ICT resources for maths teachers

6. Drawing graphs

As a mathematics educator you will not only want to include graphs in your worksheets, test or exams, but at some stage you will be prepared to use graphs as a teaching and learning tool. You will use the spreadsheet, Microsoft Excel, to draw and manipulate graphs.

If you have not used Microsoft Excel before, we recommend that you explore some simpler scenarios on how teachers use spreadsheets for other purposes. Click here to see the list of Microsoft Excel scenarios.

Follow these steps to complete this activity. While practicing with Microsoft Excel, look for contexts that are meaningful to you in your classroom and create documents that you can adapt and use at a later stage. We will make suggestions about what documents to create, but if you prefer, you may create documents to suit your own needs.

Work in pairs (30 min)

Linear graphs

• As an introduction, we will draw a graph of a straight line. To draw a graph of a straight line we create a table of values of y at the different x values. We will draw the graph of y = 3x +7,
• Open the linear graphs workbook on the "linear graphs" worksheet. You will find a table of values with the first row of each column completed. Follow the instructions in the workbook and consult the resources if necessary.

Click here to open the example workbook (save the file and then open it in Microsoft Excel)

How to use autofill

How to draw charts

Work in pairs (45 min)

Challenge

• Using any quadratic equation y = ax² + bx + c , show in graphical format the effect of changing:

1. a - the coefficient of x²,
2. c - the y intercept .

• Your solution should contain a comparison of at least three graphs for each case.

The quadratic graph workbook may help you to solve this.

Meet in larger groups or as a class (45 min)

• Discuss: "How can access to Microsoft Excel help you design a lesson for learners to generate the conclusions about the effect of changing the y intercept and the coefficient of x² in any quadratic equation?"
• Create a list of ideas on how you can use graphs with learners.

Work on your own (between workshops)

• If you have the opportunity:
  • experiment with graphs and mathematical expressions
  • explore the use of charts with learners, as discussed during the workshop

   

You have the option of using the South African National Portal (Thutong) to enhance this workshop activity.