 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
CYBER CHOW COMBOS
Topic: COMBINATIONS
Grades: 3-5
Students count combinations of some strange fast foods to help the Cyberchase kids go out to lunch. Math never tasted so good!
Learning Objective:
Students represent and count combinations of choices using lists and tree diagrams.
NCTM Standard: Data Analysis and Probability
Create organized lists and tree diagrams to understand combinations.
DIRECTIONS:
Materials Needed:
- A copy of "Cyber Chow Combos" activity (click here for printable PDF version) for each student or pair
Class Periods: 1-2
1. Distribute copies of the activity "Cyber Chow Combos" to students. Students may work individually or in pairs. Read the directions as a class, reviewing methods for counting combinations if necessary. You can only choose one item from each category (sandwich, drink and dessert). Remind students that when making lists, they can save time by using the first letter of an item instead of writing out the whole word.
2. Allow students to complete the activity on their own. Then, as a group, have them compare and check their answers. Compare methods used to track the combinations.
Answers:
- There are 6 regular combos: AB, AW, AP, OB, OW, OP.
- There are 12 super combos:
OBS OWS OPS
OBH OWH OPH
ABS AWS APS
ABH AWH APH
Cyberchase Episode: A Day At The Spa
Hacker finds the Krystal of Kalamoor, the powerful orb that will give him eternal power. By possessing the Krystal, Hacker can roam cyberspace and create havoc without having to recharge his power. When the kids and Digit arrive to retrieve the Krystal, they are stymied by a series of switches, levers and buttons. Faced with the challenge of too many choices, the kids discover the value of lists, tables and, yes, tree diagrams!
The Big Idea:
Overwhelmed with choices? Lists, tables and tree diagrams help you master the combinations.
Cyberchase FOR REAL (Epilogue)
Harry has a new job, but he has to figure out how to bring in more customers or he'll lose it! In the live-action segment of "A Day at the Spa," Harry transforms four sandwich choices into 120, and business starts booming!
Math Message: Organized lists can help you master combinations.
More Math Fun:
Have students investigate food combinations at their favorite fast food restaurant. Does the restaurant list every possible combination on its menu? Students might examine a pizzeria to determine how many different kinds of pizza they could order using different toppings.
Make different trail mixes with students. If you use two kinds of dried fruit and two kinds dried cereal, for example, how many different mixes can students make? Help them make an organized list to find out.
Online games featuring similar math themes:
- Disguise Combos (Use combinations to make funny disguises)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
