Graphing Linear Equations Lesson Plan: Functions

*Click to open and customize your own copy of the Graphing Linear Equations Lesson Plan. 

This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP topic Graphing Linear Equations, and supports the standard of using functions to model relationships between quantities. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects.

Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Display an image of a graph of a linear equation, like this:

Ask students:

• What information might you learn by looking at this graph?

Step 2: BUILD BACKGROUND

• Read the description on the Graphing Linear Equations topic page.
• Play the Movie, pausing to check for understanding. 
• Have students read one of the following Related Reading articles: “Personalities,” “Gadgets,” or “Real Life.” Partner them with someone who read a different article to share what they learned with each other.
  

Step 3: ENGAGE
Students express what they learned about graphing linear equations while practicing essential literacy skills with one or more of the following activities. Differentiate by assigning ones that meet individual student needs.

• Make-a-Movie: Produce a movie that answers this question: How can a linear equation help to predict future outputs in a real-world situation? (Essential Literacy Skill: Determine central ideas)
• Make-a-Map: Make a concept map identifying the input, output, and two to three ordered pairs for the equation y=3x+4. (Essential Literacy Skill: Acquire and use domain specific words and phrases)
• Creative Coding: Code a math problem that involves graphing linear equations. (Essential Literacy Skill: Acquire and use domain specific words and phrases)

Step 4: APPLY & ASSESS 

Apply: Students complete the Graphing Linear Equations Worksheet,  applying essential math skills.

Assess: Wrap up the lesson with the Graphing Linear Equations Quiz. 

Step 5:  EXTEND LEARNING

Graphing Lines Simulation: Students explore the parameters of the slope formula to discover how modifying the graph affects the equation, and vice versa. 

Additional Support Resources:

• Pause Point Overview: Video tutorial showing how Pause Points actively engage students  to stop, think, and express ideas. 
• Modifications for BrainPOP Learning Activities: Strategies to meet ELL and other instructional and student needs.
• BrainPOP Learning Activities Support: Resources for best practices using BrainPOP.