Activity Detail
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Keeping up with Trash
 


Activity Overview

Students use scientific notation in finding answers to real-life problems.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print the transparency sheet and pages 34 - 36 from the attached Student PDF file for the class

    		•

    		During the Activity

    		Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:
  • Examine the data showing the amounts of trash (aluminum, glass, and paper) recycled in a day
  • Determine the amounts of trash that can be recycled in a week, in a month, and in a year
  • Use the calculator to present the answer as a multi-digit number and/or in scientific notation
  • If trash is recycled evenly throughout the day, determine how many pounds of aluminum are recycled in an hour, in a minute, and in a second
  • Compare the keystrokes used in the steps
  • Given the total population generating the trash, determine the amount of trash recycled by each person in a day


    		After the Activity

    		Students complete the 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




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    Subject Area:
    Math : PreAlgebra : Nonlinear Functions

    Author:
    Texas Instruments

    Level:
    5-8

    Activity Time:
    60 Minutes

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

    Apps:
     

    Software:
     

    Accessories:
     

    Other:
    This is Activity 5 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Investigating Mathematics with Calculators in the Middle Grades

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