ALEX Learning Activity

  

Recursive and Explicit Equation Card Sort

A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.

You may save this Learning Activity to your hard drive as an .html file by selecting “File”,then “Save As” from your browser’s pull down menu. The file name extension must be .html.
  This learning activity provided by:  
Author: Lorie White
System:Lauderdale County
School:Rogers High School
  General Activity Information  
Activity ID: 2902
Title:
Recursive and Explicit Equation Card Sort
Digital Tool/Resource:
Desmos Activity Recursive and Explicit Card Sort
Web Address – URL:
Overview:

This Desmos Activity will lead students to sort patterns and write formulas for each pattern.  They will then sort the formulas into either recursive formulas or explicit formulas. 
  Associated Standards and Objectives  
Content Standard(s):
Mathematics
MA2019 (2019)
Grade: 9-12
Applications of Finite Math
11. Find patterns in application problems involving series and sequences, and develop recursive and explicit formulas as models to understand and describe sequential change.

Examples: fractals, population growth
Unpacked Content
Evidence Of Student Attainment:
Students:
  • -Use inductive counting methods to find recursive patterns and explicit formulas.
Teacher Vocabulary:
  • Difference equation
  • Recursive process
  • Recursive formula
  • Sequences
  • Series
Knowledge:
Students know:
  • How to use inductive counting methods such as lists.
Skills:
Students are able to:
  • Use inductive counting methods to collect data for conjecturing.
  • Find recursive formulas from collected data.
  • Develop explicit formulas.
Diverse Learning Needs:
Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to write formulas to model patterns and to identify the formulas as either recursive or explicit formulas.
  Strategies, Preparations and Variations  
Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:

    1. The teacher will assign Recursive and Explicit Equations Card Sort through Google Classroom or another online learning platform.

    2. The teacher will direct each student to the Desmos learning activity, Recursive and Explicit Equations Card Sort in Google Classroom or another preferred online learning platform.

    3. Students will work through the activity.

    4. The teacher should provide insight and guidance as students work through the activity.

    5. As the students complete the prompts, the teacher should monitor students' progress on Desmos to identify problems or gaps in learning.
Assessment Strategies:

The card sort is self-checking. Teachers can also view student work on the teacher dashboard and can correct misconceptions as they work through the activity.
Advanced Preparation:

The teacher will need to ensure the classroom has the following:

    • Internet connection (WiFi).

    • Classroom set of computers, iPads, or smart devices. (If allowed students can use their own personal devices.)

Prior to the lesson, the teacher will need to assign Recursive and Explicit Card Sort.

Prior to the lesson, the teacher should be familiar with Desmos and should create a free class code for the activity. If the teacher does not have a Desmos account, he/she will need to create a free Desmos account.

Prior to the lesson, the teacher should work through the activity and be prepared to address questions. (The teacher can print a Teacher Guide to assist in this preparation.) 
Variation Tips (optional):

The class could work in pairs or groups to discuss how to sort the cards in each set. 

If devices are not available, the activity could be completed as a whole group activity.
Notes or Recommendations (optional):

This activity corresponds to the "Before" activity Engaging Square Patterns and the "After" activity Recursive or Explicit, Why Not Both? Exit Ticket.
  Keywords and Search Tags  
Keywords and Search Tags: Arithmetic Sequences, Explicit Formulas, Patterns, Recursive Formulas, Sequences