Energy and Engineering Trends Systems of Equations Algebra

Energy and Engineering Trends: Systems of Equations Algebra 1 Duration: 90 min Standards: HSA. CED. A. 1 HSA. CED. A. 2 HSA. CED. F-IF. 4 HSA. CED. A-REI. 6 HSA. CED. A-REI. 11 Overview: Students must determine ‘which is the better lightbulb? ”. In the previous lesson they determined energy efficiency/cost efficiency. In this lesson, the purchase prices of the lightbulbs are introduced and students must answer the same question as well as a follow up question, using systems of equations to solve. Materials: Worksheet Graphing calculator (TI-84) Pencils/Pens Graphing Paper Extension Activities: 1. Have students research different energy efficient appliances. 2. Vary energy usage depending on weekday/weekend to challenge higherlevel learners.

Procedure: 1. Students will be introduced to the purchase price of each lightbulb and asked again, “Which lightbulb should I buy? ” After a class discussion, they will then be asked “How long will it take for me to start having costbenefits from my purchase? 2. Students will be instructed on systems of equations and the concept of break-even point. 3. Students will solve the initial class question by graphing and solving systems of equations for each lightbulb pair. Teacher Tips: 1. Have higher order thinking questions prepared ahead of time to guide discussion.