variables. Now we are going to use Excel to solve real world problems of the same style." Questions: If Excel has not been used in the classroom before: "How many of you are familiar with Excel?" "Have you used Solver before?" Explore – List activities, key questions, specific examples, and assessment strategies. Time Objective Code (C1, C2 or L1, L2) Learning Activities (What and How) Purpose (Why) 20 min C2 C3 Optimization "workbook" Includes an excel file which every student will complete. (file can be found at -under Algebra 2, Optimization in Excel, be sure to separate the answer key from the student pages prior to giving to students.) Make sure all students have found solver on their version of Excel and that the instructions for use are on the board. Go to File, Options, Add-ins, look for Solver. The button will show up under the Data tab, in the section Analysis. Using Solver: Explain how to set Objectives in this case maximize profit), which cells represent the variables, and what Constraints are given in the problem. Students should use the Simplex LP method for solving (more instructions in excel file). Allow students the opportunity to work through a problem where the information has been given to them. Here they can learn to use excel and solver. Rest of Class, and all of next class period C2 C3 C4 C5 L1 L2 "You have been placed Into groups of 3 or 4, please work together to conduct research, solve an optimization problem, write a report, and prepare a presentation." Topics for research: Mixing Problems - Oil, Animal Feed, metal combinations More abstract - factors to influence profit at a concert, minimize expenditures for travel. Students will pick a topic, identify variable, determine constraints, and solve using solver. Rubric: File (accuracy, research, logical answer) Presentation (neat, free of spelling & grammar errors, all group members participate) This is a Performance Assessment, with almost two days of in class time to create their own optimization problem to be solved in excel. Students will then present on their project to the class. This is an open ended project.
Share/Summarize – Summarize, review, lead-in for next lesson. Five practices here (i.e. anticipate, monitor, select, sequence, connect). Time Objective Code (C1, C2 or L1, L2) Learning Activities (What and How) Purpose (Why) 10 C5 L1 L2 Presentation day, Groups will present findings to the group. 1. explain topic 2. data collection 3. interpret results Give students an opportunity to present findings, teach each other about their areas of research. 8 min Discussion on what students learned Real mathematics particular topic Another group's topic excel Give students some time to reflect on the purpose of the assignment, allowing them to make their own connections. Apply – Independent work Time Objective Code (C1, C2 or L1, L2) Learning Activities (What and How) Purpose (Why) 20-30 min C4 HW: Students will be to research on of the following topics Cell Phone Plan (cost, rate per min, coverage, other factors) New Car (cost, gas millage, size, year, other factors) College (cost, major, size, other factors of interest) Students will pick several option for example, if a student wants to research Cell Phone Plans, they should look up the information that matters for at least 4 different providers (ex: Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T) Students should come to class with a table of the data they collect. This will be used during the next period to show students how to use mathematics to help make decisions.