at what age do you think our children in todays world could possible understand the concept of the derivative?

Question

my opinion is that 5th maybe 4th graders can easily understand the concept of the derivative. they won't fully understand calculus by all means, but maybe the power rule for the derivative would be helpful in middle school classes. I guess as soon as exponents are taught, teach the power rule along with it. In the same term at least. why wait?

Answer 1

Thanks to NCLB, this will wait, because teachers from grades 3-8 have to teach their students how to pass their assessments. I have seen students in 8th grade struggle with solving equations like 2x+3=9. Maybe save the derivatives and integrals for those who score high on standardized math exams. They will have a lot more fun with it.

Answer 2

I think the concept of derivatives is best shown through patterns and Speed/acceleration. Basic skills are not being taught below 5th grade though...yeah I said it Elementary teachers, wanna fight about it.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Alrighty then...
Again, it depends on your state's standards (which are to be aligned with the national standards...y'know--No Child Left Behind). The districts are given leeway as to when in the year to teach it and of course the methodology BUT...kiddos here are introduced to it in 3rd grade...