Objectives: To introduce the definition of function and to study functions in a variety of representations.
Preliminaries/Lead-In: Complete the first page of this activity as a class. Ask the students for an example of a function. You will probably get a symbolic function. Together write down the definition of a function (as in the book) and identify the rule (in words), input and output for the function given. I will probably then talk about how we can represent functions in many different forms and continue to represent the function we've worked with in multiple representations.
Suggested Procedures: After finishing the first page together as a class (see above). Then allow the students to work through the other questions in small groups. If anyone seems to be having any trouble (as I am wandering around the class) I will either address that problem individually in small groups or if there seems to be more general confusion I'll do another one together on the document camera after they've had a chance to try it. I will be ready with Course Activity 1.1B in case we get through all of this activity faster than I thought.
Wrap-Up/Take-Away: Review the main idea of the day - what a function is and the different ways that we have to represent a function.
Possible Homework: Depending on how much time we have in class - if they had a chance to get started on 1.1B I might send them away with that as homework but if not I will just keep that whole worksheet for the next day. (Paula) I sent them away with 1.1-A to finish the last page on their own. I'm going to start class today (Wed.) with checking to see how they did - I expect that they will have struggled a little bit. Then I'll go on to 1.1B in class.
Follow this link to share with us how this activity (the original or your adapted version) worked in your classroom! Thank you for all of your feedback.
Alternative Versions:
If you make any adjustments to this activity we would appreciate you sharing your new version! Please save it as "YOURNAME Course Activity ....." and attach it below. Thank you!