Understanding patterns and functional relationships By building on the patterns observed in the graphs. Understand how mathematical ideas build on one another to produce a coherent whole. By relating characteristics of data and appearance of the graphs. Recognize and use connections among different mathematical ideas By relating graphs and tables and function rules.

Students should have completed Lesson One or equivalent in order to have experience with the quadratic characteristic of increasing and then decreasing or decreasing and then increasing outputs. Students should be comfortable with function notation.

Graph paper might be made available so that students could plot and observe the graph as they make their decision. If the technology is available to enter the points and test with a curve fit utility, it might be an option - however, since general characteristics are the goal here and linear rules have previously been studied, the curve fit might be more appropriate as a check on conclusions especially if an attempt was made to find the quadratic rules. A full class discussion or reports from students would be appropriate as a concluding activity.

Assessment here should be informal observation and questioning as the activity evolves. Observation of participation in whole group discussion which accumulates conclusions and reasoning.

Tables available on Web page

None is necessary unless teacher uses optional grapher or curve fitting tool.

Copyright © 1997-2003 Career Connection to Teaching with Technology USDOE Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Marshall Ransom, Project Manager All rights reserved.