Activity Overview
Students learn to use measurements on a real model to develop the concept of slope and linear functions. They use a calculator to explore changing the slopes and Y- intercepts in the slope intercept form Y = MX + B.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 89 - 94 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Measure the vertical height (rise) and the horizontal height (run) of stairs in centimeters and inches
Use centimeters and inches conversion to verify accuracy of the measurements
Enter the values on the calculator and draw a model of the staircase
Use the Manual-Fit function to draw a line from the tip of the first step to the tip of the third step
Find the equation of the line drawn in the form of Y = MX + B
From the equation of the line, find the value of M, the coefficient of X, which is the slope, and the value of B, the y-intercept
Change the values of B and M and note the change in the lines
After the Activity
Students will complete the Worksheet and analyze the results.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary