This Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) is written at a 5th grade level. In this open-ended problem, students are presented with a variety of exercise machines, the best health feature of each machine, prices, and popularity (based on a local competitor's gym). Students must rank the exercise machines and describe their procedures for ranking. The durability of each machine feature is later added as a twist so that students can revise or test their original procedures.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.