Achoo... the Tissue Box Project!

Last year, a colleague shared a project she did at the beginning of the year using a tissue box and covering some basic math functions. I decided to turn it in to a cumulative project of basic algebraic functions and a little math trivia.

It includes a linear function, quadratic function and exponential function. I developed coordinate grids for each problem set so the students could see and compare the graph behavior.

I created 22 problem sets and will share them all with you (see the link below). 

After the initial instruction, I discovered that they really benefitted from a template so that they had all the information ready to design their box. I added this to the back of the rubric.

Many students cut the tables out to use on their box so you might want some extras!

Here is my sample:

Here are a couple of videos of the process with the students:

For virtual students, I adapted the project to a presentation. I allowed students to use Graphfree.com to create the graphs. I love Graphfree.com here is a short video on how the students can use it for the project or for you to check it out!

I had some wonderful submissions as well! And even used a student one for a sample (mine is the minimum though- his was way better). I'll include it in my resources. 

You could, of course, make them all a presentation but this year has been very sparse on hands on and they really need it sometimes. I wish you could see the painstaking way they spend so much time gluing their beads or chenille sticks on. It is magical. It does take it's toll on the teacher. Lot's of sanitizing and cleaning but the creative outlet for my students is worth every wipe and bend to pick up.

Lastly, let's talk fonts! I have a problem, I'm a font girl. I will redo entire activities with a different font that I like better! As a result, most things I create have different fonts. For this one, I used KG Payphone which you can get for free here on Dafont.com. I have provided both PDF and Word Documents so you might want to download if you don't want to mess with formatting!

Get all my project resources for FREE here!

As always, please let me know if you see any typos or mistakes! 

Enjoy!

Lisa

Exponential vs. Linear Growth Project

Would you rather have $10000 a day or start with a quarter and have it double every day?  

This is the essence of this project for students.  I have done it in both Algebra 1 and Math Models.  I have the 4 most common coin denominations, penny, nickel, dime, and quarter.  Students are first supposed to pick a scenario and tell me why.  They then do the math!

I set it up for 21 days as we use TI-84 graphing calculators and I wanted them to be able to view the tables without dealing with Scientific Notation.  One of our state standards is to compare and identify exponential and linear functions which this project accomplishes.  

On the back of the sheet is a detailed Rubric as well.

We have used this as an activity and a major grade.  The rubric is required for the major grade in our school so you might not need it.

I also make them present the project in front of the class.  Here is my teacher rubric for the presentations.

This year, all students were complete with their math and graphs, ready to start their poster on the 2nd day.  I will have them present the 3rd day.

I also provided them a graph template and gave each group 2, one for each scenario.  This seemed to help as well make a more clean presentation.  

The right hand scenario is based on a Fermi question and they get that amount on the 21st day, therefore you do not add the prior day amount on either scenario.  It's really just to have them apply exponential and linear functions and compare.

This did come at the end of my Exponential Function Unit and they have already done regression in the calculator.

Both years, the students seemed to enjoy this and usually fed into the logic of it by choosing the first scenario.  You, of course, could edit and change the amounts to reflect what you want them to achieve. 

Download all resources here for FREE in Word and PDF.  In the Word version, I used my favorite font, Janda Curlygirl!  You can download it for free here.

Hope you and your students enjoy!

Thanks,
Lisa