functions

When we talk about comparing functions in 8th grade math, we’re really focusing on slope and y-intercept in multiple representations. I’ve found that it can become very confusing and complicated for students if we go too fast or if we skip over key information. Because teaching students to compare functions has so many parts for students to understand, this unit is one that takes more time than most.

Overall, we want students to be able to read graphs, tables, coordinate points, equations, and written descriptions and identify the slope and y-intercept in all those forms by the end of the unit. So, how do we introduce all of this? In this post I’ll break down step-by-step what this unit looks like in my students’ interactive notebooks. [Read more…] about How to Teach Comparing Functions with Interactive Notebooks

We introduce the word “functions” to students in 8th grade math. They, of course, have worked with functions in earlier grades. However, functions were previously referred to as input/output tables. Often teachers show input/output tables as a machine with a rule giving students their first introduction to the topic. But just because students should have some background with the concept of functions, it definitely doesn’t mean that you don’t have to teach this topic to students. They need to have a deeper understanding of functions before going into comparing functions and unit rates later on. Today I’m sharing with you the step by step way that I use interactive notebooks to introduce functions  and activate students’ prior knowledge. By the end of this unit, students are prepared for other 8th grade topics with functions.

[Read more…] about How to Teach Functions with Interactive Notebooks