FLOOR GRAPHING ACTIVITY
Sixth Grade:
1. Tape a coordinate plane on the floor (may need only the origin or the axis).
2. Make index cards with positive whole numbers on them.
3. Give one card to each student and have them order themselves on the x-axis.
4. Give each student a different card and have them order themselves on the y-axis.
5. The students should plot their ordered pair by standing on the coordinate plane in the correct spot using both of their cards.
6. Process the activity by having students compare coordinates with their neighbors.
7. Have each student go back to their spot on the x-axis.
8. Give each student a rule to find the y-coordinate (this can be used to review basic facts). An example would be: Joe, your y is 3 more than your x; Sue, your y is twice your x.
9. Repeat steps 5 & 6.
Seventh Grade:
1. Do the same process as the sixth grade except the cards should have integers on them.
2. Give a first degree equation, for example y = x + 3 or y = 2x -1.
3. Each student should use the value of x from their card and mentally find the corresponding y value.
4. Students locate their point on the floor graph.
5. Before they sit down, have students hold hands to form a line.
Eighth Grade:
1. Do the same process as the seventh grade.
2. Have each student go back to their spot on the x-axis after plotting their points.
3. Give another rule for the whole group. Each student is to plot their point on the plane.
4. Ask the students the following questions:
a. What did you form?
b. Where is the y-intercept?
c. Where is the x-intercept?
d. How does the line slant? What is this called? (Or What is the slope? Depending on what they have previously done.)
5. Have each student go back to their spot on the x-axis and repeat for another rule. This can be done outside in a parking lot and use the equations for a parabolas.