Related Rates Under the Rays

18 August 2025Brynn Wenhardt, Mack '25

This article was written in May, 2025.

Third term is finally upon us and while Grade 12s are preparing for university, they remainssun ovation, Calculus 12 students take their hines on the Centre of Learning and Inn steadfast in their dedication to their final term of Calculus. While the related rates units outside to embrace the beautiful weather.

Following up on a peaceful Wellness Wednesday Break for Space, Calculus 12 students in Mr. Wardrop’s E block class decided to switch things up and take their related rates riddles outside. The activity entailed organizing completed related rates questions in the right order to understand the steps that are required to successfully complete a question.

Sloane S, Alex ‘25, stated, “I really liked this activity because it helped me visualize the problems and showed me the different methods I will use to solve various problems!” Understanding related rates is as illuminating as Ben Franklin’s kite in a thunderstorm!

Related rates are one of the most complicated topics in Calculus 12. Mr. Wardrop even stated, “Sometimes you just don’t get it,” but nevertheless, trying, failing, and trying again are all part of the process. Problem solving includes drawing diagrams, assigning values, creating equations, differentiating the equations, and solving for unknown variables. Understanding what the question is truly asking is one of the most valuable skills one could have in this unit which is why an afternoon in the sun was so valuable: to build a foundational understanding of the unit as we continue to work through difficult problems.

After a class full of hard work, the feeling amongst students was positive, and the worries about related rates problems seemed to fade away in the sunshine. Oliver H, Whittall ‘25, exclaimed, “It feels like it is starting to click. Once I gained a better understanding of the questions, the pieces seemed to fall into place!”

It is an incredible feeling to be able to study outside and enjoy beautiful Mill Bay while the weather is brilliant, and studying hard for upcoming exams. Moments like this remind us to take a minute to soak in the beautiful weather in our last weeks at Brentwood before we walk the stage.

Brynn W, Mack ‘25

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