Education Technology


Step Up

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