Lesson Plan | Technical Methodology | Variables and Unknowns

Objectives

Duration: 10 to 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the fundamental concepts of variables and unknowns, essential skills for solving mathematical problems and developing competencies applicable to the job market. This initial understanding is crucial for students to participate in practical activities and mini challenges throughout the lesson, promoting the application of knowledge in a contextualized and relevant manner.

Main Objectives

1. Understand what a variable and an unknown are.

2. Comprehend the representation of variables by letters or unknowns.

Side Objectives

Introduction

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students understand the fundamental concepts of variables and unknowns, skills essential for solving mathematical problems and developing competencies applicable to the job market. This initial understanding is crucial for students to participate in practical activities and mini challenges throughout the lesson, promoting the application of knowledge in a contextualized and relevant manner.

Contextualization

Contextualization: In our daily lives, we use variables and unknowns in various ways, even without realizing it. For example, when calculating how long it will take to get to a destination or estimating the cost of a purchase at the supermarket. Understanding how variables work helps us solve problems and make decisions more efficiently and accurately.

Curiosities and Market Connection

Curiosities and Market Connection: Did you know that variables are widely used in programming and software development? Technology companies, such as Google and Facebook, rely on complex algorithms that use variables to customize user experiences and optimize systems. In addition, variables are essential in areas such as finance, where market analysts use mathematical models to predict economic trends and make investment decisions.

Initial Activity

Initial Activity: Ask students: 'Have you ever thought about how navigation apps like Google Maps calculate the fastest route to a destination? They use variables for that! Let's watch a short video that shows how this happens.' Then, display a brief video (3 to 5 minutes) that simply explains how variables are used in navigation algorithms.

Development

Duration: 60 to 65 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with a deep and practical understanding of variables and unknowns, allowing them to apply these concepts in everyday contexts and real problems. Through interactive and challenging activities, students will develop essential problem-solving skills, teamwork, and logical thinking, all highly valued in the job market.

Covered Topics

1. Definition of variable and unknown
2. Representation of variables by letters
3. Use of variables in mathematical equations
4. Practical applications of variables in everyday problems

Reflections on the Theme

Facilitate a discussion among students about how variables and unknowns are fundamental for solving problems in various fields, such as technology, science, and economics. Ask students how they imagine these skills could be useful in their future lives, both in school and in the job market.

Mini Challenge

Building Equations: Adventure in the Market

Students will be divided into small groups and given a fictional scenario of a market where they need to buy items for an event. Each group will receive a list of products with variable prices (represented by letters) and a specific budget. They must create and solve equations to determine how many items they can buy without exceeding the budget.

Instructions

1. Divide students into groups of 3 to 4 members.
2. Provide each group with a list of items with prices represented by variables (e.g.: apple = x, banana = y) and a total budget.
3. Ask the groups to create equations that represent the purchase of items within the budget.
4. The groups must solve the equations to find the values of the variables and check if they are within the budget.
5. Request that each group presents their equations and solutions to the class, explaining the reasoning behind their choices.

Objective: Apply the concept of variables and unknowns in a practical and everyday context, developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Duration: 30 to 35 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. Ask students to solve the following simple equations in their notebooks: a) 2x + 3 = 11 b) 4y - 5 = 15 c) x/2 + 7 = 13.
2. Distribute a sheet with practical problems involving variables, such as calculating the cost of products on sale or determining the amount of material needed for a construction.
3. Conduct a 'Treasure Hunt' activity where students need to solve equations to obtain clues that will lead them to the 'treasure.'

Conclusion

Duration: 15 to 20 minutes

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate students' learning, ensuring that they understand the importance and applicability of the concepts of variables and unknowns. By promoting a reflection on the practical experience and its connections with the job market, this stage reinforces the relevance of the learned content, motivating students to continue exploring and applying this knowledge in their lives.

Discussion

Promote a discussion among students about what they learned during the lesson. Ask how it was to use variables and unknowns in a practical scenario, such as the fictional market. Encourage them to reflect on the challenges they faced, how they solved the equations, and the importance of working as a team. Ask them to share examples of how they can apply this knowledge in everyday situations, both in school and outside it.

Summary

Recap the main points covered in the lesson: the definition of variables and unknowns, the representation of variables by letters, the use of variables in mathematical equations, and their practical applications in everyday problems. Remind students how variables are used in various fields, such as programming, finance, and science, highlighting the relevance of these concepts in the job market.

Closing

Explain how the lesson connected theory and practice, showing that the understanding of variables and unknowns goes beyond the school context and has real applications in everyday life. Emphasize the importance of developing problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and teamwork, which are highly valued in the job market. Conclude by reinforcing that the knowledge acquired today is a powerful tool for facing future challenges.