Monday, January 11, 2010

Linear Art Project for Algebra I

For the last two days my algebra I students have been working on a Linear Art Project. Here is the basic idea. Construct a picture of at least 20 line segments that includes at least 5 vertical, 5 horizontal, 5 lines with postitive slope, and 5 lines with negative slope. Sketch the picture onto graph paper, number each line segment and then write the equation of each segment and give the appropriate domain and range for each segment. Some of the pictures have been quite amazing (with 50 or more segments)and most students have really put themselves into the whole process. Some had trouble getting started, but once they did, they were able to complete the project fairly independently. I probably should have made them complete it at home, but I wanted to supervise their work and I'm counting it as their last test grade of the grading period so I didn't want a bunch of kids taking zeros on it just because they didn't feel like doing it, and then having to explain why they are all the sudden failing my class to the parents. The way it is working out now, some who had 65-69 are now going to pass because they have done so well. I have been especially amazed to see how some of the boys have really gotten into this project.

6 comments:

  1. Can you scan some? They sound like they'd be awesome to see!!

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  2. My certification is in Social Studies, and math never came easy for me. As a matter of fact, I subbed tenth and eleventh-grade algebra classes last week, and couldn't help them with their handouts (Luckily, they didn't ask).

    I just through your last couple of posts. You make me wish I'd had a teacher like you when I was taking math.

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  3. Mmm, nice. Add inequalities, and they can describe regions of particular colors.

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  4. Good idea Ricochet. The kids were asking if I could hang them up on the walls after I grade them. Maybe I'll do that, take a picture and then post it here.

    Sue, I like the idea about inequalities. I actually had the same thought as the kids were turning them in yesterday.

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  5. That's a cool idea. I'd like to see some examples, too.

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  6. Ooooo.... I am seeing a piecewise functions project in here too!

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