| Pre-Algebra Adventures |
Types of Problems |
Difficulty Levels |
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Read
Graph |
Label
Axes |
Plot
Points |
Function
Tables |
Integers |
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Working Smart
As teenagers Jasper, Emily, and Larry compete in a problem-solving
contest sponsored by a local travel agency. They set about creating
mathematical Smart Tools that will allow them to solve several
classes of travel-related problems efficiently and quickly in
hopes of winning an all-expenses-paid trip anywhere in the United
States |
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All 3 episodes help students see the power of algebra
by creating Smart Tools, demonstrating that a mathematical representation
can be created to solve not just 1 but a whole class of problems.
4 classes of problems and a create/test/revise/test model let
students deepen and broaden their understanding of rate and
variable. To scaffold learning students can start by selecting
from a catalog of possible Smart Tools.
For grades 7 and up. |
Kim's Komet
Kim's model race car qualifies for the Grand Pentathlon finals.
For each event she must decide where to place her car on the
ramp so it will go the right speed to successfullycomplete the
trick. She must devise a method for timing her car and create
Smart Tools that will allow her to quickly and accurately identify
the best starting points as the race commences. |
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Students develop understanding of rate by timing
and comparing speeds over different distances and thinking about
speed as distance versus time traveled on a graph. They also
have a chance to deepen understanding of values represented
by data points as they draw lines-of-best-fit for functions,
andh opefully to recognize that a curved line means the speed
is changing.
For grades 7 and up. |
The General is Missing
Larry's grandfather is kidnapped by villians wanting the design
of his latest invention. Grandpa convinces the kidnappers that
he must send a note to Jasper, Emily, and Larry before they
get suspicious. Using algebra, Grandpa discreetly communicates
information about the location of the hideout. The three teenagers
must decipher his note in order to rescue Grandpa. |
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Students create mathematical representations (Smart
Tools) to solve 5 classes of problems. They test their tools
with data that will allow them to identify Grandpa's location
on a topo map, requiring them to read contour lines and work
with elevation and height. In the process students increase
their understanding of rate of change and variable, and learn
how to use algebra to measure and predict occurrences in our
world.
For grades 8 and up. |
Solutions
