Activity Overview
Students' will chart the various ages of the other students in their classroom then the students will multiply the ages by 2 using a lower level calculator, they will then add up the total ages using the same calculator - they can now divide the class into two groups (boys/girls) and see which group has more total years - the last thing would be for the students to try to find a new way of coming up with the answer without multiplying all students by 2
Before the Activity
Have the students record all of the students ages that are in that class.
During the Activity
Once the students have collected all the various ages they should each be given a TI-10 calculator
Have the students multiply the ages of each student by 2
The students should then add up their new total
Now have the students look at the boys and girls as separate groups. Repeat the process
Ask the students if there is an easier way to find the new totals without multiplying each students' age by 2
After the Activity
Have students' explain to the class their new ways of coming up with their new totals.