Content Showcase: Math in the News

Math in the News

Look at current events through the lens of math. Our Math in the News presents real-world math in downloadable PowerPoint formats to easily incorporate into your lessons.

Keep returning to this page, as more resources are added!

(Want to learn more about our subscription packages? Click here.)

Total Number of Resources: 128

Title Sort descending	Description	Curriculum Topics
Math in the News: Issue 98--Flight MH370	Math in the News: Issue 98--The Search for Missing Flight MH370 April 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we join the investigation in the missing flight MH370. We discuss the details of the flight and what we know so far. Using coordinate geometry, students can explore how experts narrow down the search area.	Exploring Coordinate Systems and Coordinate Systems
Math in the News: Issue 99--What Is Bitcoin?	Math in the News: Issue 99--What Is Bitcoin? May 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we explore Bitcoin. We look at how it's used for making purchases and how it differs from other currencies. This provides an opportunity to apply the concept of currency exchange.	Applications of Ratios, Proportions, and Percents and Proportions
Math in the News: The Spread of the Corona Virus	Math in the News: The Spread of the Corona Virus In this issue of Math in the News, we explore exponential models using data for the Corona Virus. This is a downloadable PowerPoint presentation, but online is provided as a Google Slide Show. This includes graphing calculator activities for the TI-Nspire and Desmos.	Applications of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions

