Slope Tree

Grade Level(s): 8^th Grade

Content Area:                                                                        Process Area:

Numbers and Operations                                           Problem-Solving

Algebra                                                           Reasoning and Proof

Geometry                                                                    Communication

Measurement                                                             Representation

Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability                    Connections

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.F.A.3 Interpret the equation y = mx + b as defining a linear function, whose graph is a straight line; give examples of functions that are not linear. For example, the function A = s2 giving the area of a square as a function of its side length is not linear because its graph contains the points (1,1), (2,4) and (3,9), which are not on a straight line.

Targeted Needs of Student:

Practicing slope, representing slope visually, developing conceptual understanding of recognizable slopes

Goal:

Providing students an easier way to remember the slope of positive, negative, zero, and undefined slope

Materials Needed:

1.      Paper

2.      Writing utensils

Explanation/Summary:

Students will use this strategy to quickly remember the slope of lines without having to use the slope equation. The slope tree shows positive slope, negative slope, zero slope, and then undefined slope connected to make a tree. Students can draw the slope tree in their math notebooks or folders to remind them.

Resource:

www.mathequalslove.blogspot.com