Module
Title |
Primary
Topic |
Sub-
topic |
Start
Level |
End
Level |
Program
|
Description
|
Prerequisite
Skills |
| College
Loans |
Algebra
|
Exp~
Roots~
Logs |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
In
this activity, the student will set up an Excel worksheet
to analyze a payment schedule for different types of
college loans. For a challenge, the student is asked
to research the cost of attending the college of their
choice and analyze the information using Excel. This
activity is a direct application of exponential equations.
|
opening
and saving an Excel spreadsheet, entering data into
cells, etc. |
| Credit
Card Debt |
Algebra
|
Exp~
Roots~
Logs |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
Use
your knowledge of Excel and exponential equations to
explore credit card debt. |
Basic
Excel, which includes opening and saving a file, entering
data into cells, etc.
|
| Polynomial
Explorer |
Algebra
|
Exp~
Roots~
Logs |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
The
student will explore the effect of changing the coefficients
in linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic polynomials.
|
Basic
Excel, which includes entering data into cells, moving
around a spreadsheet, opening and saving a document,
etc.
|
| Cube
Colors |
Algebra
|
General
|
8
|
9
|
Excel
|
A
problem solving exercise. Students look for a pattern
and use a spreadsheet to determine and to apply a general
solution. |
Basic
spreadsheet skills |
| Diophantine
Equations |
Algebra
|
General
|
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
Back
in 200 AD, Diophantus of Alexandria was purchasing grapes
at a local market. Since grape merchants sold either
6 or 9 grapes to a bunch, Diophantus wondered if he
could purchase exactly 57 grapes. The students will
use Excel to determine if there are any positive integer
solutions for this and similar Diophantine Equations.
|
not
listed |
| Direct
and Indirect Variation |
Algebra
|
General
|
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
Using
data provided the students explore direct and indirect
variations. They then collect their own data to explore
the relationship of time and distance and mass and distance.
|
basic
Excel skills |
| Driving
to Oakville |
Algebra
|
General
|
7
|
11
|
Excel
|
A
road sign appears on the Queen Elizabeth Highway stating
Oakville 16 and Toronto 48. At this point, the ratio
of the distance to Toronto and the distance to Oakville
is 3:1. The students will explore how the ratio of the
distances changes if they were to continue to travel
towards Toronto. |
not
listed |
| Function
Factory |
Algebra
|
General
|
8
|
9
|
LCSI
MicroWorlds |
Create
a program that plots points according to a given function.
Use the program to explore linear functions, examining
and comparing their algebraic (equation) and graphical
representations. |
Familiarity
with basic MicroWorlds commands, procedure entry and
execution, text box creation and naming.
|
| Function
Machine |
Algebra
|
General
|
7
|
9
|
Excel
|
The
function machines take a number, operate on it, and
produce a result. Students first explore a number of
function machines and then create their own function
machines to explore with their classmates. |
not
listed |
| Graphing
Turtle |
Algebra
|
General
|
7
|
10
|
LCSI
MicroWorlds |
The
MicroWorlds screen is a co-ordinate plane and the turtle
can be instructed to move according to equation rules.
Learn about linear graphing and/or explore complex trigonometric
functions. |
only
basic MicroWorlds skills required; mathematics conceptual
understandings will be dependent of the level of application.
|
| Pythagoras
Rule |
Algebra
|
General
|
8
|
9
|
LCSI
MicroWorlds |
Explore,
test and modify a MicroWorlds program which uses three
different methods to calculate the hypotenuse of right-angled
triangles. |
Enter
and run procedures, working understanding of variables.
|
| Solving
Equations with Bisection |
Algebra
|
General
|
7
|
9
|
Excel
|
Students
use the Bisection Method to solve equations in Excel.
Choose from exercises provided in the form of linear,
quadratic and cubic functions. |
Enter
Excel data, save worksheets |
| 1.
Plotting Coordinates |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
7
|
9
|
Excel
|
This
is the first of a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. After the students have learned to plot
points on the Cartesian coordinate system, they will
plot and define points on a graph. They will plot points
that create a design, and then create their own design.
|
not
listed |
| 10.
Transforming Linear Equations |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
This
is the tenth of a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. Students will investigate the transformation
of the linear equation y = x to nonlinear equations
such as y = abs(x) and y = x^2. |
not
listed |
| 2.
