Lessons: Technology Integration

Lesson Plan 1

Title: Track the trends: Predict the Future?
Grade: 9-12
Subject: Math, Algebra, Social Issues

From population growth to crime rates, students use socially relevant data to plot historic trends and project them into the future. Students assess the validity of their statistical analysis as they try to predict the future. Taking on the role of statisticians, students choose a subject of interest (AIDS rate, rise of average baseball salaries, state population growth, and so forth) and collect statistical information about the subject over time. Using a graphing calculator and an exponential regression function or a spreadsheet and regression trend line function, students derive the equation for curve of best fit for the data. The actual data and curve of best fit are graphed, and future predictions are made using the equation. Finally, students evaluate and present the socioeconomic implications of their predictions and the validity of their statistical investigation as a tool for predicting the future.

Lesson Plan 2

Title: Cut and Paste Scavenger Hunt
Grade: 6-8
Subject: Computer/ Internet Literacy

Students are given a list of specific questions (eg About Wisconsin) that the students have to find the answers to using the Internet. When the students find the answers they will have to copy and paste them into a word document. Most of the questions would ask include the use of a graphic illustration with their answers. Students may be asked to format the page in a specific way. (Non-internet format) This activity gives the student to search for material without specific guilelines and the integration of computer programs.

Lesson Plan 3

Title: Buying a Dream Car
Grade: 9-12
Subject: Economics, Mathematics, Self Regulation, Technology & Thinking and Reasoning

This practical spreadsheet lesson offers easy answers to life's perplexing math problems like How much will my dream car really cost after financing? Students will calculate the cost of purchasing their very own Lamborghini sports car and determine if the ultimate price tag is really worth the investment.
Ask students to name some exotic sports cars. If a student mentions a Lamborghini, have that student tell what he/she knows about this luxury car. Tell students that, although this elite supercar is no longer produced, its popularity stemmed from its reputation as a "menacing road warrior" that could go from 0-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.2 seconds! Go on to explain that the car was engineered to hug the road at a top speed of 183 mph. Then tell students that a previously owned Lamborghini sells for $150,000. But thanks to Honest Ed's easy finance plan, they can purchase one of these luxury cars for a mere $150,000 plus interest. Review the financial concepts that students will use to complete this project such as interest rate, loan term, and repayment period. Explain that Microsoft Excel has a built-in "Periodic Payment Function" which calculates the amount you pay for a loan based on constant payments and a constant interest rate. The payment function is written as follows: PMT(rate, nper, pv) where "rate" is the interest rate for the loan, "nper" is the total number of payments for the loan, and "pv" is the present value or principal (i.e., the total amount that a series of future payments is worth now). For this function to work correctly, proper "syntax" (the order in which the function's variables are entered) must be observed.