Whats my rule???

To play this free math game, you simply think of a formula and have the student guess input values. After each input value you supply an output value. The student has to guess the rule.

For example, you think of the rule y = 2x + 1. The student guesses 0, and you reply 1. The student guesses 1, and you reply 3. The student guesses 3 and you reply 7. The student then guesses the rule "double the number and add one", which would be correct.

Note: This is a good way to teach equivalence of algebraic expressions. For example, the rule "double the number and add two" i.e. 2x+2 s equivalent to "add one to the number and then multiply this amount by two" i.e. 2(x+1).

A variation on this game is to allow the student to come up with the rule. The student will enjoy trying to stump the teacher!

http://www.schoolinyourhome.com/math/whats-my-rule.htm

* What introductory information is necessary for children to have prior to starting this activity?

You have to understand all basic mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) in order to succeed at this game.

* What grade level/s is appropriate for this activity? Please use appropriate justification for your answers here.

I honestly feel that this game would be beneficial for later elementary and middle school levels. To think critically like that takes more skills then the younger elementary can probably handle.

* How will you engage students with different learning styles?

Depending on the children’s levels you could make the problems harder or easier. There are many options with this game, so making it available for all learning abilities is very beneficial.

* How does this activity connect to the real world for students? Be specific.

Being able to think critically is a very important skill to have, and doing problems like this will get your mind working, and keep it working. Children can play this at school, at home with friends and anyone they pretty much want.

* Why is this activity with its concepts important for student learning? Be specific.

There are many different ways you can make this game important for students learning. You can just play it normal or you can vamp it up and add real life situations to your problems. There are many different options.

* What are your comments on this activity? Would you use it in your classroom?

I really like the idea of this activity; I feel that the children will enjoy it. Having the option to try to stump your teacher is always a fun idea, and with this activity the students can have a chance to do just that.

Algebra

Use input-output rules, tables and charts to represent patterns and relationships and to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

4.2.1.1

Create and use input-output rules involving addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to solve problems in various contexts. Record the inputs and outputs in a chart or table. For example: If the rule is "multiply by 3 and add 4," record the outputs for given inputs in a table. Another example: A student is given these three arrangements of dots: Identify a pattern that is consistent with these figures, create an input-output rule that describes the pattern, and use the rule to find the number of dots in the 10th figure.

5.2.3.1	Determine whether an equation or inequality involving a variable is true or false for a given value of the variable. For example: Determine whether the inequality 1.5 + x <> x = 2.8, x = 8.1, or x = 9.2.
5.2.3.2	Represent real-world situations using equations and inequalities involving variables. Create real-world situations corresponding to equations and inequalities. For example: 250 – 27 × a = b can be used to represent the number of sheets of paper remaining from a packet of 250 sheets when each student in a class of 27 is given a certain number of sheets.