Investigating Linear Coordinates |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
7
|
9
|
Excel
|
This
is the second of a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. Plotting coordinates that lie on a straight
line, the students will investigate the properties of
the x- and y-coordinates. They will describe these properties
in terms of slope and y-intercept. |
not
listed |
| 3.
Equation of a Line |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
This
is the third in a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. Using the equation y = 2x + 5, the students
will graph this linear equation in Excel. To help them
investigate how the graph changes with different values
for slope and y-intercept, the students will set up
spinner controls that allow them to change the values
for slope and y-intercept. |
not
listed |
| 4.
Investigating Slope |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
This
is the fourth in a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. Using global surface temperatures from
the National Climatic Data Center, the students will
calculate slope. They will interpret the meaning of
slope and use it to describe the rate at which temperatures
increase each year. |
not
listed |
| 5.
Investigating Y-Intercept |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
This
is the fifth in a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. Using winning marathon times for the
Olympics, students will find the y-intercept of a line.
They will interpret the meaning of the y-intercept and
use it to describe the first winning marathon time.
|
not
listed |
| 6.
Finding Equations From Patterns |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
This
is the sixth of a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. Given a list of collinear points, students
will find the equation of the line that passes through
all the points. |
not
listed |
| 7.
System of Linear Equations |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
This
is the seventh of a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. Students will set up Excel to solve systems
of linear equations. |
not
listed |
| 8.
Investigate Systems of Equations |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
This
is the eighth of a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. Given a system of linear equations, the
students will investigate how the solutions change when
one of the values in the system is altered. |
not
listed |
| 9.
Graphing Linear Inequalities |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
This
is the ninth of a series of 10 modules in the Linear
Graphing Unit. In this activity, students will set up
Excel to graph linear inequalities and systems of linear
inequalities. |
not
listed |
| Equation
Solving By Graph |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
The
student will build a spreadsheet that will solve an
equation, using a graph to see a picture of the left-hand
side and the right-hand side of the equation. Students
will work with formulas, use fill down techniques, and
will be introduced to Visual Basic scripting as an extension
to the activity. |
entering
data into cells, highlighting cells, moving around a
spreadsheet, etc.
|
| Equation
Solving By Table |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
In
this activity, students will build a spreadsheet that
will solve any one-variable equation. Students will
work with formulas, use fill down techniques, and will
be introduced to Visual Basic scripting as an extension
to the activity. |
entering
data into cells, highlighting cells, moving around a
spreadsheet, etc.
|
| Linear
Data Experiments |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
7
|
11
|
Excel,
Word |
To
gather linear data, the students will conduct a modified
experiment developed by cognitive psychologist J. R.
Stroop. They will determine the best-fit line for the
data and use the linear equation to explain the results
of the experiment. |
not
listed |
| Linear
Graphing Intro. |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
7
|
9
|
Excel
|
For
students new to linear graphing, using a spreadsheet
students manipulate an equation in the form y=mx+c,
identifying what causes shifts, affects the gradient,
the direction of slope, etc. |
not
listed |
| Linear
Systems by Combinations |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
In
this activity, the student will learn a technique called
the "combinations" method for solving linear
systems. |
Opening
and saving a spreadsheet, entering data into cells,
etc.
|
| Linear
Systems By Graphing |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
The
purpose of this activity is to have students think about
the process of solving linear equations by interacting
with and manipulating visual representations of the
equations in Excel. |
not
listed |
| Linear
Systems By Matrices |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
Students
will build a spreadsheet that will solve any two-variable
linear system by the matrix method (or demonstrate the
lack of a solution). |
Basic
Excel- opening and saving a spreadsheet, entering data
into cells, selecting a group of cells, etc. |
| Slopes
and Lines |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
In
this activity students will play a game that involves
calculating the slope and y-intercept of a given line.
|
entering
data into cells, moving around a spreadsheet.
|
| Solving
Inequalities By Graph |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
The
student will build a spreadsheet that will solve a one-variable
inequality by using a number line to see which values
of the variable solve the inequality. As an extension,
a two-variable version is proposed. |
Basic
Excel- opening and saving spreadsheets, entering data
into cells, selecting a range of cells, etc. |
| Solving
Linear Equations |
Algebra
|
Linear
Eq & Graphing |
7
|
8
|
Excel
|
Use
Excel to solve linear equations in the forms y-ax+c
and ax+c=bx+d. |
Enter
Excel data, save worksheets.
