Activity Detail
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Mean Machine
 


Activity Overview

Students construct a function machine from a small box. Students use the calculator to discover functions. They create their own one-step and two-step function rules and turn their calculators into a function machine.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 117 - 127 from the attached PDF file for your class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the page to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
    Activity A:
  • Read the poem Homework Machine to the class


    • Activity B:
  • Hide one cube inside a cup and call it the plus one machine
  • Add a certain number of cubes to the cup
  • Pour out all the cubes and count them
  • Observe one more cube has been added to the lot


    • Activity C:
  • Use grid paper and color (black) one square to represent the hidden cube
  • Color other squares to represent the visible cubes
  • Represent the action with symbols on the calculator
  • Repeat the activity with different amounts of hidden cubes and discover the hidden number of cubes


    • Activity D:
  • Use a sample function box to illustrate number patterns and relations
  • Identify the number pattern
  • Construct a function machine using a box and index cards
  • Create three cards for a number pattern
  • Guess the number pattern


    • Activity E:
  • Use the calculator to show addition number patterns

    		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 : Elementary Math : Algebraic Thinking
    Math : Elementary Math : Number Sense and Estimation
    Math : Elementary Math : Math and Literature

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    K-4

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-10

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 12 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Math at Your Fingertips with the TI-10

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Poem: Homework Machine
  • Paper cups
  • Grid paper (2 centimeter)
  • Crayons or markers
  • Construction paper
  • Glue or paste
  • Small boxes with lids
  • Tape
  • Connecting cubes
  • 3" x18" strips of construction paper
  • Rulers
  • Scissors
  • Index cards 3" x 5"


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