This learning progression was designed primarily for a 9th grade algebra course. The three Common Core State Standards that this learning progression will be satisfying are from the cluster titled “Reason quantitatively and use units to solve problems,” these are HSN-Q.A.1, HSN-Q.A.2 and HSN-Q.A.3. In this course, students are focusing on mastering the Common Core State standards for Algebra. Throughout this learning progression, students will focus on three mathematical practices which are MP2, MP4, and MP6.
There are three instructional tasks/activities included in this learning progression. Each one was provided by Illustrative Mathematics.
The following is an excerpt from the learning progression regarding the task “Fuel Efficiency”
Learning Target:
I can use unit conversions and proportions to determine fuel efficiency.
Task: Fuel Efficiency
Sadie has a cousin Nanette in Germany. Both families recently bought new cars and the two girls are comparing how fuel efficient the two cars are. Sadie tells Nanette that her family’s car is getting 42 miles per gallon. Nanette has no idea how that compares to her family’s car because in Germany mileage is measured differently. She tells Sadie that her family’s car uses 6 liters per 100 km. Which car is more fuel efficient?
Guiding questions:
Are the two mileages given in the same form? (no, our task says they aren’t)
When we say 42 miles per gallon this is an example of a (rate)?
How should we set up the problem? (use proportions)
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At the end of the unit the students will do a project for the summative assessment. The students will be told to look through newspapers and magazines and collect 2 examples of situations to be expressed algebraically. They are then supposed to come up with the algebraic expression that accompanies each. They must also write up what each variable represents, what quantities are involved and what units are being used.