|
| Mice
and Cats Network |
Algebra
|
Matrices
|
8
|
12
|
Excel
|
The
students will use networks and matrix multiplication
to solve the following situation: Two mice and two cats
are on the left bank of a river and they need to cross
the river using a boat whose maximum capacity is two
animals. The boat cannot travel empty and in all situations
where mice are present, the cats cannot outnumber the
mice.
|
Students
should have prior knowledge of networks and how they
relate to matrices and matrix multiplication prior to
completing this activity. |
| Exploring
the Discriminant |
Algebra
|
Quadratic
Eq & Graphing |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
Students
will use Excel to explore the discriminant, which is
the part of the quadratic formula under the square root
sign, b^2 - 4ac. This part of the formula is a good
predictor of the number and type of solutions of the
quadratic equation, ax^2 + bx + c = 0. They will determine
the relationship between the discriminant and the graph
of y = ax^2 + bx + c. |
not
listed |
| Arithmetic
Sequences |
Algebra
|
Sequences
& Series |
8
|
11
|
Excel
|
This
activity explores arithmetic sequences and how Excel
uses both recursive and explicit formulas to fill columns.
|
Basic
Excel, which includes opening and saving a worksheet,
highlighting data in cells, dragging a graph, etc. |
| How
Does Fair Food Fare |
Data
and Graphing |
|
5
|
7
|
Excel,
Word |
The
students will use Excel to analyze the calories and
fat content of some of the most popular food items at
a fair. This activity can be used for the NCTM sponsored
World's Largest Math Event. |
not
listed |
| A
Take of Two Movies |
Data
and Statistics |
|
7
|
8
|
Excel,
Word |
Students
must assist a cinema chain in monitoring movie profitability
in order that the chain can plan scheduling. Excel worksheets
are used to look for trends in taking and the advantages
of moving trends explored. |
not
listed |
| Box
and Whisker Plots |
Data
and Statistics |
|
7
|
9
|
Excel
|
Students
will work in pairs to measure their reaction time indirectly
by determining how fast they catch a dropping ruler.
Collected data will be analyzed and used to create a
box and whisker plot. |
not
listed |
| Linear
Regressions |
Data
and Statistics |
|
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
Learn
how to use Excel to find the linear regressions for
data on speeding tickets, global tourism, and work stoppages.
|
not
listed |
| M&Ms
for Smarties |
Data
and Statistics |
|
7
|
8
|
Excel,
Word |
Introduction
to some basic statistics concepts in which the color
distribution of M&Ms (or Smarties) is analyzed.
|
not
listed |
| Our
Favorite Movie |
Data
and Statistics |
|
7
|
8
|
Excel,
Word |
Students
gather and analyze data to determine which movies a
cinema should screen to make the most sales. |
not
listed |
| Random
Climb |
Data
and Statistics |
|
8
|
10
|
Excel
|
Students
use Excel to model the behavior of a 'random climber'
who moves up and down a cliff face based on coin tosses
and then on dice throws. Assumes that students are currently
studying probability. |
It
assumes that students are currently studying probability
and can discuss these mathematical concepts with a teacher.
|
| Creating
Bar Graphs |
General
|
|
5
|
7
|
Excel
|
In
this activity, the students will learn how to create
bar graphs in Excel. Using data based on the number
of people who speak the nine most common languages,
they will learn to format bar graphs and copy them to
a Word document or PowerPoint slide. |
not
listed |
| Creating
Pie Charts |
General
|
|
4
|
8
|
Excel
|
In
this activity, the students will learn how to create
pie charts (which are also referred to as circle graphs)
in Excel. Using nutritional data from the United States
and Asia, the students will create pie charts and follow
instructions on how to format the charts and copy them
into a Word document and a PowerPoint slide. |
not
listed |
| Mathematics
Review Game Show |
General
|
|
6
|
8
|
PPT,
Word |
Students
with think about and review math concepts as they create
their own Jeopardy-style game, and play those made by
others. |
Basic
skills in using Word and PowerPoint are assumed. Students
must be able to start applications, save files, and
use the basic editing facilities |
| MathGloss
|
General
|
|
5
|
12
|
PPT
|
In
this activity, students will build an interactive glossary
to assist them in learning and organizing important
terms and concepts in mathematics. |
not
listed |
| Rotational
Symmetry |
Geometry
|
|
5
|
8
|
Word
|
Students
learn about rotational symmetry. They design a hexagon
with rotational symmetry and animate it so that it rotates
around its center point. |
Students
should have basic file management skills (saving and
loading files), and be confident using the AutoShapes
feature to draw, resize, and position shapes around
the workspace. |
| Symmetry
with Geoboard |
Geometry
|
|
5
|
7
|
SchoolKiT
Geoboard |
After
an introduction to basic symmetry concepts, SchoolKiT
Geoboard is used to create designs first with one line
of symmetry then with two lines of symmetry. Students
can work alone, or with a partner. |
not
listed |
| Tessellations
- Slide |
Geometry
|
|
6
|
9
|
Paint
|
Starting
with a square, a shape known to tessellate, students
learn to move sections such that, when the resultant
shape is slid, it will still tessellate. |
Note:
This activity uses the Learning Module called Slide
Tessellations that is located in Arts -> Visual Arts.
