This three-act math situation from Dan Meyer  involves an engaging situation and a bet between two friends. It has a right triangle and Pythagorean Theorem at its heart, but it also involves other factors – namely walking speed over different terrain.

Here is one way you might try the activity with your students:

Materials:

• Taco Cart slideshow
• Dimensions of Beach and Walking Speed handouts

Steps

1. “My friend Dan had an interesting experience this summer and I’d like to share it and hear what you think”. Play Act One video.
2. “Write down one question you have”. Share your question with a partner and see if they have the same question.
3. Bring the group back together and have student share their questions and record them.
4. Say, “These are all great questions, but I’m interested in this one –  Who will get there first?” – or whatever version of that problem has been asked.
5. Poll: Who will get their first?
   1. Dan ___
   2. Ben ___
   3. They will arrive at the same time___
6. Act Two: “What information would you need from me in order to answer our question?” . Have students discuss this in pairs before they share. Record whatever questions students ask for. Ask other students to explain how information requested by anther student might help/what would it allow them to do.
7. If requested give out the Dimension of the Beach and Walking Speed handouts (or just project them on the screen). If students don’t ask for it, don’t give it to them. At least not at first. Part of the strength of this problem-posing instructional routine is helping students deepen their planning time and understanding of their own reasoning. 
8. Before they begin working, ask if anyone wants to change their votes.
9. Give students time to work on their answers. Have them work on their own for at least five minutes before letting them work in pairs/small groups. It is up to you, but the numbers in this problem are unwieldy and it is a good opportunity to let them practice with the TI-30XS calculator.
10. Once most groups have an answer, bring the group together. Don’t ask them who they think will get to the taco cart first. Instead ask them, “How confident are you in your answer now?”.
11. Show them the Act 3 video.
12. Have 1-3 group come up and explain their solution method. If all groups solved it in the same way, you only need one group to share.  

“Dial it up” questions:

1. • Is there an even faster way to get to the taco cart? What path to the taco cart would take the least amount of time?
   • Is there a place to move the taco cart along the boardwalk so that both people would reach it at the same time?