Real World Math and Science Blog

This blog is a compilation of articles explaining how math and science are applied in real-life situations.

Tailored for middle and high school students, it offers numerous examples illustrating how concepts learned in school are put to use by real people in real jobs.

Covering various topics, this blog aligns with school curricula to make math and science more relevant, practical, and engaging for all students!

Integrals: A Real-Life Example (Nuclear Design)

This article explains—with a genuine nuclear engineering example—how integrals solve real-world problems. Perfect for high school students (Grade 12+), it covers:

• Why corrosion rates in reactors are mathematical functions

• How integrals outperform approximations for long-term predictions

• Connections to medicine, finance, and other fields

Grade: 12th and older

Real world use: #engineering design, #infrastructure, #materials science, #nuclear engineering, #power engineering

Math topics: #area, #functions, #integrals

Science topics: #corrosion, #energy, #heat transfer, #nuclear energy, #nuclear waste management, #rates of change, #redox, #sustainable energy

Date: April 15, 2025

Derivative: A Real-Life Example (Container Design)

• This article is designed for high school students and their teachers, demonstrating how derivatives are applied in real life.

• Derivatives play a key role in optimizing material use, energy, costs, and more.

• This article explores one such case: using derivatives to optimize the design of a steel container.

Grade: 12th and older

Real world use: #industrial design, #packaging engineering, #product design, #sustainability

Math topics: #area, #derivatives, #expressions, #functions, #ratios and proportions, #volume

Science topics: #material efficiency, #materials science, #surface area

Date: March 28, 2025

How to prepare for college while still in middle or high school?

• Preparing for college means developing a systematic way of thinking and connecting classroom learning to real life.

• Students should focus on understanding the 'why' behind concepts, organizing their knowledge, and practicing problem-solving skills while still in school.

• This article helps students make informed decisions about their majors and prepare for a smooth transition to college.

Grade: All grades

Date: March 21, 2025

Rational Functions: A Real-Life Example (from sustainability)

• This article is for middle and high school students curious about real-world applications of math.

• Discover how rational functions help determine the most sustainable package dimensions.

• Includes a detailed case study and a video preview.

Grade: 11th and older

Real world use: #engineering design, #industrial optimization, #packaging engineering, #product design, #sustainability

Math topics: #area, #expressions, #functions, #ratios and proportions, #volume

Science topics: #eco-friendly design, #material efficiency, #materials science, #packaging engineering, #product design, #sustainable design

Date: February 28, 2025

Volume of a Cylinder: A Real-Life Example (Sustainability)

• This article is for middle and high school students.

• It explores a real-world problem that involves calculating the volume of a cylinder.

• The case study focuses on sustainable packaging design and includes a preview of an educational video.

Grade: 8th and older

Real world use: #engineering design, #industrial optimization, #packaging, #product design, #sustainability

Math topics: #percents, #ratios and proportions, #volume

Science topics: #eco-friendly design, #material efficiency, #sustainable packaging, #waste reduction

Date: February 11, 2025

Ratios: A Real-Life Example from Sustainability

• This article is for middle and high school students, their parents, and teachers.

• It explores real-world applications of ratios, showing how sustainability specialists use them to assess packaging efficiency.

• Featuring a case study on soap packaging, it also includes a preview of an engaging educational video.

Grade: 7th and older

Real world use: #engineering design, #industrial optimization, #packaging, #product design, #sustainability

Math topics: #percents, #ratios and proportions, #volume

Science topics: #eco-friendly design, #material efficiency, #sustainable packaging, #waste reduction

Date: January 29, 2025