Introduction

Welcome. We are now beginning our unit on lines. As an introduction to the unit, you get to explore properties of linear equations using the Internet and this cool new program called Logal. While you may not be thrilled about the content of this lesson, you can't help admire the graphics and learn something in the process. So get ready for some serious technological fun!

Students will complete Logal activities including explorations, analyses, and problems. Also, students will search the net for information regarding linear functions in order to have resources to further their understanding of linear equations throughout the unit.

To do the Logal activities, you must be able to access Logal. Follow the instructions below to access Logal. Once you get to the Logal activity, follow the instructions on the screen to do the activity.

1. To access the Logal activities, click on the Logal link.
2. Choose "The Y Intercept of a Linear Function" from the linear paths menu and "LAUNCH ACTIVITY" to begin the activity. (You may have to use the scroll to find it.)
3. You must complete the "problem" sections of the activity. You may do the explorations and analyses on your own. (These are the same ones we will have done together in class.)
4. Once you have completed the intercept activity, close it and access the "Slope of a Linear Function" activity. You must complete this entire activity including explorations, analyses, and problems and record your answers.

(Note: you must be assigned a username and password to access activities.)

Here's your link->LOGAL.net: Catalog: Algebra Animator.

The following resources may help you throughout the unit.

• Algebra Online - a tutoring site (includes chat room)
• Ask Dr. Math - a direct link for algebra
• Graphing - Slope of a Line
• Graphing - Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities
• Graphing - Point-Slope Form
• Graphing - Slope-Intercept Form
• Dave's Math Tables
• Great Links - link to other algebra websites including opportunities for enrichment and ask Dr. math

See if you can find some of your own math resources by "surfing" the net. Share these with your classmates.

Students answers will be recorded in Logal to be viewed by the teacher.

So you've had your first taste of Logal. What did you think? What did you learn? Would you like to use Logal for other topics? Explain. What were some benefits of using Logal? What were some difficulties or misunderstandings caused by Logal? Let me know your thoughts.