Introduction

This was written, again for my Trigonometry class (see Math Songs and Conic Sections) as a write-up for how I would teach a complex math problem to the class.  Innovative use of the game "Drug War" for a TI-83 if I may say so myself.  Note: The use of the "Sun Your Buns" dataset is not meant to be funny, that is an actual dataset we had to use in our presentation.

Make Your Calculator Predict What You’re Looking For…and Other Psychic Discoveries

Teacher’s Objective:
My main objectives for the class time are:
1.      To make students learn how to turn on calculator.
2.      To make students learn how to add, subtract, divide, multiply.
3.      To make students learn how to play a simple text-based game.
4.      To make students learn how to enter data into Stat area.
5.      To make students learn how to make the calculator “predict” an equation.

How to Teach Material:
1.      Toss calculator to student.
2.      Let them work it.

Just Kidding

1.      I will give a basic overview of important buttons and their functions.
2.      I will describe the usage of the “Sun Your Buns” Data Sheet to enter data into calculator.
3.      I will demonstrate the Graph function to demonstrate graphing features.
4.      I will show students how the calculator can be used to psychically “predict” the equation of the graph.

Examples:
1.      I will use the calculator itself as an example.
2.      I will use the game “Tetris” as an example.
3.      I will use the game “Drug War” as an example.
4.      I will use the “Sun Your Buns” data set as an example.
5.      I will use the Graph function as an example.