Functions Working Together

This lesson supports students’ understanding of functions, algebraic manipulation with variables and constants, and collaboration through computer programming. Students will be grouped and tasked with writing a computer program of a function that involves solving an equation or evaluating an expression. Each group will be given a unique function definition and a description of the calculation it should perform. Together, the functions created will work together to calculate or solve a larger problem. Python or any other programming language can be used.

The exercise gives students experience with functions in a context outside mathematics. Since inputs and outputs are explicit in computer programming, students will gain a better understanding of what they are and how to interpret them. As aspiring STEM majors, they will also get hands-on experience with computer programming and how different components must work together correctly. This lesson teaches students the importance of accuracy, understanding and satisfying task definitions, manipulation of variables and constants, and most importantly, how each piece must work together to complete a larger project.

This lesson may be suitable for math: pre-calculus, calculus; computer science