Call Me

Call Me

Subjects
Mathematics
Algebra
Arts & Humanities
Language Arts

Grades
6-8, 9-12

Brief Description
What is the real story behind all those 10-10 numbers we see advertised on TV? In this WebQuest project, students write essays to persuade their families to use a particular long-distance phone plan. Students will compare a 10-10 plan to a regular long-distance plan. They will develop equations and graphs for both of the plans and use this information to support their essay.


Objectives

Students

learn to solve systems of linear equations in three ways: graphically, by the substitution process, and by the addition process.
learn how this math can be used to answers real-life questions.


Keywords
algebra, linear, equation, system, graph, telephone, phone


Materials Needed

computers with Internet access to Web pages such as 10-10 Phone Rates and SaveOnPhone.com


Lesson Plan

Students will find the rates of a 10-10 number and one regular long-distance carrier. They will develop and graph equations for the two plans. Students will compare this information to their family's long-distance phone bill to decide which plan would be best for their family. Students will write an essay persuading their family to use a particular long-distance plan. (See a complete WebQuest lesson at http://www.gowcsd.com/master/ghs/math/furman/linsystem/call_me.htm.)

Assessment

Evaluate students' equations, graphs, solutions by substitution and addition, and essays.

Submitted By

Crystal Schweickert, Gowanda Central School District, Gowanda, N.Y.

#1 What introductory information is neccessary for children to have prior to starting this activity? Students need to have an understanding of equations and how they work and can be made to solve problems. This lesson seems a little outdated but could easily be updated to cell phones or other problems that students may be faced with in determining what plan they should choose.

#2 What grade level/s is appropriate for this activity? I think as a class or in groups this lesson would work well with students in grades 6-8. I would have plans designed ahead of time for them to choose from so that they do not get too complicated and they would not need to spend time looking for them.

#3 How will you engage students with different learning styles? They can work with partners, Plans can be made simpilier for students that may not understand or get frustrated easily while other plans can be made more complicated for students that are more advanced.

#4 How does this activity connect to the real world for students? This is something they see everyday but they may not dig into it or look into how it work. They will be able to think about what plans make sense and hopefully make better choices instead of going with their gut reaction, they will have a better understanding of what plans will work better for them.

#5 Why is this activity with its concepts important for student learning? They will be able to use this in real life situations. They will also understand the purpose of equations and understand why they are being taught.

#6 What are your comments on this activity? Would you use it in your classroom? I would use but modify it to fit current plans that are on tv.