Activity Detail
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Expanding Space Station
 


Activity Overview

Students will find and compare function rules for a given pattern. They also evaluate variable expressions.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 22 - 25 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • Study the calculator keystrokes

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
  • Explore the existing pattern
  • Generate a function rule for the pattern at stage 4 and a rule using 'n' as the stage number
  • Record the rule in words that reflect the pattern
  • Create a table of function rules that are mathematical equivalent
  • Generalize the rule for the 4th and the nth stage
  • Recognize the fact that a rule can have multiple statements
  • Write down different versions of the rule
  • Compare the different versions of the function rule and their outputs
  • Simplify all the versions and understand that the results are same

    		After the Activity

    		Students complete the Student Activity pages and calculate the total number of units needed at each stage of the NASA plan.

  • 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 : Algebra I : Expressions
    Math : PreAlgebra : Expressions
    Math : Middle Grades Math : Algebraic Thinking
    Math : Algebra I : Sequences and Series

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

    Device:
    TI-30X IIB, TI-30X IIS, TI-34 II Explorer Plus™

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 3 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Math Investigations with the TI-30X IIS and TI-34 II: Activities for the Middle Grades

    The following materials are required for this activity:

  • Plastic discs
  • Black transparencies/Chart paper


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