Lesson Plan Title : Planning Santa's Route

Age Range: Grade 9 through grade 12 (High School)

Overview and Purpose: Students will calculate distance and speed to plot the most efficient course for Santa to take on Christmas Eve.

Objective:The student will be able to calculate distance and speed to plot the most efficient course for Santa to take on Christmas Eve.

Resources:

Access to Google Earth for each team of students

Grid paper

Calculator

Pencils

Activities:

Have students start at the North Pole and plot the most efficient course for Santa to take so he can land on each continent three times in the shortest amount of time. (Each stop must be 500 miles apart.) Choose Rudolph's maximum flying speed based on how long you want their trips to take. Tell the students that Rudolph's speed diminishes by 50% when he flies over mountains and increases by 25% when he flies over the ocean.

Have students share their courses with the class when everyone is finished.

Wrap Up:

Some students may find it easier to use a flat map to plot the course. Have copies prepared or allow students to use the map on your wall. For younger or less advanced students, you can eliminate the time factor and just have them work on finding the shortest route.