Summary
This lesson is an introduction to variables and their uses. It does not require any prior knowledge of variables.
Materials
- Notebook paper
- Scotch tape
- Ruler
Intended Learning Outcomes
2. Become mathematical problem solvers.
3. Reason mathematically.
Instructional Procedures
Invitation to Learn
- Invite students to become FBI agents for the day. They are working with
TOP SECRET tools that will enable them to decode and find the values of hidden
messages and words.
- Group students in pairs to work on this activity.
- Cut notebook paper into two strips—one that is three inches wide
and one that is five inches wide.
- Down the right side of the 5-inch strip of paper, write the numbers from
0-25.
- Down the left side of the 3-inch strip of paper, write the letters of the
alphabet A-Z.
- Attach the ends of the number strip together with a piece of tape.
- Wrap the letter strip around the number wheel, matching the letters to
the corresponding numbers–A to 0, B to 1, C to 2, and so on.
- Tape the ends of the letter strip together.
Instructional Procedures
- Begin by having students find the value of their first names, using the
decoding machine (e.g., BOB is B=1, O=16, B=1, so 1 + 16 + 1 = 18). Use the
leftover part of the notebook paper to record their data.
- Have the students find the value of their last names and ask the following
questions: Which name has the greater value – your first or last name?
What is the difference in the value of your first and last names?
- Now have the students find the values of various words and asking questions
such as: “What is the three-letter word with the greatest value?”
“Are the greatest values always associated with words that contain the
most letters?” Create a hidden message that your class can decode and
have them work with their partners to decode it.
- Challenge students to find words that are more than ten letters long with
values that are less than the value of words having only three letters. Have
them find words whose values are equal to 25, 36, or 100.
Curriculum Integration
Math/Science—Create a hidden message that your class can decode and have
them work with their partners on decoding it. This could be one of your science
questions or some math vocabulary.
Extensions
Possible Extensions/Adaptations
Extend this activity by changing the number strips so that A= 7. This will realign
all the assigned values. You can also change the number strip by writing different
values such as decimals or fractional numbers.
Homework & Family Connections
Have students create a message that a family member can decode and vice-versa.
Assessment Plan
Have students use their decoding machine to find the value of their spelling
words. Encourage partners to create a message for each other to decode.
Created: 08/29/2003
Updated: 02/04/2018
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