Function+Machine+Game

__** Function Machine Game **__ __**Introduction:**__ Students will use knowledge about algebra, variables, and functions to play this game. They will clearly see that for any given function, each input has only one output. Students should have prior knowledge about variables and how they are used along with some knowledge about functions.

__**Objective:**__ Students will be able to create a function, use a function, and determine the rule a function is following. __**Math Standard:**__ Common Core State Standards for Mathematics __**Materials:**__ __**Directions:**__
 * Functions 8.F Define, evaluate, and compare functions.
 * Understand that a function is a rule that assigns to each input exactly one output.
 * Function machine: This would be a box large enough for a 6th grade child to comfortably sit in. Cut small slats in opposite sides of the box and label one slat Input and the other slat Output (see example 1).
 * Class set of function machine sheets (see example 2).
 * Flashlight
 * White board
 * Dry erase markers
 * 1) Students are separated into groups of 4 to 6.
 * 2) Students work in these groups to come up with a function ( i.e. ) On a separate sheet of paper the students record the outputs for the inputs 1-20 (i.e. If the input is 1, the output is 4. If the input is 2, the output is 6. This list would go on until the students had input the numbers 1 through 20 into their function).
 * 3) Each group sends one volunteer at a time to enter the function machine with their function and answer sheet. They also send a volunteer to record input and output numbers for the function on a table.
 * 4) Each group gets an opportunity to input a number into the function machine and then one of the volunteers outputs the correct number.
 * 5) Step 4 can be repeated as many times as necessary.
 * 6) As soon as a group thinks they know the function, they can ring their bell and offer their function. If they get it right, they earn 3 points. If they get it wrong, they lose a point.
 * 7) Any group can ring their bell if they think they know the function.
 * 8) After the function is guessed correctly repeat steps 3 to 7 for every other group.
 * 9) The group with the most points at the end, wins!

__**Questions:**__ What do we know about functions? What do we know about variables? How are the input and output related? When writing a function, what do we need to be careful about? How can we make sure that everyone would get the same answer if they used the same input number? __**Adaptations:**__ This game is tailored to the abilities of your students because they are the ones coming up with the functions. This means that students who have a lesser understanding of functions, the order of operations, and how to use variables will have less complex functions and those who have a greater understanding will have more complex functions.

__**Example 1:**__ __**Example 2:**__