Create a Euler diagram dart board of the number system up to irrational numbers. Ask students to throw darts and identify all the types of numbers that relate to the rings where the darts land, providing examples of each. Discuss the concept in a historical context, including the difficulty the two answers posed for mathematics. Describe the difference between exact and approximate values for irrational numbers. Collect Have students collect examples from business, trades, and other areas where knowledge of radical notation is necessary.
Students can present their findings to the class.
Assess the presentations for accuracy of information, clarity, and appropriateness of examples. Review the systems students develop to compare and contrast rational and irrational numbers. See Appendix B for a complete list. It is expected that existing classroom and school materials will be used to support specific curriculum outcomes until resources with a higher level of curriculum match are identified.