Learning Activity

What's For Dinner? Discovering Your Choices!

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

In this activity, students will use a teacher-provided menu and generate a list of a three-course meal with all possible combinations containing one appetizer, one main course, and one dessert.  The students will work individually to start the lesson and then move to partner work. The students will work with a partner to determine the best way to create a complete list and answer follow-up questions.  Finally, the students will be asked to use the Fundamental Counting Principle to determine the number of outcomes instead of making a list. This learning activity is intended to be a Before Activity prior to a lesson on the Fundamental Counting Principle.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Applications of Finite Mathematics

MA19.FM.7

Develop and use the Fundamental Counting Principle for counting independent and dependent events.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.FM.7

Vocabulary

  • Fundamental counting principle
  • Independent events
  • Dependent events
  • Tree diagram
  • Branches
  • Node

Knowledge

Students know:

  • How to construct a tree diagram.

Skills

Students are able to:

  • Count the number of events when given a variety of constraints/parameters when the Fundamental Counting Principle can be applied.

Understanding

Students understand that:

  • The Fundamental Counting Principle can be applied in contexts where an ordered list of events occur and there are a ways for the first event to occur, b ways for the second event to occur so the number of ways of the ordered sequence of events occuring is axb.

Body

  1. Develop and use the Fundamental Counting Principle for counting independent and dependent events. a. Use various counting models (including tree diagrams and lists) to identify the distinguishing factors of a context in which the Fundamental Counting Principle can be applied.
    Example: Apply the Fundamental Counting Principle in a context that can be represented by a tree diagram in which there are the same number of branches from each node at each level of the tree.

Phase

Before/Engage
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

The students will be able to develop and use the Fundamental Counting Principle.

Activity Details

The teacher will:

  1. Direct students to the data collection sheet "What's For Dinner?".
  2. Instruct each student to make a copy of the document to allow them to work independently.  Instruct students to share the document with the teacher when they finish. 
  3. Read the instructions aloud for "What's For Dinner?".
  4. The students will work independently to create a list of all possible three-course meals. Students will be able to type the answers on the google document after making a copy of the document. 
  5. After 5-7 minutes, direct students to find a partner to compare their lists and complete their lists together.
  6. After another 5-7 minutes, direct students to answer the remaining questions on the data collection sheet.
  7. Finally, lead students in a whole group discussion where they can share their ideas and assess their work.
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

Students will be able to assess their work with their partners as well as with the entire class during the whole class discussion.  Teachers should circulate throughout the class as students work to assess student work and to provide assistance as needed.

Variation Tips

  • Students could work independently or in larger groups before the whole group discussion takes place.
  • Students can work in pairs or can share their google docs with their partners to compare answers.
  • If WiFi is not available or if there are not enough devices, the data collection sheet can also be printed and copies distributed to students.

Related Learning Activities

Learning Activity (Before)

What's For Dinner? Discovering Your Choices!

Learning Activity (During)

Counting Practice! Fundamental Counting Principle

Learning Activity (After)

Go, Stop, Slow - Here's What I Know - Fundamental Counting Principle Exit Ticket

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

The teacher will need to ensure the classroom has the following:

  • internet connection (WiFi).
  • classroom set of computers, iPads, or smart devices. (If allowed students can use their own personal devices.)

Prior to class the teacher should also preview the data collection sheet and anticipate any issues their students might encounter.

  • The teacher should share the data collection sheet, "What's For Dinner" with the class. 
  • The teacher will assign partners to complete the activity.

Digital Tools / Resources

What's For Dinner? Data Sheet
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VjlI-M4LRNPM0AAyPG9bF2dAtVQu2ezJBZ2BUt46QJk…

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

mrswhite
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