Function Notation Activity

Students go through a huge transition from junior high to high school. The eighth graders in the Summer Gear Up Math class are no different. They have become accustomed to hearing their teachers refer to the input and output of functions as "x" and "y" and although this might be considered a "FUNCTIONAL" practice, it is not the only vocabulary they are going to hear in their 9th grade math classes.

Today we ventured into new function vocabulary territory to better understand math notation and language used when solving linear equation real world application problems. Students were given a blank piece of white paper and asked to divide the paper into 16 rectangles and cut them out. 16 function notation/ vocabulary terms were randomly written on the board. The students then copied a different term to each of the 16 rectangles until they every term on a flashcard in front of them. They were prompted to categorize the terms, and were reminded of the very specific relationship that occurs between “x” and “y.”

The energy in the classroom was very positive as students began to rearrange the rectangle flash cards on their desk. Some of the male students in the back started racing each other to see who could get the correct answer first. Students were given feedback from the educators in the room but were limited to “Yes! That’s it.” or “Check again.” In all three classes, students would be almost finished with the objective of the activity, but found that they were stumped. It turns out that the “x” column had 7 terms and the “y” column contained 9. I purposely set up the activity so students would be forced to think outside the box. Over all it was a great way to introduce and re-enforce information related to functions. I have included the 16 function notation terms we used in this activity as an attachment for anyone who is curious. Can you figure it out? Reference figure 6.12_no.2 to view a student work sample.