Take the Stairs to Slope!

Learning Resource Type

Lesson Plan

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This lesson allows students to investigate the slope criteria and characteristics of parallel lines using graphing calculators and school staircases. Students will also use equations and graphs. Students will work cooperatively to develop and justify ideas/conjectures.

This is a College- and Career-Ready Standards showcase lesson plan.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Geometry with Data Analysis

MA19.GDA.33
Prove the slope criteria for parallel and perpendicular lines and use them to solve geometric problems.

Vocabulary

Parallel lines
Perpendicular lines
Slope
Slope triangle

Knowledge

Students know:

Techniques to find the slope of a line.
Key features needed to solve geometric problems.
Techniques for presenting a proof of geometric theorems.

Skills

Students are able to:

Explain and justify conclusions reached regarding the slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines.
Apply slope criteria for parallel and perpendicular lines to accurately find the solutions of geometric problems and justify the solutions.
Communicate logical reasoning in a systematic way to present a mathematical proof of geometric theorems.

Understanding

Students understand that:

Relationships exist between the slope of a line and any line parallel or perpendicular to that line.
Slope criteria for parallel and perpendicular lines may be useful in solving geometric problems.

Primary Learning Objectives

Students will discover and use the properties of parallel lines.

Students will find equations of parallel lines given other equations of lines passing through other points.

Students will use slope definitions with rise over run and formulas to solve problems and justify reasoning for developed discoveries.

Additional Learning Objective(s)

Students will work cooperatively to discover patterns in the graph table of values while problem solving.

Students will verify conclusions by finding slope and understanding properties of paralell lines.

Students will measure and document lengths of stairs and compare values to determine parallel slopes.

Procedures/Activities

ENGAGE

1. As students enter the classroom, they should be given a group indicator that tells them where to sit until dismissed to staircase work location. Inform the students that their mission will be to determine whether a pair of equations of lines are parallel.

EXPLORE

2. Student groups should measure the rise and the run of the steps to find the slope of the stairs. They should record these findings on their own paper (this information is to be used to key into their graphing calculators).

3. The students should come back to the classroom and key their information into their graphing calculators (using the list key on the graphing calculator) to determine if the staircases make parallel lines and have parallel slopes. They should look for patterns, develop equations based on data, and list slope conclusions based on data. The groups must agree on findings and be able to justify.

3. If students are unable to identify rise and run values, provide necessary feedback to move them forward with their thinking. Refer to Rise over Run: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTa0xTu9Yv4 (if your school system does not allow YouTube access, you may download the video using http://www.keepvid.com/)

Refer to: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/algebra/linear-equations-and-inequalitie/slope-and-intercepts/v/slope-of-a-line

EXPLAIN

4. The teacher should be sure that students are using slope correctly to verify parallel lines.

5. Groups will discuss properties discovered and begin justifying their ideas; along with creating equations and graphs to match their tables in the calculator.

6. Allow students time to prepare attractive posters to share with the class to begin discussions about parallel, along with having the groups share their findings using the Smartview function of the calculator.

Assessment Strategies

EVALUATE

Use the rubric provided to assess student work individually and as a group. Students should justify all reasoning stated on poster. The Assessment Process is on-going. The teacher should visit each group and ask questions to make sure students apply the properties of parallel line definitions. Post the posters in the classroom and have students present conclusions. As students present posters and graphing calculator finds, they should compare posters for other information not listed on their group's poster.

Acceleration

Extensions can be used to include formal proofs in geometry or have students justify the properties of parallel lines using coordinate proofs. Groups can be random or you can select groups to allow struggling students to find slopes using formulas or inputting infomation into calculator for graphs.

Intervention

For extra practice or for students who were absent, have them visit What is the slope of a staircase? (if your school system does not allow YouTube access, you may download the video using http://www.keepvid.com/).

Total Duration

31 to 60 Minutes

Background/Preparation

Teacher:

Locate staircases to be used for lesson.
Have graphing calculator ready to be assigned.

Students:

Geometry students should be able to graph coordinates on Cartesian plane and measure the lengths of models with ruler.
Students should be able to find slope algebraically and graphically, use slope intercept form to solve problems, and have some knowledge of using the graphing calculators.

Materials and Resources

Poster Paper or Poster with grid lines

Sticky notes of different types

Straight edge

Markers

Student may use their own devices or teacher-issued graphing calculators.

Technology Resources Needed

Computer with Internet access

LCD Projector and Document camera to share student work (helpful but not necessary)

Smartview with calculator is needed