Conclusions and
Extensions
Conclusions:
- A figure that appears more disorganized,
star-like, or crab-like has a higher perimeter^2 to area
ratio
- Cancerous cells tend to appear more
star-like, or crab-like as evidenced in breast x-ray
images.
- Studying the traits of images of cells
we can make a fairly reasonable decision that more star-like
cells, with a higher perimeter^2/area ratio are more likely to be
cancerous cells.
- Think: Try
various ratios out with this figure to experiment with the topics
you just learned?
Extensions for
the Mathematics Classroom
- Describe the ratio of many sided regular
polygons....What does the ratio tend toward as the number of sides
increases?
- Describe the ratio of many sided
irregualr polygons (like the star shape) What does this ratio tend
toward as the number of sides increases?
- We have explored figures in
2-dimensions. We know that cells are 3-dimensional yet the 2-D
image can give us very useful information.
- If the ratio r=p^2/a works for 2
dimensional figures, is there an analog to three dimensional
figures? Hint: Consider surface area and
volume.
- Consider the shape of a soap bubble. Why
do you think a soap bubble is a sphere and not spiky?
Extensions for
the Science Classroom
- Describe in a general sense what happens
as cancer spreads, why are cacnerous cell clusters harmful to the
body?
- What are the most common forms of
cancer? Is there a difference between cancer diagnoses in men
and women? What kinds of differences?
Extensions for
the Social Studies Classroom
- What are harmful cancerous agents and
how has our modern existence enhanced the possibility of exposure
to cancerous agents?
- Research the history of cancer
discoveries. When was the first diagnosis of cancer?
- Research more information about cancer
on the internet and explain how genetics, society, and lifestyle
contribute to the incidence of cancer.