Activity Overview
Using the Activity Center, students will explore the characteristics of linear functions in the form y=mx+b. The major focus will be identifying slope and y-intercept.
Before the Activity
Students should have prior exposure to the concepts of linear functions in the form y=mx+b.
During the Activity
- Launch Navigator, start the session and have students log into NavNet on their calculator
- Ask students to go to the Activity Center of the Navigator
- Type the equation y= 4x + 7 into the equation on the Activity Center and display the line graph for the class to view (do not allow students to see the equation)
- Use Quick Poll to ask students what they think is the slope and the y-intercept of the displayed equation.
- Display and discuss the submissions. Use class discussion to further understanding of the concept. Continue the discussion until you feel that all students understand the correct slope (4) and y-intercept (7) for the equation.
- Configure one equation for each student and ask students to submit the equation for the line graph that is displayed (y = 4x+7).
- When all students have sent an equation, stop the activity. Display the lines and discuss the accuracy.
- Clear the activity data and once again configure and send each student one equation in Activity Center.
- Ask students to submit an equation with a positive slope and a negative y-intercept.
- Choose 'Graph and Equation' option from the tool bar in activity center to display the graphs and discuss the slopes and y-intercepts.
- Ask questions like: What graph is the steepest, flattest? Why? Which graph crosses the y-axis at the highest point, lowest point? Why? How can we make these lines slant in the opposite direction?
- Continue in the manner above with several different equations.
After the Activity
- Launch Navigator, start the session and have students log into NavNet on their calculator
- Send the Finding Slope Learn Check(3B)
- Allow students time to answer each question
- Collect answers data from student calculators using Class Analysis
- Review the data with the class using the Slide Show presentation
- This is an excellent time for an open class discussion about the concepts
- Use results from the data to decide about further reinforcement or extension of the concepts Extension:
- Ask students to write two questions about slopes for a partner to answer. Collect these at the end of class and use some of the questions for your future Learn Checks.