Activity Detail
If you are using a TI-73, TI-83, TI-84 or TI-89, there may be particular math or science applications you will need to download to use certain activities. If you are using TI-Nspire technology, please update your TI-Nspire handheld operating system or computer software to view the latest activities. The latest TI-Nspire operating system was released in June 2009.
Browse by Subject Submit Activity Saved Activities Advanced Search
  


add to saved activities



print this activity
 
At a Snail's Pace for the TI-73 Explorer™
 


Activity Overview

It is hard to imagine a way to mathematically describe a spiral. Spirals are commonly seen in nature. There are a number of different types of spirals. Some interesting examples include the spiral arrangements of scales in pine cones, seeds in a sunflower, or the calcified layers of a snail's shell. One way of constructing a spiral is to use the Fibonacci sequence.

Before the Activity

  • Review the attached PDF
  • Print the attached PDF file for your class


    		• During the Activity

    		Students will:
  • Plot a mathematical relationship that defines a spiral
  • Use technology to create a spiral similar to that found in a snail
  • Use technology to plot a set of ordered pairs

    		After the Activity

    		Review student results:
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary

    		Other Downloads




    view standards alignment
    view textbook alignment

    Subject Area:
    Math : PreAlgebra : Geometry

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-73 Explorer™

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:

  • Lead pencil
  • Colored pencils - red and green
  • Metric ruler
  • Compass
  • Tracing paper and graph paper

    • This is activity 8 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:Activities for Algebra I with the TI-73.

    Report an issue with this activity