SUBJECT:
8th Grade Algebra

TOPIC:
Solving Quadratic Equations and Using the FOIL Method

SUBJECT: 8th Grade Algebra

TOPIC: Solving quadratic equations and using the FOIL method

INTERACTIVITY: The students will take any three (3) of the ten (10) green light sabers off of the bulletin board and place them underneath Luke where the Velcro is provided. They will then take any three (3) of the ten (10) red light sabers off of the bulletin board and place them underneath Vader where Velcro is provided. The students will then lift up each light saber flap and copy down the problems (from the inside of the light saber flap) on their worksheet. They will follow the rest of the directions to complete the worksheet.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: The directions for use are not posted on the bulletin board, rather they are given on the worksheet itself. They read as follows:

The infamous Jedi Luke Skywalker and the dark leader of the Empire Darth Vader are locked in an epic battle for survival. You must find out who will be the victor! Take any three (3) of the ten (10) green light sabers from the left and place them underneath "Luke" on the Velcro. Likewise, take any three (3) of the ten (10) red light sabers and place them underneath "Vader" on the Velcro. For Luke’s light sabers you must solve the equations. For Darth Vader’s light sabers you must use the FOIL method to get a quadratic equation. Luke’s points will be totaled by adding up all the roots from solving the three (3) quadratic equations (or subtracting ones that are negative). Darth Vader’s points will be totaled by adding up (or subtracting) the coefficients and constant after the quadratic equation has been found by FOILing.

TIME: It will take students approximately 10-15 minutes to complete the entire activity.

SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION: The light sabers are construction of normal printer paper that has been laminated and folded in half. Velcro dots have been place on the inside of the light saber flap to keep it closed. The light sabers are held on the bulletin board by a set of Velcro dots.

CREDIT: The bulletin board is a required homework assignment for the students to complete in a given amount of time (1 or 2 weeks). Extra credit will be given to students who hand in worksheets with both Luke and Vader as victors. Students must realize that it may take them several tries before they get a different victor, but only two worksheets (one of each victor) may be handed in.

OTHER COMMENTS: The background is regular aluminum foil.

Scott Kallal
Fall 2006