Unit Plan:
This is a unit taught to a core year 8 class. Total allocation 4-6 lessons (4-5 hours)
Unit Outcomes:
- To revise directed number
- To extend previous knowledge of the number plane
- To revise substitution
- To understand the connection between an equation and its graph
This work can become tedious with students who have weak numerical skills.
IT component:
To use Excel to calculate the y values for given x values ( Outcome 3) and to create
the graph from the equation ( outcome 4 & 5) Estimate 2 lessons if students have made
charts previously
Note: If using Excel 3.11 you select Line Chart and when prompted the first column as x
axis data.. However in Excel 97 this option is not available. The easiest solution is to
use scatter charts. The axes are not where expected but students are satisfied to produce
straight lines.
Lesson 1
IT Outcomes:
- Creating a table for x & y values. Use of black cross to input data that
follows a pattern or rule
- Input of a formula and applying this to all the cells
- Creating a chart with suitable title, axis label and legend if needed.
Lesson 2
Excel can be used to calculate your coordinate points (x,y) from a rule like y = x + 3
and then plot them on a graph called a chart. The steps are
1. Open excel ( icon ). The array of rectangles is called a sheet.
 | Rectangles going down are called a column |
| Rectangles going across are called a row. |
| Each small rectangle is called a cell. The top left one is A1. |
In column A you will put the values you want to use for x.
In column B you will put the rule so the y value can be calculated.
- You highlight the numbers and find the chart wizard ( icon ).
You then select the type of graph or chart you want. For straight lines we use line
graph (Excel 3.11 in library) or Scatter graph (Excel 97 in new lab).
- After that just follow the steps on the screen.
Exercise 1
Make the chart for y = x + 3
- In column A1 type x .
- In column A2 (going down) type -4.
- In column A3 type -3. Continue using -2 -1 0 1 2 3 and 4. These are the x value.
- In column B1 type y.
- In column B2 type = A2+3 Then press enter. The number –1 should appear.
- Highlight B2 and get the black cross in the bottom right corner. Then drag the mouse to
B10. All the y numbers should appear. You have now got all the co-ordinate points (A2,B2)
(A3,B3) etc.
- Highlight the numbers and select the icon for charts. Choose line graph and follow the
steps on the computer. Your data is in columns.
Show your teacher. If it is correct you can then print it. If it is printed without
permission you have to pay
Exercise 2
Make the chart for y = x – 2
- Go back to the chart and in cell B1 type y = x - 2.
- In cell B2 type = A2 - 2. Then click and drag the black cross to take the rule to B10.
You should now have a new set of co-ordinate points. Make a straight line chart as before.
Exercise 3
Make the chart for y = 2x – 4
- Go back to the chart and in cell B1 type y =2 x - 4
- In cell B2 type = 2 * A2 - 4. Then click and drag the black cross to take the rule to
B10. You should now have a new set of co-ordinate points. Make a straight line chart as
before.
Exercise 4
Make 4 lines on one graph
- Go back to the chart and in cell B1 type y = x – 4
- In cell B2 type = A2 - 4. Then click and drag the black cross to take the rule to B10.
You should now have a new set of co-ordinate points. (A2,B2) etc
- In cell C1 type y = x – 2 and in C2 type = A2 – 2. Click and drag to C10 Now
you have another set of coordinates (A2, C2) etc.
- In D1 type y = x + 2 and in D2 type = A2 + 2. Click and drag the black cross to D10 to
get another set of points (A2,D2).
- In E1 type y = x +4 and in E2 type = A2 + 4 Click and drag the black cross to E10.
- Now highlight all the numbers and make a line graph. There should be 4 parallel lines on
your chart.
If it looks right show the teacher and then you will be allowed to print it.