Math in the News: Issue 1--The Fukushima Earthquake	March 2011. A comparison of the Japanese earthquake near Fukushima to the one in the Sichuan Province of China in 2008. We also look at the resulting tsunami that hit the Japanese coast. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 10--Invasion: Cicada!	5/23/11. In this issue we look at the swarm of cicadas along the Midwest and South. This periodic occurrence of cicadas is explored mathematically. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 100--Late Night TV Ratings	July 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we look at the mathematics of the Nielsen Ratings. This provides an excellent application of ratios, proportions, and percents. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 101--Comet Landing	November 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we examine the historic landing of a spacecraft on an asteroid in space. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 102--Why Ebola Is So Dangerous	November 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we examine the ebola virus. We develop a matematical model for viral growth to show why it is such a dangerous virus. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 103--Gas Prices: Why Are They Decreasing?	December 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we analyze data in tabular and graphic formats to investigate the changing price of gasoline. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 104--The Decline of Radio Shack	December 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we analyze the reasons why Radio Shack has struggled as a business. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 105--Movie Statistics: 2014	January 2015. In this issue of Math in the News we review box office statistics for the previous year. Note: The download is the PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 106--A Box Office Monster!	July 2015. In this issue of Math in the News we analyze the amazing box office success of the recently released Jurassic World. This provides an excellent application of data analysis and linear equations. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 107--Thanksgiving Temps	November 2015. In this issue of Math in the News we explore logarithmic functions to model the thawing of frozen turkeys. We look at USDA guidelines to determine data points and use a graphing calculator to create mathematical models. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 108--Star Wars: The Box Office Awakens!	January 2016. In this issue of Math in the News we explore the dramatic box office returns of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It provides an excellent opportunity to apply concepts of linear systems. Note: The download is a PPT. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 109--Was Ali the Greatest?	July 2016. In this issue of Math in the News we look at Muhammad Ali's boxing record and compare his record to other boxers. Note: The download is a PPT. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 11--Taxing Tobacco	5/30/11. In this issue we look at the subject of taxation of tobacco products. Many states are using such taxes to meet budget shortfalls. What are the unintended consequences of these taxes? Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 110--Summer Travel	August 2016. In this issue of Math in the News calculate average speed to various vacation destinations when traveling by car. Note: The download is a PPT. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 111--Summer Blockbusters	August 2016. In this issue of Math in the News, look at real world box office data to analyze what makes a movie a blockbuster. Note: The download is a PPT. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 112--Back-to-School Purchases	September 2016. In this issue of Math in the News, we look at back-to-school purchases and the impact that different tax rates have on the total cost. Note: The download is a PPT. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 113--Olympic Power	November 2016. In this issue of Math in the News, we look at the history of the Olympics. Note The download is a PPT. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 114--Thanksgiving Dinner Grocery Shopping	November 2016. In this issue of Math in the News, we look at the history of Thanksgiving, as well as the cost of preparing the historically relevant meal. Note The download is a PPT. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 116: The 2021 Olympics	August 2021. In this issue of Math in the News we look at various charts and statistics about the Tokyo Olympics. Students are shown a series of charts and are then asked questions to encourage them to analyze the data. This is an excellent back-to-school activity with the focus on real-world data. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 12--Doppler to the Rescue	6/6/11. In this issue we look at the technology of Doppler Radar and explore its underlying mathematical structure. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 13--Living Near Volcanoes	6/13/11. In this issue we explore the volcanic eruption in Chile that resulted in a huge plume of smoke and ash that was miles high. We explore the viscosity of lava that makes such eruptions possible. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 14--Will There Be an NFL Strike?	6/20/11. In this issue we look at the possibility of an NFL strike and what the issues are that keep players and owners from coming to agreement. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 15--Fracking for Oil	6/27/11. In this issue we look at the technology of hydraulic fracking. In particular, we estimate the amount of drilling required for such wells. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 16--Blockbuster Math	7/4/11. In this issue we look at box office receipts for blockbuster movies as well as flops. There is a characteristic curve that results for either type and we develop some regression models based on the data. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 17--Lone Star Employer	7/11/11. In this issue we look at the underlying factors that make Texas such a powerhouse for employment. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Census Bureau, we dig into the numbers. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 18--Farewell, Shuttle	7/18/11/ In this issue we bid farewell to the space shuttle program and explore the mathematics behind space travel. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 19--Mr. 3000	7/25/11. In this issue we look at the elite group of baseball players that have hit 3000 or more hits in their careers. The most recent is Derek Jeter, and based on the records of previous 3000+ hitters we explore whether he will make it to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 2--Radiation Leak at Fukushima	March 2011. In this issue we look at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, Japan, and the amount of heat generated from the radiation leak. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 20--Heat Wave!	8/1/11. In this issue we look at the physics of air pressure and the forces that give rise to heat waves. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 21--Why Does Washington Spend So Much?	8/8/11. In this issue we look at federal spending and the growth of such spending. Looking at data provided by the government, we calculate the annual rate of growth. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 22--Football Is On!	8/15/11. In this issue we look at the specifics of the new NFL collective bargaining agreement. It provides an opportunity to apply data analysis and algebra skills. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 23--How the Government Borrows Money	8/22/11. In this issue we look at the way in which the U.S. government borrows money. This involves an exploration of Treasury bonds and notes. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 24--A Wild, Random Ride on a Hurricane	8/29/11. In this issue we look at random path of a hurricane by developing a simulation for tracking the path of a hurricane. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 25--Did E-Mail Doom the Postal Service?	9/5/11. In this issue we look at the financial state of the U.S. Postal Service to see why it is having such a difficult time staying in business. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 26--The U.S. Open	9/12/11. In this issue we look at data for the U.S. Open to explore why it has been so long since there has been a champion from the U.S. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 27--Emerging from the Ashes of 9/11	9/19/11. To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the 911, we look at the geometry and architecture of the Freedom Tower, currently under construction. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 28--Will the Euro Survive?	9/26/11. In this issue we look at the state of the euro and the economies in the Eurozone. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 29--A Leviathan Retires	10/3/11. In this issue we look at the recent crash landing of the UARS satellite. We investigate why it is so difficult to predict where such satellites will land. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 3--The 2008 Mortgage Crisis	March 2011. In this issue we look at the continuing housing crisis that began in 2008. We use a spreadsheet to calculate mortgage payments. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.
Math in the News: Issue 30--An Improbable Collapse!	10/10/11. In this issue we look at the Boston Red Sox and their improbable collapse in September. They were one out away from making the playoffs, but they ended their game and season in dramatic fashion. Note: The download is a PPT file. To see all the issues of Math in the News, click on this link.

Content Showcase: Math in the News

Look at current events through the lens of math. Our Math in the News presents real-world math in downloadable PowerPoint formats to easily incorporate into your lessons.

Keep returning to this page, as more resources are added!

Math in the News: Issue 98--Flight MH370

Math in the News: Issue 99--What Is Bitcoin?

Math in the News: Issue 99--What Is Bitcoin? May 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we explore Bitcoin. We look at how it's used for making purchases and how it differs from other currencies. This provides an opportunity to apply the concept of currency exchange.

Math in the News: The Spread of the Corona Virus

The Math in the News Library

News Stories Turned into Math Stories

Math in the News: Issue 1--The Fukushima Earthquake

Math in the News: Issue 10--Invasion: Cicada!

