Education Technology


Functions vs Programs

Activity Overview

What is the difference between a function and a program? This activity explores the differences through the Babylonian Square-root algorithm. While students are learning to code, reflecting on the 10 minutes of code lessons (Unit 2), they are also building their understanding of algorithms and square-roots. 

Objectives

This activity is primarily designed to review the skills developed in Unit 2 - 10 Minutes of code, however, the context means it does a lot more! While comparing the differences between functions and programs, students are building their vocabulary and understanding around functions. The context (Babylonian Square-root algorithm) is an extremely easy and brilliant algorithm for students to understand and a delightful way to introduce them to algorithmic thinking and recursion.

Vocabulary

  • Algorithm
  • Function
  • Program
  • Recursion
  • Variable

About the Lesson

The activity is designed to review skills and concepts developed in Unit 2 - 10 Minutes of Code (TI-Basic) for TI-Nspire. Students use the Babylonian Algorithm to explore approximate values for square-roots using both a program and a function. Students see how programs interact with variables and functions work, literally as a mathematical function should work, in so doing the activity helps students on their journey into senior mathematics courses.