Mathematical Sequences Lesson Plan Algebra 1 Mr.

Jacobson

Subject:

Mathematics/Algebra

Grade Level:

The project is intended for an 8
th
grade Algebra 1 class and could be use for a high school
class.

Content:

A mathematical sequence, also known as a sequence or progression, is a list of numbers
or terms in order that is the result of an algebraic rule or function. A brief survey will
introduce different types of mathematical progressions, yet the primary objective is to
learn about arithmetic and geometric series by creating and presenting a final project that
entails creating an original mathematical sequence.

Objective and Standards:

Use functions to model relationships between quantities.

CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.B.4
Construct a function to model a linear relationship between two quantities. Determine the
rate of change and initial value of the function from a description of a relationship or
from two (x, y) values, including reading these from a table or from a graph. Interpret the
rate of change and initial value of a linear function in terms of the situation it models, and
in terms of its graph or a table of values.

CCSS.Math.Content.8.F.B.5
Describe qualitatively the functional relationship between two quantities by analyzing a
graph (e.g., where the function is increasing or decreasing, linear or nonlinear). Sketch a
graph that exhibits the qualitative features of a function that has been described verbally.


Student Activities:

Students will go through a guided hyperlink tutorial regarding different types of
mathematical series. After competition of the tutorial students continue on to the guided
practice regarding both arithmetic and geometric series. The final segment is indented to
give students the layout and expectations for their final project on one type of
mathematical series.

Evaluation:

The majority of their grade will be based on an original student created project (in a small
group) that represents what they have learned about arithmetic and geometric sequences.
Mathematical Sequences Lesson Plan Algebra 1 Mr. Jacobson

The students will be responsible for presenting:

Two original sequences
o Arithmetic
o Geometric
Each sequence must have
o A series of 10 numbers
o The rule (or formula) of the series
o Brief explanation of how they found the rule
o A graphic display of a part of the series

Both the teacher and peers will evaluate the presentations although the teacher will
review the final project again with each group in a brief meeting.

Materials:

Math notebooks, whiteboard slates, dry erase markers, math manipulatives,
Chromebook/laptop, Chromecast (provided by the teacher for the project presentation)

Setting:

Either a computer lab or classroom with laptops at a 1:1 ratio will be needed for this
activity.

Schedule of Activities:

Any parts of this schedule are subject to change.

Day 1

Activity introduction
-General expectations and objectives
-Timeline of events for the week
-Allow for questions

Students begin exploring the academic content
-General sequence content
-Begin practice on either Arithmetic or Geometric pages
-Teacher circulates and facilitates

Day 2

Students continue exploring the academic content
-Complete practice on either Arithmetic or Geometric pages
-Begin practice on the second of the two types of sequences
-Teacher circulates and facilitates
Mathematical Sequences Lesson Plan Algebra 1 Mr. Jacobson


Day 3

Students finish exploring the academic content
-Complete practice on both the Arithmetic and Geometric pages
-Teacher circulates and facilitates

Students who have completed both the Arithmetic and Geometric practice pages will
forms small groups and begin creating a project in Google Docs.

Groups begin to work to on presentations
-Teacher circulates and facilitates

Day 4

Groups continue to work to on presentations
-Teacher circulates and facilitates

Group presentations to the class
-Teacher and classmates evaluate

Day 5

Any remaining final presentations to the class
-Teacher and classmates evaluate

Post-presentation conferences with student groups
-Grades calculated and discussed
-Reflection on the educational experience

Whole-class discussion reflecting on the activity