respiratory processes

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and innovative application of mathematical models to describe lung function and respiratory processes. Demonstrates exceptional skill in predicting patient outcomes.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding and effective application of mathematical models to describe lung function and respiratory processes. Accurately predicts patient outcomes.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding and inconsistent application of mathematical models to describe lung function and respiratory processes. Prediction of patient outcomes contains some errors.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with applying mathematical models to describe lung function and respiratory processes. Prediction of patient outcomes is frequently inaccurate.

Criterion 2

Data Interpretation and Calculation

Interpretation of respiratory data and calculation of ventilation parameters

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful interpretation of respiratory data and calculates ventilation parameters with precision and innovation, going beyond standard methods.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a thorough and accurate interpretation of respiratory data and calculates ventilation parameters effectively.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of respiratory data and struggles to calculate ventilation parameters accurately.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding of respiratory data and fails to calculate ventilation parameters accurately.

Criterion 3

Simulation Effectiveness

Effectiveness of the respiratory therapy simulation in demonstrating how mathematical models can be used to predict patient outcomes

Exemplary

4 Points

The respiratory therapy simulation is exceptionally effective, demonstrating how mathematical models can be used to predict patient outcomes with innovation and clarity.

Proficient

3 Points

The respiratory therapy simulation is effective, demonstrating how mathematical models can be used to predict patient outcomes.

Developing

2 Points

The respiratory therapy simulation is somewhat effective, but struggles to clearly demonstrate how mathematical models can be used to predict patient outcomes.

Beginning

1 Points

The respiratory therapy simulation is ineffective and fails to demonstrate how mathematical models can be used to predict patient outcomes.

Category 5

Orthopedics Math Application

Assessment of students' understanding and application of mathematical concepts in orthopedics, their ability to analyze forces, and their effectiveness in creating an orthopedic case study.

Criterion 1

Orthopedics Math Accuracy

Application of mathematical concepts in orthopedics (biomechanics, joint mechanics, musculoskeletal anatomy)

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and innovative application of mathematical concepts in orthopedics, going beyond the curriculum. Demonstrates exceptional skills in analyzing biomechanics, joint mechanics, and musculoskeletal anatomy.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding and accurate application of mathematical concepts in orthopedics. Effectively analyzes biomechanics, joint mechanics, and musculoskeletal anatomy.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding and inconsistent application of mathematical concepts in orthopedics. Struggles to analyze biomechanics, joint mechanics, and musculoskeletal anatomy effectively.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with applying mathematical concepts in orthopedics. Fails to analyze biomechanics, joint mechanics, and musculoskeletal anatomy effectively.

Criterion 2

Force Analysis

Analysis of forces acting on the body during different activities

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the forces acting on the body during different activities, offering innovative perspectives and going beyond standard methods.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a thorough and accurate analysis of the forces acting on the body during different activities.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of the forces acting on the body during different activities, but struggles with the analysis.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding of the forces acting on the body during different activities and fails to analyze them accurately.

Criterion 3

Case Study Quality

Quality and insights of the orthopedic case study analyzing the biomechanics of a specific injury or condition

Exemplary

4 Points

The orthopedic case study is exceptionally insightful, innovative, and comprehensive. It demonstrates a deep understanding of biomechanics and offers unique perspectives on the injury or condition.

Proficient

3 Points

The orthopedic case study is thorough, accurate, and well-organized. It demonstrates a strong understanding of biomechanics and provides a clear analysis of the injury or condition.

Developing

2 Points

The orthopedic case study is incomplete and contains some inaccuracies. It struggles to provide a clear analysis of the injury or condition.

Beginning

1 Points

The orthopedic case study is significantly incomplete and inaccurate. It fails to provide a clear analysis of the injury or condition.

Category 6

Radiology Math Application

Assessment of students' understanding and application of mathematical principles in radiology, their ability to interpret medical images, and their effectiveness in creating a radiology report.

Criterion 1

Model Application

Application of mathematical models used to describe image acquisition and processing

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and innovative application of mathematical models to describe image acquisition and processing in radiology, going beyond the curriculum.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding and effective application of mathematical models to describe image acquisition and processing in radiology.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding and inconsistent application of mathematical models to describe image acquisition and processing in radiology.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with applying mathematical models to describe image acquisition and processing in radiology.

Criterion 2

Image Interpretation

Ability to interpret medical images and identify anatomical structures

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional ability to interpret medical images and identify anatomical structures with precision and innovation, offering unique insights beyond standard practices.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates strong ability to interpret medical images and identify anatomical structures accurately.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging ability to interpret medical images and identify anatomical structures, but struggles with accuracy.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows limited ability to interpret medical images and identify anatomical structures, with frequent errors.

Criterion 3

Report Quality

Quality and clarity of the radiology report explaining how mathematical principles are used to enhance and interpret medical images

Exemplary

4 Points

The radiology report is exceptionally clear, insightful, and comprehensive, demonstrating an advanced understanding of how mathematical principles enhance and interpret medical images. Offers innovative perspectives and goes beyond standard practices.

