Functions in Nature

Objectives:
Students link mathematical concepts to natural objects in the world around them.

Students find linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise functional properties in objects.

Students can model linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise functions.

Supplies needed:
Camera, memory card, flash drive, computer, TI-Navigator system, and TI-84 calculators

Time:
2 to 3 50 minute class periods

Activity:
Students work in pairs taking pictures of unusual shapes in nature. The pictures are transferred to a computer, and each team picks their picture that they think has the most unusual shape to model.

Each team's picture is loaded as a graph background for TI-Activity Center. The team selects key points to use in trying to model the shape. The points are sent back to their calculators and the team uses the points and various functions to try to recreate their shape in the TI-84 calculator.

As teams finish their shapes, a screen snapshot is taken of the finished product. These snapshots can be used to grade the project, posted for parent night, or used to judge a function shape contest.