I love my animal project (original post found here) but I have been wanting to incorporate more technology. I have shied away from Desmos and like products because domain/range restriction is needed to create a picture...
Then I realized that my Algebra I students learn how to graph piecewise functions. A match made in math heaven. Students were asked to create any picture they wanted (I also encouraged them to explore functions that have not been covered in class) using functions covered in class (linear, constant, and absolute value) and make a picture by restricting the domain. To submit, they e-mailed (before the class of the quiz) their creation to me and I printed it off. This picture counted as 20 points on their piecewise functions quiz. I created a simple rubric that is attached on the file below.
I like giving students the opportunity to earn quiz points outside of class. Alternate assessment anyone?
Instructions (steps 1-3 were completed in class, they started 4 in class but had time at home to finish):
1st: Create an account at Desmos. Feel free to play around on the calculator that shows up for a minute or two.
2nd: Watch entire video (it’s under 5 minutes) by Bob Lochel from mathcoachblog.com to learn how to resist domain, change the color of the graphs, and enter piecewise functions. Watch this Video
3rd: Think about what you want your picture to be and then create! Refer to the rubric below for how you will be graded. I have included an example of a similar project that I completed a few years back on a similar program. If you would like to explore with different functions that we have not covered in class, feel free to!
4th: When your creation is complete share the graph with me (included my e-mail and such)
The students enjoyed this and I had a great experience using Desmos.
Reflections:
1) Will use again
2) Will provided more guidance on what to draw (school spirit, holiday theme, etc...)
3) Maybe add color in there some where?!?! That just takes more time though.
It would be interesting for older students that have more functions in their tool belt.
Enjoy!
Then I realized that my Algebra I students learn how to graph piecewise functions. A match made in math heaven. Students were asked to create any picture they wanted (I also encouraged them to explore functions that have not been covered in class) using functions covered in class (linear, constant, and absolute value) and make a picture by restricting the domain. To submit, they e-mailed (before the class of the quiz) their creation to me and I printed it off. This picture counted as 20 points on their piecewise functions quiz. I created a simple rubric that is attached on the file below.
I like giving students the opportunity to earn quiz points outside of class. Alternate assessment anyone?
Instructions (steps 1-3 were completed in class, they started 4 in class but had time at home to finish):
1st: Create an account at Desmos. Feel free to play around on the calculator that shows up for a minute or two.
2nd: Watch entire video (it’s under 5 minutes) by Bob Lochel from mathcoachblog.com to learn how to resist domain, change the color of the graphs, and enter piecewise functions. Watch this Video
3rd: Think about what you want your picture to be and then create! Refer to the rubric below for how you will be graded. I have included an example of a similar project that I completed a few years back on a similar program. If you would like to explore with different functions that we have not covered in class, feel free to!
4th: When your creation is complete share the graph with me (included my e-mail and such)
The students enjoyed this and I had a great experience using Desmos.
Reflections:
1) Will use again
2) Will provided more guidance on what to draw (school spirit, holiday theme, etc...)
3) Maybe add color in there some where?!?! That just takes more time though.
It would be interesting for older students that have more functions in their tool belt.
Enjoy!
| desmos_piecewise_functions_drawing.docx |
