Algebra Adventures: Everyday Decision-Making Magic

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Algebra Adventures: Everyday Decision-Making Magic

Larry Williams

Purpose

Students will explore how algebraic concepts are applied in real-world scenarios by creating a slideshow presentation that demonstrates their mastery of the specified standards. Through collaborative problem-solving and authentic tasks, students will connect algebraic principles to everyday decision-making, such as budgeting, planning, and analyzing trends. This project encourages students to engage critically with mathematical ideas and articulate their understanding through creative and practical applications.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of algebraic concepts by applying them to real-life decision-making scenarios. They will demonstrate mastery of the specified standards through the creation of a dynamic slideshow that showcases their analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. The project will encourage students to explore how algebra influences choices in areas such as finance, engineering, and technology, fostering critical thinking and collaboration.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.BF.A.1: Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7: Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.B.3: Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable, including equations with coefficients represented by letters.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a dynamic slideshow presentation that demonstrates their understanding of algebraic concepts and their application in real-world decision-making. Throughout the project, students will engage in research, data analysis, and problem-solving activities, documenting their findings and reflections in a project journal. The final slideshow will include visual representations of mathematical models, real-life scenarios where these models apply, and a narrative explaining the decision-making process influenced by algebraic reasoning.

Launch

Kick off the project with a real-world scenario where students must plan a community event, such as a school fair or charity fundraiser. Present them with a budget and various constraints, requiring them to use algebraic concepts to make decisions about resource allocation, scheduling, and pricing. Encourage students to work in teams to brainstorm initial strategies and present their preliminary plans, highlighting how algebraic reasoning supports effective decision-making.

Exhibition

Students will create a dynamic slideshow presentation that showcases their mastery of algebraic concepts through real-world applications. Each student will present their slideshow to peers and invited guests, highlighting how algebra influences decision-making in areas such as budgeting, architecture, or technology. The exhibition will include a Q&A session, allowing students to articulate their understanding and engage in meaningful discussions about their findings and insights.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Kick-off the project by presenting a real-world scenario: planning a community event. Discuss the essential question and explore how algebraic concepts influence decision-making.	Divide students into teams and have each team brainstorm and outline initial strategies for organizing the event, focusing on resource allocation, scheduling, and pricing.	Introduce the relevant algebraic standards and demonstrate how they apply to the project's context using practical examples related to the event planning.	Guide students in researching potential costs and constraints for the event. Encourage them to use online tools or spreadsheets to organize their findings.	Facilitate a collaborative session where teams share their initial plans, discuss different approaches, and refine their strategies based on feedback.	Assign each team to draft a preliminary budget using algebraic functions and equations to model costs and income variables.
Deliverables	1. A team-generated outline of initial strategies for the community event. 2. A draft budget that includes algebraic models for potential costs and income.
Preparation	1. Prepare a detailed real-world scenario for the community event, including budget constraints and other parameters. 2. Gather resources and examples of algebraic applications in event planning. 3. Set up access to online tools or spreadsheets for student use. 4. Create templates or guidelines for the strategy outline and budget draft. 5. Arrange for any necessary technology or materials to facilitate research and collaboration sessions.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Introduce students to the concept of functions and their practical applications in decision-making scenarios, emphasizing standards like KY.HS.F.1 and KY.HS.F.12.	Facilitate a workshop where students analyze sample data sets related to the event, identifying potential trends and patterns using algebraic functions.	Guide teams to develop mathematical models using functions to predict attendance, sales, or other relevant factors for the event.	Encourage teams to create visual representations (graphs, charts) of their models to illustrate key features and predictions.	Organize a peer review session where teams present their models and visualizations, receiving constructive feedback to refine their work.	Support students in drafting a narrative that explains their decision-making process and how algebraic reasoning informed their strategies.
Deliverables	1. A detailed mathematical model that predicts specific outcomes related to the event, supported by functions. 2. Visual representations (graphs, charts) of the models, highlighting key features and predictions. 3. A draft narrative explaining the decision-making process influenced by the algebraic models.
Preparation	1. Prepare instructional materials and examples that illustrate the use of functions in real-world decision-making. 2. Gather sample data sets related to event planning for students to analyze. 3. Set up tools or software that students can use to create visual representations of their models. 4. Develop guidelines and criteria for the peer review session to ensure effective feedback. 5. Ensure access to resources students might need for drafting their narratives, such as writing templates or examples.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Facilitate a workshop where students refine their mathematical models by incorporating real-time data. Encourage them to adjust their predictions and strategies, using algebraic reasoning to validate their updates.	Guide students in integrating feedback from the peer review session to enhance their visual representations and narratives, ensuring clarity and accuracy in their presentations.	Organize a collaborative session where teams develop a comprehensive plan for their slideshow presentation structure, including selecting key visuals, narratives, and data points.	Support students in creating a storyboard or outline for their slideshow, highlighting how algebraic concepts are applied in their decision-making process. Encourage creativity and critical thinking in the design.	Facilitate a practice presentation session where teams present a draft version of their slideshow to another group, providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine their work.
Deliverables	1. Refined mathematical models with updated predictions and strategies. 2. Enhanced visual representations and narratives based on peer feedback. 3. A detailed storyboard or outline for the final slideshow presentation.
Preparation	1. Prepare resources that demonstrate the integration of real-time data into mathematical models. 2. Set up guidelines and templates for creating an effective storyboard or presentation outline. 3. Ensure availability of technology needed for students to practice and present their slideshows. 4. Develop criteria for the practice presentation session to guide constructive feedback.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Facilitate a final review session where teams polish their slideshow presentations, ensuring all content aligns with the project goals and demonstrates mastery of algebraic concepts.	Guide students to incorporate multimedia elements, such as audio narration or video clips, to enhance their presentations and engage their audience.	Organize a dress rehearsal where teams present their finalized slideshows to a small group, practicing their delivery and receiving last-minute feedback for improvement.	Host the project exhibition day where each team presents their slideshow to peers, teachers, and invited guests, showcasing how algebraic concepts influence decision-making in real-world scenarios.	Facilitate a reflective discussion where students share insights gained from the project, discuss challenges they overcame, and consider how they might apply algebraic reasoning in future contexts.
Deliverables	1. A finalized slideshow presentation that demonstrates mastery of algebraic concepts. 2. A multimedia-enhanced version of the slideshow, including audio or video elements. 3. A reflective journal entry summarizing the project experience and personal learning outcomes.
Preparation	1. Ensure all technology and equipment needed for the presentations (projectors, speakers, etc.) are set up and functioning. 2. Prepare guidelines for integrating multimedia elements into presentations. 3. Invite guests to attend the exhibition, such as other teachers, administrators, or community members. 4. Create a rubric for evaluating the final presentations that focuses on content mastery, creativity, and communication skills. 5. Develop prompts for the reflective discussion to guide meaningful student reflection and conversation.