By: Nathalie Balbontin and Amelia Rinaldi

Linear Equations

Description

The “Linear Equations” lesson prompts the user to input a slope value, m, and a y-intercept value, b. Once the user has inputted the values, Scratch plots the line on a coordinate grid. Inputting different values for m allows the user to see how the steepness and direction of the line changes. Inputting different values for b allows the user to see how the line shifts upwards or downwards.

Lesson Introduction

Write a table of values on the board. The relationship should be linear. Ask students, “What is the pattern? What would y be when x = __?” Guide students towards discovering the linear relationship and introduce y = mx + b.

Working On It

1. Students will create the code themselves as a form of learning to code. As students create the code, they will also learn about linear relationships.
2. Once the code is created, ask students to play around with different m and b values to see how the steepness, directionality, and position of the line is affected.
3. After students play around with different m and b values, have a class discussion about the students’ observations.
4. Extension: To encourage higher-level thinking, ask students to propose a scenario, and then graph a linear equation that represents their scenario.

Consolidation

1. Summarize the concepts learned in a class discussion. For example, “What does m represent?” or “What does b represent?”
2. For students that completed the extension, ask them to share their scenarios with the class

Resource Information

Tags: Math, Linear Equation, Linear Relationship, Slope, Algebra, Graphing

Main Subject: Math

Other Integrated Subjects: Coding

Learning to Code?: Yes

Coding to Learn? Yes

URL Link to Code: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1120372278