UNIT 4 - WEEK 10
Introduction to Functions
SummaryIn week 10, we continue to build on the skills of inquiry and introduce the idea of algebraic functions and how they can relate to the real world. This week, students will go out, collect data and attempt to create their own linear equations based on this data. Many grade 9 students may find this challenging as they are used to a more structured learning environment, so it is critical for you, as the educator, to be constantly circulating and performing formative assessment to ensure students are on the right track and where needed, gently steer them back in the correct direction.
|
Week 10 - Lesson 1 |
Topic of the Day/Driving Question:
How do we use math to explain the pricing model of our favorite pizza place? Good Questions:
In class activity/Teacher’s Notes: Introduce to students that they are going to explore the pricing model of pizza in our local area and compare this pricing system to larger pizza chains such as Pizza Hut and Domino's. Students are required to contact pizza shops or find their menus online in order to collect the data. They are then going to explore different options on how to come up with a standard equation to represent this data. Some driving information you may want to provide to the student is as follows: 1. Many pizza shops use a linear pricing model. A google, YouTube, or Khan Academy search of linear equations may provide them with direction. 2. Encourage students to communicate with their peers in regards to their findings. You may want to create an online discussion forum where students can share their ideas and questions. Other students can then contribute to the conversation by answer questions they may know the solution to, and asking their own questions. As we are giving students very little direction from the get-go, they usually require a full class to get comfortable with the equation of a line and what type of information they need from the menu. From there another class is enough time for students to finalize their equations and present their findings in a paragraph or two. As grade 9 students are not familiar with a task with such little direction, it is important to encourage them to use the resources that are available (YouTube, Khan Academy, the internet). Show them that the information is available, we need to know how to make sense of it. If students require further direction, ask them if they have determined what a linear equation is, what does that mean? Teacher Resources: Khan Academy YouTube |
Week 10 - Lesson 2 |
Topic of the Day/Driving Question:
How do we use math to explain the pricing model of our favorite pizza place? Good Questions:
In class activity: Because of the nature of the activity in Lesson 1, students will require a second day in class to finalize their findings and present the information. Students were given a large task, with little structure, so the time spent exploring different resources and the skills built through this process justifies the time spent. As students start to explore the concept of inquiry in a math classroom it is important to not rush the process. Students should be able to produce a linear equation and then can explore different graphing tools online to graph the function. Students should also now be able to predict the price of a pizza if we know how many toppings we are going to order. Homework: Students are expected to create a 3 minute presentation on their findings. Information that should be included, but not limited to:
|