State Standards Addressed
F.IF.1. Understand that a function from one set (called the domain) to another set (called the range) assigns to each element of the domain exactly one element of the range. If f is a function and x is an element of its domain, then f(x) denotes the output of f corresponding to the input x.
F.BF.1. Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities. ★ a. Determine an explicit expression, a recursive process, or steps for calculation from a context.
F.LE.2. Construct linear and exponential functions, including arithmetic and geometric sequences, given a graph, a description of a relationship, or two input-output pairs (include reading these from a table).
Description of Project:
Students will be introduced to functions, specifically linear functions, through an exploratory activity using LEGO Mindstorms Robots. Students will provide the robot with an input value to run through a function program and the robot will move on a number line to the output value. Students will use that input-output data to write the algebraic rule/function. Students will gather data for three functions. Then, students will be given a table of values and asked to find the function. The students will then modify the robot program by changing the function to their new function. The students can run the program to check whether the robot correctly follows their function.
Plans to Use in Class
For 8th grade, this is an introductory lesson to a Functions Unit. Without prior knowledge of slope or slope-intercept form, students can guess and check their function rule to find the correct function. Then the teacher can discuss patterns in the tables and begin to introduce rate of change(slope).
For Algebra 1, this is an introductory lesson to a Functions Unit. Throughout the lesson, the teacher can review important vocabulary: independent variable, dependent variable, domain, range, linear, rate of change, slope, y-intercept, slope-intercept form. This lesson could also be modified to include non-linear functions.
Supplies Needed
A number line (1 unit on the number line should equal 10 cm to use python files below.)
Lego robot with 2 light sensors. Mount one sensor on the front right and the other on the back right side. The robot will follow the edge of the paper to move forward and backward. Be sure that the paper(light) and floor(dark) are contrasting colors.
Light sensor - you will need to modify the "white" and "black" numbers in the code based on the calibration of your light sensors.
Grade Level: 8th/9th Grade
Subject: Algebra I
State Standards Addressed
F.IF.1. Understand that a function from one set (called the domain) to another set (called the range) assigns to each element of the domain exactly one element of the range. If f is a function and x is an element of its domain, then f(x) denotes the output of f corresponding to the input x.
F.BF.1. Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities. ★ a. Determine an explicit expression, a recursive process, or steps for calculation from a context.
F.LE.2. Construct linear and exponential functions, including arithmetic and geometric sequences, given a graph, a description of a relationship, or two input-output pairs (include reading these from a table).
Description of Project:
Students will be introduced to functions, specifically linear functions, through an exploratory activity using LEGO Mindstorms Robots. Students will provide the robot with an input value to run through a function program and the robot will move on a number line to the output value. Students will use that input-output data to write the algebraic rule/function. Students will gather data for three functions. Then, students will be given a table of values and asked to find the function. The students will then modify the robot program by changing the function to their new function. The students can run the program to check whether the robot correctly follows their function.
Plans to Use in Class
For 8th grade, this is an introductory lesson to a Functions Unit. Without prior knowledge of slope or slope-intercept form, students can guess and check their function rule to find the correct function. Then the teacher can discuss patterns in the tables and begin to introduce rate of change(slope).
For Algebra 1, this is an introductory lesson to a Functions Unit. Throughout the lesson, the teacher can review important vocabulary: independent variable, dependent variable, domain, range, linear, rate of change, slope, y-intercept, slope-intercept form. This lesson could also be modified to include non-linear functions.
Supplies Needed
A number line (1 unit on the number line should equal 10 cm to use python files below.)
Lego robot with 2 light sensors. Mount one sensor on the front right and the other on the back right side. The robot will follow the edge of the paper to move forward and backward. Be sure that the paper(light) and floor(dark) are contrasting colors.
Light sensor - you will need to modify the "white" and "black" numbers in the code based on the calibration of your light sensors.
Code Files Developed in Workshop
Pictures
Video
Resources
This is a modified lesson from
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B75XBP5_QTyHbVRCaFFSaGI4Mzg&usp=drive_web