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
 
Picnic Challenge
 


Activity Overview

Students find patterns to solve problems, explore functions, and graph linear functions on the coordinate plane.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 31 - 35 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:
  • Understand the problem - find the combination of 6, 9, and 20 that adds to 50
  • Formulate pattern rules for the problem
  • Determine the number of patterns that repeat in a cycle
  • Find the sum for each pattern rule
  • Plot the results on a graph paper
  • Find the largest impossible value and the combination that gives 50 as the sum


    After the Activity

    Students complete the Student Activity pages and answer questions.

  • 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 : Equations and Inequalities
    Math : Algebra I : Expressions
    Math : PreAlgebra : Nonlinear Functions
    Math : PreAlgebra : Expressions
    Math : PreAlgebra : Equations

    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 4 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:

  • Graph paper
  • Straight edges


  • Report an issue with this activity