Math in the News: Issue 100--Late Night TV Ratings

Math in the News: Issue 101--Comet Landing

Math in the News: Issue 102--Why Ebola Is So Dangerous

Math in the News: Issue 103--Gas Prices: Why Are They Decreasing?

Math in the News: Issue 104--The Decline of Radio Shack

Math in the News: Issue 105--Movie Statistics: 2014

Math in the News: Issue 106--A Box Office Monster!

Math in the News: Issue 107--Thanksgiving Temps

Math in the News: Issue 108--Star Wars: The Box Office Awakens!

Math in the News: Issue 109--Was Ali the Greatest?

Math in the News: Issue 11--Taxing Tobacco

Math in the News: Issue 110--Summer Travel

Math in the News: Issue 111--Summer Blockbusters

Math in the News: Issue 112--Back-to-School Purchases

Math in the News: Issue 113--Olympic Power

Math in the News: Issue 114--Thanksgiving Dinner Grocery Shopping

Math in the News: Issue 116: The 2021 Olympics

Math in the News: Issue 12--Doppler to the Rescue

Math in the News: Issue 13--Living Near Volcanoes

Math in the News: Issue 14--Will There Be an NFL Strike?

Math in the News: Issue 15--Fracking for Oil

Math in the News: Issue 16--Blockbuster Math

Math in the News: Issue 17--Lone Star Employer

Math in the News: Issue 18--Farewell, Shuttle

Math in the News: Issue 19--Mr. 3000

Math in the News: Issue 2--Radiation Leak at Fukushima

Math in the News: Issue 20--Heat Wave!

Math in the News: Issue 21--Why Does Washington Spend So Much?

Math in the News: Issue 22--Football Is On!

Math in the News: Issue 23--How the Government Borrows Money

Math in the News: Issue 24--A Wild, Random Ride on a Hurricane

Math in the News: Issue 25--Did E-Mail Doom the Postal Service?

Math in the News: Issue 26--The U.S. Open

Math in the News: Issue 27--Emerging from the Ashes of 9/11

Math in the News: Issue 28--Will the Euro Survive?

Math in the News: Issue 29--A Leviathan Retires

Math in the News: Issue 3--The 2008 Mortgage Crisis

Math in the News: Issue 30--An Improbable Collapse!

Math in the News: Issue 31--Washington Monument: Under Repair

Math in the News: Issue 32--A Man for All Seasons

Math in the News: Issue 33--TV Winners and Losers

Math in the News: Issue 34--Why Is Listeria So Dangerous?

Math in the News: Issue 35--125 and Counting

Math in the News: Issue 36--Will There Be an NBA Season?

Math in the News: Issue 37--A Parade of Geometry

Math in the News: Issue 38--December 7, 1941

Math in the News: Issue 39--Monument to a Hero

Math in the News: Issue 4--The Cost of Gasoline

Math in the News: Issue 40--Will Netflix Bounce Back?

Math in the News: Issue 41--2012: The Facebook Year

Math in the News: Issue 42--The Burj Khalifa Tower

Math in the News: Issue 43--A Hollywood Decline?

Math in the News: Issue 44--Sunk: The Costa Concordia

Math in the News: Issue 45--Super Bowl Stats

Math in the News: Issue 46--The Unemployment Rate

Math in the News: Issue 47--The Rising Price of Gasoline

Math in the News: Issue 48--How Good Is Jeremy Lin?

Math in the News: Issue 49--Why Daylight Savings Time?

Math in the News: Issue 5--Tax Day

Math in the News: Issue 50--March Madness Made Rational

Math in the News: Issue 51--Is Peyton Manning a Good Investment?

Math in the News: Issue 52--Did the iPhone Doom the Blackberry?

Math in the News: Issue 53--Titanic: A Century Later

Math in the News: Issue 54--Earthquake: Indonesia

Math in the News: Issue 55--Coming Home

Math in the News: Issue 56--The Freedom Tower

Math in the News: Issue 57--Super Moon

Math in the News: Issue 58--Unemployment

Math in the News: Issue 59--The Butterfly Migration

Math in the News: Issue 99--What Is Bitcoin?
May 2014. In this issue of Math in the News we explore Bitcoin. We look at how it's used for making purchases and how it differs from other currencies. This provides an opportunity to apply the concept of currency exchange.