Private: Learning Math: Patterns, Functions, and Algebra

Professional Development > Private: Learning Math: Patterns, Functions, and Algebra > 5. Linear Functions and Slope > 5.5 Part E: Thinking About Technology (10 minutes)

Mathematics

K-2, 3-5, 6-8

Linear Functions and Slope Part E: Thinking About Technology (10 minutes)

Session 5, Part E

In mathematics, technology can be used to learn new concepts, apply known mathematics, avoid tedious computation, and gather information. It can also be exciting to learn new technology in and of itself. In this session, you used spreadsheet technology to look at the concept of linearity. Note 16

Problem E1: Write and Reflect

How has the use of technology in this session affected your approach to the material? In what ways did it help? Are there ways in which it may have hindered your learning process?

Problem E2: Write and Reflect

Did the technology help you think mathematically?

Notes

Note 16

Leave some time to think about technology. As technology is introduced in classrooms, it is important to reflect on how it can facilitate or interfere with the learning process. We’ve all heard the horror stories about the college freshman multiplying a number by 10 on a calculator or the clerk who can’t make change without the help of the cash register!

Series Directory

Private: Learning Math: Patterns, Functions, and Algebra

Credits

Produced by WGBH Educational Foundation. 2002.

ISBN: 1-57680-469-0

Sections

5.1 Part A: Linear Relationships in Patterns (35 minutes)

Session 5, Part A

5.2 Part B: Slope (40 minutes)

Session 5, Part B

5.3 Part C: Rates (40 minutes)

Session 5, Part C

5.4 Part D: Putting It Together (35 minutes)

Session 5, Part D

5.5 Part E: Thinking About Technology (10 minutes)

Session 5, Part E

5.6 Homework

Session 5, Homework

Sessions

Session 1 Algebraic Thinking

In this initial session, we will explore algebraic thinking first by developing a definition of what it means to think algebraically, then by using algebraic thinking skills to make sense of different situations.

Session 2 Patterns in Context

Explore the processes of finding, describing, explaining, and predicting using patterns. Topics covered include how to determine if patterns in tables are uniquely described and how to distinguish between closed and recursive descriptions. This session also introduces the idea that there are many different conceptions of what algebra is.

Session 3 Functions and Algorithms

In Session 1, we looked at patterns in pictures, charts, and graphs to determine how different quantities are related. In Session 2, we used patterns and variables to describe relationships in tables and in situations like toothpicks and triangles. This session extends the exploration of relationships to include the concepts of algorithm and function. Note1

Session 4 Proportional Reasoning

Look at direct variation and proportional reasoning. This investigation will help you to differentiate between relative and absolute meanings of "more" and to compare ratios without using common denominator algorithms. Topics include differentiating between additive and multiplicative processes and their effects on scale and proportionality, and interpreting graphs that represent proportional relationships or direct variation.

Session 5 Linear Functions and Slope

Explore linear relationships by looking at lines and slopes. Using computer spreadsheets, examine dynamic dependence and linear relationships and learn to recognize linear relationships expressed in tables, equations, and graphs. Also, explore the role of slope and dependent and independent variables in graphs of linear relationships, and the relationship of rates to slopes and equations.

Session 6 Solving Equations

Look at different strategies for solving equations. Topics include the different meanings attributed to the equal sign and the strengths and limitations of different models for solving equations. Explore the connection between equality and balance, and practice solving equations by balancing, working backwards, and inverting operations.

Session 7 Nonlinear Functions

Continue exploring functions and relationships with two types of non-linear functions: exponential and quadratic functions. This session reveals that exponential functions are expressed in constant ratios between successive outputs and that quadratic functions have constant second differences. Work with graphs of exponential and quadratic functions and explore exponential and quadratic functions in real-life situations.

Session 8 More Nonlinear Functions

Investigate more non-linear functions, focusing on cyclic and reciprocal functions. Become familiar with inverse proportions and cyclic functions, develop an understanding of cyclic functions as repeating outputs, work with graphs, and explore contexts where inverse proportions and cyclic functions arise. Explore situations in which more than one function may fit a particular set of data.

Session 9 Algebraic Structure

Take a closer look at "algebraic structure" by examining the properties and processes of functions. Explore important concepts in the study of algebraic structure, discover new algebraic structures, and solve equations in these new structures.

Session 10 Classroom Case Studies, Grades K-2

Explore how the concepts developed in Patterns, Functions, and Algebra can be applied at different grade levels. Using video case studies, observe what teachers do to develop students' algebraic thinking and investigate ways to incorporate algebra into K-8 mathematics curricula. This video is for the K-2 grade band.

Private: Learning Math: Patterns, Functions, and Algebra

Linear Functions and Slope Part E: Thinking About Technology (10 minutes)

Session 5, Part E

Problem E1: Write and Reflect

Problem E2: Write and Reflect

Notes

Series Directory

Credits

Sections

5.1 Part A: Linear Relationships in Patterns (35 minutes)

5.2 Part B: Slope (40 minutes)

5.3 Part C: Rates (40 minutes)

5.4 Part D: Putting It Together (35 minutes)

5.5 Part E: Thinking About Technology (10 minutes)

5.6 Homework

Sessions

Session 1 Algebraic Thinking

Session 2 Patterns in Context

Session 3 Functions and Algorithms

Session 4 Proportional Reasoning

Session 5 Linear Functions and Slope

Session 6 Solving Equations

Session 7 Nonlinear Functions

Session 8 More Nonlinear Functions

Session 9 Algebraic Structure

Session 10 Classroom Case Studies, Grades K-2

Session 11 Classroom Case Studies, Grades 3-5

Session 12 Classroom Case Studies, Grades 6-8

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