Graphing+using+Slope+and+Y+intercept

=Graphing using Slope and y intercept=

A Better CalculatorWebsite for online graphing calculator- can display multiple lines on one graph...good for group discussion. Don't forget to check out the sliders...I'm thinking this might be a good base for a lesson for the computer lab and small groups...



Loved this idea described below about having students "create" a graph kinesthetically. ([|Source webpage]) I was also thinking it would be good just to assign each student an x value, and to use magnetic "points" on a chalkboard (or inspire) graph... Ask students to line up along a line, which will be the x-axis. (The line at the middle of a basketball court works well, but any line will do.) They should all face in the same direction. The middle student will be 0, and students on his or her right will be 1, 2, 3, etc., while students on the left will be -1, -2, -3, etc. Then, say: > "y = 3, everyone takes 3 steps forward" (Pause, so the students can see where they are standing > "Go back to the x-axis" (Pause) > "y = -2, everyone takes 2 steps backward" (Pause) > "Go back to the x-axis" These initial two maneuvers should help students calibrate their steps with their neighbors, so that they end up on a line parallel to the x-axis with each. Now say: > "y = 2x, everyone step 2 times your number -- forward or back, depending on whether 2 times your number is positive or negative!" Presumably, students will be standing on the graph of y = 2x. And so on, with different functions. Depending on the functions you intend to use, you may allow students to bring paper and pencil and/or calculators in case they need to make calculations.

- Used to help students discover how changing the slope, and later, changing the y-intercept changes the line. This can be done by having students complete tables and graph by hand, or by using the graphing calculator to observe changes.

- Designed to take students from graphing equations with two variables in slope intercept for to graphing horizontal and vertical lines given the equation.



- "Make these Designs"- I thought this would make a nice extension activity....students try to reproduce the given graphs on their graphing calculators. Good discussion Questions for this activity[| here]

- Application activity that crosses between graphing and writing linear linear equations. It is modified from an NCTM activity- I used a postal scale and a 4 foot long 3 by 1/4 inch board to weigh "everyday items". The original uses a regular scale and a long board to "weigh" students.
 * [[file:Walk the Plank Data 2010.xls]]Sample data from my class last year

-Blank grids for graphing equations or inequalities.