|
| Using
Geoboard |
Geometry
|
|
5
|
7
|
SchoolKiT
Geoboard |
Geoboard
is a simple 'peg and band' tool that is used to explore
mathematical concepts. |
not
listed |
| Paint
a Room |
Measurement
|
|
5
|
7
|
Excel,
Word |
Problem
solving and surface area activity. Students use Excel
to calculate how much it will cost paint their bedroom
or classroom and present the calculations in Word. |
Basic
Excel skills including adding, subtracting and multiplying
cell values. Basic Word skills. |
| The
Dripping Tap |
Measurement
|
|
5
|
7
|
Excel
|
A
problem solving and measurement activity. Students determine
how much water is wasted by a dripping tap over a year.
|
not
listed |
| Chocolate
Chip Cookie Recipe |
Number
& Operations |
Fractions
|
4
|
7
|
Excel
|
Create
a series of fraction tool procedures that perform fraction
operations and conversions. |
Familiarity
with procedure creation and a working knowledge of variables
is essential. |
| Using
Visual Fraction Strips |
Number
& Operations |
Fractions
|
5
|
7
|
SchoolKiT
Visual Fraction Strips |
When
Rex halves his favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe,
the recipe calls for 1 1/8 cup and 3/8 cup of certain
ingredients. The problem is that Rex doesn't have a
3/8 measuring cup. By subtracting and multiplying fractions
in Excel, students will explore several methods to measure
1 1/8 cup and 3/8 cup. |
not
listed |
| Greatest
Common Factor |
Number
& Operations |
Number
|
4
|
9
|
Excel
|
Explains
how to use SchoolKiT's Visual Fraction Strips, a workspace
in which fractions, in the form of fraction strips,
can be manipulated - added, subtracted, renamed, etc.
Ideal for exploring concept of equivalence. |
not
listed |
| Know
Your Multiplication Tables |
Number
& Operations |
Number
|
3
|
7
|
Excel
|
Finding
the Greatest Common Factor of a group of numbers can
be a tedious and confusing task. In this activity, the
students will apply absolute references and conditional
formatting to an Excel worksheet to determine the GCF
for any two or three numbers. |
not
listed |
| Least
Common Multiple |
Number
& Operations |
Number
|
4
|
9
|
Excel
|
Finding
the Least Common Multiple of a group of numbers can
be a tedious task. In this activity, students will apply
absolute references and conditional formatting to an
Excel worksheet to determine the LCM for any two or
three numbers. As an extension, students will use the
LCM worksheet to solve application problems. |
not
listed |
| Lattice
Multiplication Algorithm |
Number
& Operations |
Operations
|
4
|
7
|
Excel
|
You
will learn an algorithm that finds the products of numbers
with two or more digits. This algorithm is called the
Lattice Multiplication Algorithm because it is done
using a square lattice. |
not
listed |
| Visually
Representing Percent |
Number
& Operations |
Operations
|
4
|
8
|
Excel
|
Students
will look at 10 x 10 grids in Excel that represent different
percents. They will determine the percent of filled
cells for each grid and write the percents as ratios,
decimals and reduced fractions. |
not
listed |
| Circles
Triangles and Squares |
Number
& Operations |
Pattern
|
4
|
7
|
Excel,
Word |
Students
investigate a sequence of numbers to see whether they
can determine the underlying pattern. A spreadsheet
is used to apply findings and calculate the first 100
numbers of the sequence. |
not
listed |
| Pascal's
Triangle |
Number
& Operations |
Pattern
|
6
|
9
|
Excel
|
Hundreds
of years ago mathematicians discovered a triangular
ar |