Proficient

3 Points

The radiology report is clear, accurate, and well-organized. It effectively explains how mathematical principles enhance and interpret medical images.

Developing

2 Points

The radiology report is unclear and contains some inaccuracies. It struggles to explain how mathematical principles enhance and interpret medical images.

Beginning

1 Points

The radiology report is significantly unclear and inaccurate. It fails to explain how mathematical principles enhance and interpret medical images.

Category 7

Forensic Math Application

Assessment of students' understanding and application of mathematical techniques in forensic medicine, their ability to analyze evidence, and their effectiveness in creating a forensic investigation report.

Criterion 1

Model Application

Application of mathematical models used to describe forensic processes

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and innovative application of mathematical models to describe forensic processes, going beyond the curriculum.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding and effective application of mathematical models to describe forensic processes.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding and inconsistent application of mathematical models to describe forensic processes.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding and struggles with applying mathematical models to describe forensic processes.

Criterion 2

Evidence Analysis

Ability to analyze forensic evidence and interpret crime scenes using mathematical concepts

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional ability to analyze forensic evidence and interpret crime scenes with precision and innovation, offering unique insights beyond standard practices.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates strong ability to analyze forensic evidence and interpret crime scenes accurately using mathematical concepts.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging ability to analyze forensic evidence and interpret crime scenes, but struggles with accuracy using mathematical concepts.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows limited ability to analyze forensic evidence and interpret crime scenes, with frequent errors in applying mathematical concepts.

Criterion 3

Report Quality

Quality and thoroughness of the forensic investigation report using mathematical analysis to support conclusions

Exemplary

4 Points

The forensic investigation report is exceptionally thorough, insightful, and innovative, demonstrating an advanced understanding of how mathematical analysis supports conclusions. Offers unique perspectives and goes beyond standard practices.

Proficient

3 Points

The forensic investigation report is thorough, accurate, and well-organized. It effectively uses mathematical analysis to support conclusions.

Developing

2 Points

The forensic investigation report is incomplete and contains some inaccuracies. It struggles to use mathematical analysis to support conclusions.

Beginning

1 Points

The forensic investigation report is significantly incomplete and inaccurate. It fails to use mathematical analysis to support conclusions.

Category 8

Ethical Math in Medicine

Assessment of students' understanding of ethical considerations surrounding the use of math in medical contexts, their ability to critically evaluate ethical implications, and their effectiveness in creating an ethical analysis paper.

Criterion 1

Ethical Understanding

Understanding of ethical terms related to math in medicine (data privacy, algorithmic bias, informed consent)

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of ethical terms related to math in medicine, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and informed consent. Provides innovative insights and goes beyond conventional understanding.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates thorough understanding of ethical terms related to math in medicine, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and informed consent.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of ethical terms related to math in medicine, but struggles with data privacy, algorithmic bias, and informed consent.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding of ethical terms related to math in medicine, and limited knowledge of data privacy, algorithmic bias, and informed consent.

Criterion 2

Ethical Evaluation

Critical evaluation of the ethical implications of using mathematical models and algorithms in healthcare decision-making

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides a comprehensive and insightful critical evaluation of the ethical implications of using mathematical models and algorithms in healthcare decision-making. Offers innovative and practical solutions for minimizing ethical risks.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides a thorough and accurate critical evaluation of the ethical implications of using mathematical models and algorithms in healthcare decision-making.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of the ethical implications of using mathematical models and algorithms in healthcare decision-making, but struggles with critical evaluation.

Beginning

1 Points

Shows initial understanding of the ethical implications of using mathematical models and algorithms in healthcare decision-making and fails to provide a clear critical evaluation.

Criterion 3

Analysis Paper Quality

Quality and depth of the ethical analysis paper discussing the ethical implications of using math in medicine

Exemplary

4 Points

The ethical analysis paper is exceptionally insightful, innovative, and comprehensive, demonstrating a deep understanding of the ethical implications of using math in medicine. Offers unique perspectives and practical solutions.

Proficient

3 Points

The ethical analysis paper is thorough, accurate, and well-organized. It effectively discusses the ethical implications of using math in medicine.

Developing

2 Points

The ethical analysis paper is incomplete and contains some inaccuracies. It struggles to effectively discuss the ethical implications of using math in medicine.

Beginning

1 Points

The ethical analysis paper is significantly incomplete and inaccurate. It fails to effectively discuss the ethical implications of using math in medicine.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

How has your understanding of the role of mathematics in medicine evolved over the course of this curriculum?

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Required

Question 2

Which specific mathematical concepts or skills did you find most challenging to apply in the context of medicine, and how did you overcome these challenges?

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Required

Question 3

In what ways do you think the use of mathematics can further advance medical research, improve patient outcomes, and address ethical considerations in healthcare?

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Required

Question 4

To what extent do you feel prepared to apply mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills in real-world medical contexts, and what additional skills or knowledge do you think you need to further develop?

Scale

Required

Question 5

What was the most meaningful or impactful project or activity you engaged in during this curriculum, and what did you learn from it?

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Required